CAN BENZOYL PEROXIDE HELP IN CLEARING ACNE?

 

Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) is a medication often employed to treat mild to moderate acne.It may be used exclusively or in combination with other acne treatments. It also is anti-bacterial, which means it helps in reducing the amount of acne causing bacteria on the skin.

Remember that: Less bacteria = Less Acne

BPO clears the pores from blockages. It is considered the most effective over-the-counter acne treatments.

 

DOES IT TREAT ALL TYPES OF ACNE?

No! It doesn’t treat all types of acne (for instance, it doesn’t treat blackheads and whiteheads), but it is effective in eliminating the inflammatory acne with red bumps containing pus, for instance, pustules, cysts, nodules and papules.

 

WHERE CAN I BUY IT?

You can buy it from any pharmacy. It is available in the form of gels, cleansers, acne creams and face washes. For me, the most effective form is the gel form.

 

 RECOMMENDED STRENGHT OF BPO?

Benzoyl Peroxide is available in the concentration between 2.5% to 10%. Start with a lower concentration of 2.5% which works decent with mild to moderate acne. However, if you have serious acne, you might want to consult with a dermatologist first as the one with higher percentage is sold only through prescription.

 

HOW TO USE BPO?

Take a tiny amount of BPO and apply it to the area your skin is breaking out. Not exactly like a spot treatment or a face cream. Remember, using too much of it will not give you quicker or better results. Refer to the prescribed amount to know how much you should use.

 Also, after it is dry, apply a moisturizer (oily skin)/ thick layer of moisturizer(dry skin).

Do not apply Benzoyl Peroxide alongside other acne treatments or actives. It is best to apply it exclusively to ensure safety and maximum effects.

 

WHEN TO USE?

Use it as a part of your night skincare routine. After cleansing and toning, apply a tiny amount of BPO to the affected areas. Wait for a few minutes and let it dry. And then, use a generous amount of moisturizer. It has a bleaching effect, so, it is not advisable to do the treatment during daytime. Also, NEVER forget to wear your sunscreen the next day to protect your skin from darkening.

 

WHAT ARE ITS EFFECTS/SIDE EFFECTS?

It dries the skin and helps to calm down the inflammation. The pus is drained out eventually. Because of its drying nature, you might find your skin to be peeling and extremely dry. Even an oily skinned person like me have experienced total dryness and flaking. So, remember to moisturize your skin really well. Do not try to remove the dry skin. Dry skinned type should use heavier moisturizer after the application of BPO to avoid peeling and flaking skin.

If you notice inflammation, redness or excessive itchiness then stop using it right away. If irritation persists then, consult a doctor. Although a lower percentage like 2.5% shouldn’t cause any damage but then, as you already know, every skin type is different.

 

PLEASE KEEP A NOTE OF THE FOLLOWING:

MY THOUGHTS

I am quite satisfied with this product. For reference, I have added a photo where you can see that I have no more acne on my cheek.

 

I was not using any acne treatment from stage 1-2. And you can see, as a result, the acne spread and came to stage 3. So, I started BPO from stage 3 and after approximately 1 week, the acne totally dried up and you can see my face clearing up. I used it every night and for the first 3 days, without applying moisturizer afterwards. I had breakout on my jaw area and the check area. I noticed a slight flaking of skin which I got rid of by using moisturizer and sunscreen the next day.

While keeping a note of my lifestyle, I noticed that I had higher breakouts because of stress, disturbed sleep cycle and too much intake of caffeine. Healing my acne was like a war for me as no matter what I did, it wasn’t going away.

So, I started using BPO while reducing my caffeine intake and indulging in more body movements, positive self-talk and not stressing over why I am having breakouts(my primary reason for stress). And now, they are gone. I still do have breakouts here and there but, I have the Benzoyl Peroxide gel to my rescue.

If you are suffering from acne which keeps on spreading then, you should definitely give Benzoyl Peroxide gel a try. It works great on hormonal acne. It has been a savior 🥰.

 

Have you tried BPO for your acne?

If yes, how was your experience? Do let me know in the comments below or comment on my latest Instagram post.