As you age, you may feel like you are getting “too old for acne.”
Commonly thought of as an ailment of our teenage years, acne in fact
affects adults well into their 30s, 40s, or even 50s. According to the
American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) acne is the most common skin
disorder in the United States and affects between 40 million and 50
million Americans.(1) Finding an acne treatment that will not only mask
the visual symptoms, but also work to improve your situation, is
essential so that you can regain your self-confidence and live life on
your own terms, without having to worry if and when another breakout
will occur. Benzoyl peroxide helps in the treatment of acne by clearing
your pores and fighting bacteria on the skin.
How Does Benzoyl Peroxide Fight Acne?
Benzoyl peroxide works as a peeling agent on your skin. As a topical
drug, benzoyl peroxide is effective in treating mild to moderate cases
of acne. It starts by acting as an antiseptic, and its anti-inflammatory
properties help to soothe your skin. As an antiseptic, benzoyl peroxide
fights off bacteria on the surface of your skin and assists in the
reduction of yeasts, as well.
Side Effects of Benzoyl Peroxide
As with treatment for any skin condition of illness, it is important to
talk with a specialist to find out how you will be affected. It is
common for benzoyl peroxide treatments to cause initial dryness and
irritation. Those with more sensitive skin could suffer from itching,
burning, and swelling at the site of application.
Tips for Using Benzoyl Peroxide for Acne
If you have sensitivity to other acne treatments, it is a good idea to
talk to your doctor about using benzoyl peroxide before you do so.
Benzoyl peroxide comes in either gel or cream products with a
concentration of 10 percent or less. Since benzoyl peroxide causes
dryness, it is a good idea to start at a lower concentration (2.5
percent for example) and let your skin build up a tolerance. Research
indicates that benzoyl peroxide is safe and effective for acne treatment
at 5 to 10 percent, but it may take a few weeks before your skin is
used to the product at that concentration. It is not advised to use
benzoyl peroxide treatments for acne during pregnancy, as it has proven
to be unhealthy to the fetus.
Source:
(1). “Acne Facts.” American Academy of Acne (www.aad.org). n.p., n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2014.
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