The Top Chemical Weapon Used in Anti-Acne Warfare

Perhaps chief among the arsenal of anti-acne formulas is a chemical from the peroxide family that ishas been used to fight acne since the 1920s.

Benzoyl peroxide comes in gel form or cream form it can be used to effectively treat acne by being dabbed onto the infected skin area.

Benzoyl peroxide, or BP can come in many forms other than benzoyl peroxide gel. It comes also in liquid, lotion, cream and soap form and the usage and dosage will often depend upon the form that the benzoyl peroxide is carried. It's widespread usage comes with equally widespread applications.

BP operates by killing bacteria which causes the acne infection and will open up the closed acne pores and dry out the oily nature of the skin. The chemical form will reduce the sebum that produces the acne in the pores and kills the bacteria.

Benzoyl peroxide is prescribed by medical practitioners and will usually be sold in 100mg capsules or 200mg capsules.

To apply BP you need to thoroughly clean the infected area and ensure it is dry before applying the gel (or cream, lotion or soap). Also make sure that you keep your eyes and lips clear of the application.

Although anyone using benzoyl peroxide gel (or cream) should ensure their skin and acne condition is appropriate for the treatment, there can occasionally be some dryness or irritation through its use and so, as always, you need to take care with how it is used and how much is applied.

Repeated use will generate increased tolerance for it but any continued irritation, peeling or itchiness should result in stopping the use of the gel or cream until medical advice is sought.

As with any skin condition, the appropriate treatment will depend upon a variety of factors, one of which is the sensitivity of the skin to the particular treatment. This is always the case with acne and a factor that too many people seeking or applying some acne treatment forget about.

So far as the amount of gel, cream or lotion to apply, the concentrations will increase by around 2.5% up to around 10%, although you should try and keep the percentages relatively low while stepping them up gradually to treat the infected acne.

Mostly acne sufferers will be able to use benzoyl peroxide and increased application will result in more effective treatment over time. However patients need to know that excessive quantities of the chemical will not necessarily speed up the treatment and may in fact lead to side effects like excessive dryness, redness or swelling and scaling. So take care with the amount being used.

Effectively, benzoyl peroxide gel will work as a peeling agent that will not only clear the pores that are blocked and which cause the acne, but it will reduce bacteria and repeated use will keep the pores clear.

among the side effects from benzoyl peroxide is peeling and excessive skin dryness, erythema, some allergic sensitivity and edema. It is also necessary to know that there may be some stinging or burning when the application is applied and if there is any excessive or severe skin reactions it should be stopped and a health professional contacted.