If you struggle with acne you’ve probably heard of the ingredient benzoyl peroxide before. Benzoyl peroxide is supposed to be a great product for not only getting rid of acne but also preventing breakouts before they even come. In fact benzoyl peroxide works so well that it has become the top skincare product for preventing and removing acne.
So what exactly is benzoyl peroxide? Benzoyl peroxide is an organic acid in the peroxide family. Benzoyl peroxide can work on all types of acne but it specifically targets inflammatory and cystic acne. These are the more pussy and big types of acne. Although benzoyl peroxide also works to clear acne scars and dark spots on the skin, by peeling away the layer of skin that shows the scaring. Benzoyl peroxide works so well because it contains keratolytic, moderate comedolytic, and antibacterial properties these properties help to fight P.acnes. However if you are struggling from only whiteheads and blackheads benzoyl peroxide may not be the best ingredient for your skin, because it can be drying and irritating.
The way benzoyl peroxide works is by killing and preventing bacteria from growing, works similarly to an exfoliator by removing dead skin cells and removes excess oil and shrinks your oil glands. Now benzoyl peroxide may seem great however there are some downfalls. Firstly benzoyl peroxide can be very drying especially to people with sensitive or dry skin. This is why its recommended only to use one form of benzoyl peroxide twice a day, although for some it may be better to use it only a few times a week. Benzoyl peroxide can also decrease the effect of Vitamin C in your skincare routine.
Benzoyl peroxide comes in many different products and forms. The most popular form is in a face wash. Benzoyl peroxide face wash can also be used on other places on the body and not just the face. You can use benzoyl peroxide face wash on your back, arms, bottom or basically anywhere else you have acne.
Another popular form of benzoyl peroxide is a spot treatment. As mentioned before benzoyl peroxide removes bacteria and excess oil from the skin. Things like oil and bacteria are what feeds acne so removing these can stop acne from getting worse. Aswell as this it also works to unclog pores removing the cause of the acne.
Benzoyl peroxide also comes in a toner form. One of the plus sides of a benzoyl peroxide toner is that you have more control over where you apply it. You can apply it everywhere which is great for preventing acne and breakouts before it comes however if you have sensitive or dry skin you can apply similar to a spot treatment only in areas that already have acne.
You can also apply benzoyl peroxide in a lotion or moisturizer form. The lotion similar to the toner is nice because it can be applied everywhere both preventing and getting rid of acne. This can also be helpful for people with dry skin if the benzoyl peroxide is combined with a moisturizing lotion to help keep moisturized while still removing excess oil.
So is benzoyl peroxide the best acne ingredient? Benzoyl peroxide has always been a popular ingredient along with salicylic acid. Which one is better is still a debate and the truth is it really just depends on your skin to know which one works best. While benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are similar they work differently. Salicylic acid exfoliates components that can lead to acne-causing bacteria. Benzoyl peroxide works by killing bacteria that are already there and preventing bacteria from forming. In the end, it is best to experiment with both products and discover which works best for you.