Title:

Acne Treatment - Benzoyl Peroxide

Word Count:
469

Summary:
Benzoyl Peroxide is one of the common ingredients used to treat acne. You can find
this active ingredient in the form of a cream, gel, lotion, facemask, or cleansing
bar. Benzoyl Peroxide is very effective in treating mild cases of acne. This acne
treatment drug is available in non-prescription form for concentrations of 2.5%, 5%
and 10%.

Keywords:
acne, acne treatment, benzoyl peroxide, skin, skin disorder, pores,
Propionibacterium acnes

Article Body:
Benzoyl Peroxide is one of the common ingredients used to treat acne. You can find
this active ingredient in the form of a cream, gel, lotion, facemask, or cleansing
bar. Benzoyl Peroxide is very effective in treating mild cases of acne. This acne
treatment drug is available in non-prescription form for concentrations of 2.5%, 5%
and 10%. If you are looking for concentrations higher than 10%, you need a doctor's
prescription. Several studies have shown that 2.5% benzoyl peroxide is equally
effective to combat pimples and is less irritating. Therefore, if you want to try
Benzoyl Peroxide to treat your acne, you should begin with a low concentration
(example 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide).

<b>How Benzoyl Peroxide works</b>

Before we go into details on how benzoyl peroxide can prevent acne, it is useful to
understand how acne is formed. Propionibacterium acnes (P.acnes) is a bacteria that
causes the skin disorder acne. P.acnes is a major inhabitant of human skin and is
the causative agent of acne. This skin-dwelling organism will multiply rapidly
within clogged sebaceous follicles if left untreated. Fortunately, these bacteria
cannot live in the presence of oxygen. Benzoyl Peroxide is an oxygen-releasing
chemical in the organic peroxide family. Upon applying on the affected area, this
chemical is absorbed into the pores and releases the oxygen to destroy P.acnes.

<b>Side Effects of Benzoyl Peroxide</b>

It is important to note that there are some side effects when using this anti-acne
medication:

a. Dryness
If you are using 5% or 10% of benzoyl peroxide, you may want to try a lower
concentration, say 2.5% of benzoyl peroxide.

b. Irritation
For irritation, you can reduce the usage frequency. If you encounter severe
irritation even the usage frequency is low, you should discontinue using the
product.

c. Allergy
If you are allergic to Benzoyl Peroxide, you should discontinue using it and
consult your dermatologist for other acne treatments.

d. Bleach
Benzoyl Peroxide is a powerful bleaching agent. You should prevent your hair from
contacting this bleaching agent as this medicine can cause permanent color
dampening.

Before using Benzoyl Peroxide for your acne treatment, please take note that this
medicine generates free radicals in the skin. The result is redness of the skin due
to oxidative stress. The effect is similar to unprotected sun exposure. If you are
using a benzoyl peroxide product to treat your acne, you should avoid unnecessary
sun exposure and use a sunscreen during the day.

Please be reminded that the above information is for informational purposes only
and it is not intended to replace any health care services you need. The
information provided is strictly not meant to diagnose medical conditions, offer
medical advice, or endorse specific products or services. Do not rely upon the
information provided alone for medical diagnosis or treatment. Kindly consult your
doctor about any personal health concerns.