Benzoyl Peroxide for Acne Treatment

Benzoyl peroxide is a topical medication used to treat acne by killing the bacteria that causes acne breakouts and reducing inflammation in the skin.

benzoyl peroxide FAQ

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Does benzoyl peroxide treat acne?

Benzoyl peroxide is a topical acne treatment. It works as an antiseptic to kill bacteria that cause acne breakouts. It also fights acne by removing excess oil and dead skin cells. You can find it in many over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription products marketed for clearer skin.

How to use benzoyl peroxide?

Benzoyl peroxide is for use on your skin only. Always wash your hands before and after using this medicine. If your skin becomes dry or starts peeling, try using benzoyl peroxide less often. Put it on once a day or once every 2 days, until your skin gets used to it.

What are the side effects of benzoyl peroxide?

The most common side effect is skin irritation. If this happens it's better to use it less often at first, then build up as your skin gets used to it. Try to avoid strong sunlight while using benzoyl peroxide gel. Use an oil-free sunscreen with SPF30 or above. Ask a pharmacist for advice on which sunscreen is right for your skin type.

How long do you need to use benzoyl peroxide?

How long you'll need to use it for depends on how quickly your condition improves. Benzoyl peroxide will usually start to work within 4 weeks, but once your acne is under control you may want to keep using it to stop your acne coming back. You may find that using it less often, such as every other day, is enough to stop acne coming back.

What is benzoyl peroxide used for?

Benzoyl peroxide is used to treat acne. It works as an antiseptic to reduce the number of germs (bacteria) on the surface of your skin. It comes as a gel or face wash containing 5% benzoyl peroxide. This is available to buy from pharmacies under the brand name Acnecide. Benzoyl peroxide is sometimes mixed with potassium hydroxyquinoline sulfate.

Is benzoyl peroxide good for acne?

It is bactericidal with activity against Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) on the skin and within the hair follicles. Benzoyl peroxide has mild sebostatic and keratolytic effects and is most effective when used combined with other acne vulgaris therapies.

What is the structure of benzoyl peroxide?

Benzoyl peroxide is a chemical compound (specifically, an organic peroxide) with structural formula (C6H5−C (=O)O−)2, often abbreviated as (BzO) 2. In terms of its structure, the molecule can be described as two benzoyl ( C6H5−C (=O)−, Bz) groups connected by a peroxide ( −O−O− ).