For some people, the battle against acne seems to be never-ending. According to the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA), acne affects 5.6 million Canadians, or 20% of the population. 1 Of those, 90% are teenagers, and 20-30% are adults ages 20-40. In teens who suffer from acne, skin problems can continue into adulthood.
Earning a high school or college diploma can give you false hope that clear, glowing skin will be easier to achieve. Sadly, acne problems can affect anyone, at any age. That’s why many consumers opt for products with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide in their skincare routine.
If you suffer from acne and want to learn more about essential acne skin care ingredients, read this article to learn more about benzoyl peroxide.
Table of Contents
What is Benzoyl Peroxide?
Benzoyl peroxide is a topical disinfectant that kills bacteria that cause mild to moderate acne. It is a key ingredient in many acne products and an integral part of many people’s skincare routines.
How Does It Work?
This essential oil kills acne-causing bacteria and removes dead skin cells and excess oil from the pores. Benzoyl peroxide treats acne and prevents the formation of new breakouts. It works best when used as part of an acne skincare routine.
What Does Benzoyl Peroxide Treat?
Topical products containing benzoyl peroxide are intended for mild to moderate acne. Benzoyl peroxide can be an effective addition to your skincare routine and offers several anti-acne benefits :
- It dries out acne pimples and helps clear them up. When a pimple appears, you need a solution that dries it out so the skin can heal. Benzoyl peroxide is ideal for this.
- Reduces the number and severity of acne pimples. This allows the skin to heal. Benzoyl peroxide helps the skin start the healing process right away. Penetrates deep into the pores to fight pimples before they even form.
- Helps keep skin clean and prevent pimples. Benzoyl peroxide is a widely used skin antiseptic. Prevents new pimples from forming by stopping the growth of bacteria, the main cause of acne pimples.
- Penetrates pores to control and reduce acne breakouts. Benzoyl peroxide is a unique anti-acne ingredient because it penetrates the skin into the pores, where it breaks down into bacteria-killing benzoyl radicals or pore-unclogging benzoyl acid.
Benzoyl Peroxide or Salicylic Acid?
Both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid remove dead skin cells that can promote the buildup of acne-causing bacteria, but each has different benefits.
Topical salicylic acid treatments are known for their exfoliating action that helps remove skin cells and prevent breakouts. Want to learn more about salicylic acid for acne? Read this article.
While salicylic acid’s primary function is to remove dead skin cells, benzoyl peroxide is more effective at controlling inflammatory acne (red, pus-filled breakouts 2). This is because it works to treat and prevent acne by killing bacteria under the skin and helping to remove dead skin cells and excess oil.
How to Use Benzoyl Peroxide?
Since not all acne products containing benzoyl peroxide are created equal, it’s important to read labels carefully and follow product directions before using them.
Here are some precautions to keep in mind:
- Dry skin: Since the goal is to dry out breakouts, you may experience general dryness, peeling, and discomfort when you first start using products containing benzoyl peroxide. Consider using a smaller amount the first few times you try a product to allow your skin to adjust over time. Most importantly, don’t use more than the amount recommended on the label.
- For external use only (on the skin): Not only should you ingest products containing benzoyl peroxide, accidentally or otherwise, but you should also avoid using them near your eyes, inside your nose, on your lips, or on the more sensitive areas of your neck.
- Sun protection is necessary: It is important to use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, as acne scars can become more pronounced with sun exposure.
- May cause an allergic reaction: If you have had an allergic reaction to any other topical product, you should consult your dermatologist before trying benzoyl peroxide. New users should be cautious and apply the product to a small area once a day for 3 days to check for sensitivity.
When to Use Benzoyl Peroxide?
If you have mild to moderate acne, products containing benzoyl peroxide may be right for you. Neutrogena ® offers a full line of acne products with benzoyl peroxide.
If you’re looking for a trusted brand to help you achieve clear, fresh skin, try these Neutrogena ® products:
- NEUTROGENA RAPID CLEAR ® Stubborn Acne Cleanser: Kills and prevents acne-causing bacteria.
- NEUTROGENA ® RAPID CLEAR ® Stubborn Acne Spot Gel: Spot treatment with the highest concentration* of benzoyl peroxide.
- NEUTROGENA ® Stubborn Acne AM Treatment: Reduces stubborn pimples and redness in just hours.
*Highest concentration available without a prescription
It’s always best to consult a dermatologist if you’re new to benzoyl peroxide products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use benzoyl peroxide with other ingredients or skin care products?
Benzoyl peroxide can be used with moisturizing ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and SPF.
Is benzoyl peroxide suitable for all skin types?
Acne products containing benzoyl peroxide are suitable for normal, oily, or combination skin. While this ingredient is safe for most consumers, it is best to consult a dermatologist if you are using it for the first time.
What should you do if your skin reacts badly to benzoyl peroxide?
Benzoyl peroxide can cause dryness, peeling, and discomfort. If you experience redness, rashes, or itching, discontinue use and always consult a dermatologist.
Summary and Conclusion
Are you ready to fight acne-causing bacteria? Try Neutrogena® products with benzoyl peroxide.
Be sure to discuss any skin care products you are considering with your dermatologist or healthcare professional.
