If you’ve been curious about treating your acne, you might have come across an ingredient called “benzoyl peroxide.” If so, you may have found yourself wondering:
Is benzoyl peroxide good for acne?
The truth is this common acne medication is used for treating acne that is both inflamed and non-inflamed. Although certain skincare products work better for some than others, this ingredient is widely trusted as a solid skincare solution.
Read on to learn more about what benzoyl peroxide is and find out if it might be right for you.
WHAT IS BENZOYL PEROXIDE?
It’s an antimicrobial cream that is lipid soluble, penetrates into the pores and deposits an oxygen bond at the bottom of the pores, neutralizing Cutibacterium acnes bacteria (C acne bacteria) that causes inflamed acne. This specific type of bacteria that benzoyl peroxide combats exists both on the surface of the skin and in our hair follicles.
Unlike other types of antimicrobial medications such as antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide can be used long-term to fight off C acne bacteria without causing bacterial resistance. In addition, both oral and topical antibiotic creams disrupt the microbiome in the gut and on the surface of the skin. This can lead to an overgrowth of fungal bacteria, causing digestion issues and folliculitis on the skin.
With consistent usage, Benzoyl Peroxide not only helps to kill existing acne-causing bacteria, but it also proactively prevents the growth of new unwelcome bacterial intruders. Popular application methods include:
- Creams
- Gels
- Lotions
- Foams
- Cleansers
BENZOYL PEROXIDE: GOOD FOR ACNE TREATMENT AND PREVENTION
Now that you’re more familiar with benzoyl peroxide and what it can do, let’s take a closer look at what specific benefits the medication offers for individuals experiencing acne.
The antiseptic properties contained in benzoyl peroxide help to eliminate:
- Bacteria
- Excess oil
- Buildup of dead skin cells
This is crucial for the treatment of acne because when these contaminants clog our pores, breakouts are quick to follow.
Overall, benzoyl peroxide is known to be most effective against inflammatory acne specifically, which includes blemishes like:
- Pustules
- Papules
- Cystic acne
Benzoyl peroxide is also frequently used to treat symptoms of a skin condition called rosacea, which can lead to redness, post-inflammatory erythema (PIE), and inflamed, bumpy lesions on the face.
Benzoyl Peroxide medication is FDA-approved to treat acne and is generally safe when administered properly. This is where we come and help our clients with proper usage instructions to gently acclimate the skin and prevent irritation and excess dryness.
Further, the efficacy of benzoyl peroxide is not merely anecdotal: data from scientific studies has found that products containing the medication markedly reduced the number of acne-causing bacteria present on the skin.
So, if you’ve been struggling to find an effective solution for your skin concerns, benzoyl peroxide is more than worth giving a try. But if you’re considering adding this ingredient to your skincare routine, it’s important to learn how to properly administer it—so keep reading to learn more.
HOW TO USE BENZOYL PEROXIDE
Now that we’ve answered the question, is benzoyl peroxide good for acne, let’s jump into how you can most effectively put this ingredient to use and start seeing noticeable acne improvements.
Because benzoyl peroxide is formulated in different concentrations and comes in various forms, the proper application of this medication will depend on the particular product you’re using.
Topical benzoyl peroxide gels are one of the most popular and effective modes of application because they make ideal spot treatments useful for combating small but stubborn areas of acne. When using a gel, make sure to clean the skin thoroughly with a gentle cleanser before applying for best results.
In addition, keep these three application tips in mind for the best experience with benzoyl peroxide:
Start with a low concentration
If you’re trying out benzoyl peroxide for the very first time, you might want to opt for a lower concentration to gauge any skin irritation before moving on to a more intense product. Try out our 2.8% RESET Acne Treatment Gel.
Go easy on the face
The ingredient can be applied to acne on any area of the body, but because facial skin can be particularly sensitive, it’s wise to be gentle and use a lighter application of benzoyl peroxide when applying it to the face.
Watch for dryness
If benzoyl peroxide is used too heavily or applied to sensitive skin, it can cause dryness and peeling. If you experience this, lessen the amount you apply until your skin grows more accustomed to the product, and add a hydrating serum into your routine.
It’s also smart to follow this medication with a good moisturizer to counteract any drying effects that may impact your skin.
EXPERIENCE THE BENEFITS OF BENZOYL PEROXIDE WITH SEVEN:THIRTY
There’s a good reason why so many people trust benzoyl peroxide to clear up their acne: it works. That’s why the licensed estheticians and lab-certified chemists who formulate our Seven:Thirty products have harnessed the power of benzoyl peroxide in a powerful gel.
If you’re struggling with acne, try our best selling RESET Acne Treatment Gel in 2.8% or 5% concentration, depending on your needs. But how will you know which formula is the best choice for you? If you’re looking for an antibacterial cream to shrink your inflammatory acne and unplug those pesky congested pores, then our lower-strength 2.8% Benzoyl Peroxide gel is the perfect solution. Looking for a bit more strength for that stubborn inflamed acne that you just can't manage to get rid of? Try our higher strength cream with 5% Benzoyl Peroxide, perfect for normal to oily skin. Both solutions are paraben-free, SLS-free, and haven’t been tested on animals, so you can feel good about adding it to your skincare regime.
Reduce acne-causing bacteria and experience the relief you deserve with Seven:Thirty.
Sources:
Cleveland Clinic. Benzoyl Peroxide Cream, Gel or Lotion. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/18363-benzoyl-peroxide-cream-gel-or-lotion
National Library of Medicine. Benzoyl Peroxide. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537220/
National Library of Medicine. What is the Role of Benzoyl Peroxide Cleansers in Acne Management? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3016935/