Sunday, July 3, 2011

Using Benzoyl Peroxide Products - Some Tips

There a lot of treatments to help you become acne free, benzoyl peroxide acne treatments are some of the most widely used. Over-the-counter treatments include the Proactiv, Clearasil and the Acne Free range. Although benzoyl peroxide has some side effects, they are usually minor and it is a helpful therapy for most people's acne. In this evaluation we will consider some of the treatments that are sold and see how effective they are.

How Do Benzoyl Peroxide Products Work?

Benzoyl peroxide is a preparation that causes the release of oxygen deep in the skin. The the bacteria that is responsible for acne, Propionibacteria acnes, is not able to exist in so it is prevented from growing causing problems. Bacteria like this thrive in pores clogged by dirt, dust and dead skin cells which generally is a result of shifting levels of hormones producing excess sebum in teenagers. Benzoyl peroxide will block more outbreaks and flareups and should be used continuously, even when the skin appears acne free, instead of as a pimple treatment.

What Types of Preparations are Available?

Benzoyl peroxide is a good product to use if you suffer from mild to moderate acne and can be purchased OTC as a 2.5% gel as well as in concentrations up to 10%. It is a good idea to begin with the 2.5% lotion or gel, which is usually extremely successful, and increase the concentration as your skin has become accustomed to it or if you feel it is necessary to improve the effects. You should carefully wash your face up to twice every day with a benzoyl peroxide wash then put on the gel or cream. Take care you apply over the whole of the area affected to prevent flareups in unaffected areas. If you have body acne, benzoyl peroxide body washes can be very effective.

Some Precautions To Take When Using Benzoyl Peroxide Products

Take care while using these products as they may remove the color from not only your hair but your clothes and your pillow case when you go to bed! If you are using a body wash ensure you dry yourself thoroughly before you get dressed or you will more than likely ruin your clothes!

Some Side Effects of Benzoyl Peroxide Treatments

When treating acne, these products are often extremely effective but you must be aware of the existence of side effects that this product can cause. These may include burning or irritation of the skin, dryness, flaking and redness. While these are by and large insignificant if you experience a severe reaction immediately stop using the product and speak to a dermatologist who might be able to recommend alternative treatments. You shouldn't choose a high concentration of the active ingredient to begin with as you may experience a bad reaction, so buy a 2.5% cream or gel first and use this until your skin becomes accustomed to it.

Do Benzoyl Peroxide Products Have Any Long-Term Side effects?

These types of acne products have to be used for a long time to be really useful and to stop the acne from coming back. It is known that this chemical releases free radicals on the skin and there are concerns that this could lead to skin cancer in the future. Scientific studies have not shown that this is the case up to this date. However if you are nursing or are pregnant, studies have not shown that it is safe for your baby so we advise you not to use it during this time.

In Conclusion

Benzoyl Peroxide products are effective and generally well tolerated by nearly everyone as a treatment for acne. These preparations are by and large safe to use for a very long time.

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