When dealing with acne, you'll probably try anything and everything to get it under control. That includes testing out product after product and treatment after treatment. We already know about some acne fighters, like salicylic acid and retinol, but we shouldn't forget about benzoyl peroxide—it's a powerhouse when it comes to keeping pimples at bay.
"Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) is a peroxide with antibacterial, irritant, keratolytic, anti-inflammatory, and comedolytic properties," explains Corey L. Hartman, MD, FAAD, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology. "It is a mainstay of acne therapy and has been a part of dermatologic care for decades. BPO reduces acne-causing bacteria and improves inflammation associated with acne flares. It is available over-the-counter and comes in strengths ranging from 4% to 10%."
The thing that makes benzoyl peroxide stand out from other acne-fighting ingredients is that it has the ability to actually kill the bacteria since it's bactericidal. Kathleen S. Viscusi, MD, FAAD, FACMS, co-founder and partner at Dermatology and Surgery Specialists of North Atlanta (DESSNA), says that many anti-acne agents only slow down the growth of acne-causing bacteria. "Benzoyl peroxide is fast-acting and works to effectively treat many forms of acne (whiteheads, blackheads, cystic acne, etc.)," Viscusi adds.
And the ingredient also has some effective exfoliating properties—helping the pores get rid of excess sebum and dead skin.
While the benefits sound great, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind before using a BPO product. "Benzoyl peroxide has been shown to be irritating, especially for those with darker skin tones," Hartman says. "It can also bleach clothing and should be applied with caution to avoid damaging textiles. Hands should be washed thoroughly after application on the skin."
Tracy Evans, MD, MPH, FAAD, FACMS, medical director of Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology, also adds that the ingredient can also be very dry for the skin, sometimes causing redness and peeling. In short, it may affect sensitive skin. Viscusi recommends consulting a board-certified dermatologist before adding BPO into your routine.
But if you have acne-prone or oily skin, then you could be the right candidate for BPO products. As for application, Viscusi says the amount and frequency depends on skin sensitivity—she recommends starting once per day and then upping to twice a day if your skin is tolerating the product. Evans also recommends even trying it only two to three times a week and then moving it up to each morning.
And your products don't need to be (and shouldn't be) all BPO-focused. "Since benzoyl peroxide comes in multiple formats (cleansers, toners, creams, etc.), I'd recommend using just one form of benzoyl peroxide product," Viscusi says. "Always apply sunscreen following the application of benzoyl peroxide. And be sure to wash your hands following application, as benzoyl peroxide can stain fabrics."
When it comes to shopping for products, you can start with lower concentrations of BPO to ensure that the skin doesn't dry out too much, Hartman suggests. "Look for cleansers and not creams to reduce dryness, irritation, and scaling. Look for moisturizing ingredients to balance the drying effects of benzoyl peroxide," he recommends. "I prefer benzoyl peroxides as cleansers to reduce skin contact time and therefore the possibility of irritation. Use white washcloths to avoid bleaching other colors."
And checking with a dermatologist on concentration strength and product recommendations for your particular skin needs will always be helpful. But if you want to get a head start, take a look at some of the experts' and editors' recommendations below.
Cleansers
Both Evans and Hartman suggest this cream cleanser. "[It] is a gentle option that is even safe for those with sensitive skin. It contains hyaluronic acid that protects skin from irritation and over-drying," Hartman explains.
Evans recommends this bar soap for face and body acne. "[It] can be helpful to cleanse the skin with and cover large areas of the skin when bathing," she adds.
This gel cleanser washes away bacteria, dirt, and oil to prevent any breakouts. In addition to benzoyl peroxide, there is also shea butter in the formula.
Formulated with a smaller amount of BPO (2.5%), this face wash is an antibacterial cleanser that's gentle.
While the 5% of benzoyl peroxide in the cleanser really works to get rid of acne-causing bacteria, you don't have to worry too much about your skin drying out. The product also contains calming ingredients like aloe, cucumber, nettle, and chamomile extracts.
This gel cleanser deals with impurities, excess sebum, and clogged pores. It also contains a blend of medical-grade actives and aloe vera to give hormonally balanced skin a healthy-looking appearance.
Differin's cleanser only contains 5% BPO, so it won't cause any harsh irritation. The formula absorbs excess oil and also releases moisture.
Treatments
"It includes 2.5% BPO in a lightweight lotion that dries clear with a matte finish. It contains soothing plant extracts to combat any irritating dryness," Hartman says.
"I love ZO Skin Health's Acne Control. It contains 10% micronized benzoyl peroxide as well as hydrating glycerin and multiple antioxidants to help balance skin as it effectively treats acne," Viscusi says.
In addition to 5.5% benzoyl peroxide to dry out blemishes, this acne treatment product also contains 0.4% micro-exfoliating LHA to smooth the skin's texture. it works to unclog pores and clear blackheads and whiteheads.
Glytone's BPO treatment gel has a hydro-gel matrix to retain moisture so you don't experience any dryness. It's also designed to not leave a white residue.
Kate Somerville's clearing lotion is formulated to target existing breakouts, excess oil, and dead skin cells. It also contains advanced liposomes to protect the skin against environmental damage and prevent excess water loss.
Spot Treatments
This spot treatment gel is super strong with 10% benzoyl peroxide. The product is clinically proven to reduce the redness and size of acne in two hours.
The 5% BPO in this spot treatment product both fights breakouts and fades acne spots. Other ingredients include tea tree oil to reduce redness and inflammation, licorice extract to brighten the skin, and probiotic extracts to trap moisture.
This invisible spot treatment unclogs pores, clears blemishes, and absorbs oil. The compact product is easy to bring with you on the go.
You could see results in four hours with this cream. It absorbs quickly into the skin and treats pimples both above and below the skin's surface.
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