How Does Benzoyl Peroxide Work?

Video Transcript

"Hello, my name is Dr. Loretta Ciraldo, Board Certified Dermatologist, and author of " Six Weeks to Sensational Skin." This clip, is about how benzyl peroxide really helps for acne, and I think that any of you who know about something like the Proactiv line, which is a very, very low percentage of benzyl peroxide, know that benzyl peroxide can really be very helpful for clearing acne. What we know from studies published in the dermatology literature, as early as the 1980's, is that benzyl peroxide, can be as effective as taking antibiotic pills, tetracycline or minocycline pills, or as effective as using a topical prescription antibiotic, like topical erethromycin, but what you do need to know, is that some people get redness and dryness, from benzyl peroxide. If you're someone who doesn't get redness and dryness, and maybe you've even tried the very low percentage, that we see in the Proactiv, and you need something a little stronger, then look for 5% benzyl peroxide, which is available from many dermatologists, including myself, and this can even be a great step up, and may prevent you from needing to take antibiotics. This is Dr. Loretta Ciraldo."