Benzoyl Peroxide has been used for acne treatment for years. Even today, it remains one of the most popular over-the-counter acne treatment products available, marketed under brand names like Proactiv and Clearasil. Known as one of the initially tested treatments for acne, it has been in use for years, and is still considered as one of the most effective acne treatments.
Benzoyl peroxide is commonly found in the over the counter acne treatment products, in the form of gels, cleansers, and lotions. It is also presented in the stronger prescription creams. Benzoyl peroxide is generally a low-cost treatment, and can be found in both the brands as well as the generic products. All the products containing benzoyl peroxide work in a similar fashion. It is often considered as the first choice of acne treatment for those suffering from mild to moderate breakouts.
What makes benzoyl peroxide an effective acne treatment product?
Propionibacteria acnes, also known as P. acnes, are the popular acne producing bacteria. They can’t survive in an environment which is oxygen-rich. Benzoyl peroxide works in this case by putting oxygen into these pores, and thus killing the acne producing bacteria. With the decrease in the number of the acne producing bacteria, the frequency of breakouts in the skin is also reduced. This property makes benzoyl peroxide one of the most effective acne scars treatment.
Yet another property of benzoyl peroxide which makes it a powerful medicine for the treatment of acne is its ability to get rid of the excess dead skin cells. As the pores of cellular debris are cleared, the blockages in the pores will also be reduced. This property of benzoyl peroxide helps in preventing breakouts even before they occur.
The use of benzoyl peroxide as an acne treatment medication must be continued; even the after acne is cleared. This is because if you stop the treatment then the acne bacteria will return and again cause breakouts. Therefore, consult your dermatologist to know how long you must continue your benzoyl peroxide acne treatments.
Proper usage directions for benzoyl peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide works as an effective acne treatment for both mild and moderate acne. There are several acne treatment products that include benozyl as an active ingredient. The products are available in the form of a lotion or gel, with a concentration of 2.5%.
It is recommended that you start with the product with low benzoyl peroxide concentrate and then move up to the higher strengths.
