| What is Benzoyl Peroxide? | | | | whilst reducing or curing acne do also however; |
| Benzoyl Peroxide is a white powder with a | | | | appear to raise the likelihood of some adverse |
| chemical formula of (C6H5CO)O2. The chemical is | | | | reactions, such as skin dryness or redness and |
| known by many other names, with the more | | | | occasional peeling or flaking of the skin. |
| common ones including: | | | | There is a some evidence that the frequent use |
| Benzoic acid | | | | of Benzoyl Peroxide at concentrations of two and |
| Benzol Peroxide | | | | a half percent are effective at treating acne but |
| Benzaknen | | | | reduce the likelihood of an adverse skin reaction |
| Desanden | | | | to the chemical. In addition, a number of studies |
| Benzoyl Superoxide | | | | have shown that just using benzoyl peroxide to |
| Benzoyl Peroxide has been used for treating acne | | | | treat acne may not be the most effective use. |
| for over 50 years. A very large percentage of | | | | Use of a combination treatment containing |
| both over the counter and prescription based | | | | benzoyl peroxide and other active ingredients |
| topical acne treatments contain the active | | | | may actually increase its effectiveness in reducing |
| ingredient benzoyl peroxide. The concentrations | | | | or curing acne lesions. |
| vary, but are usually found to be in the range of | | | | How does Benzoyl Peroxide help to cure acne? |
| between two and a half and ten percent. This is a | | | | Benzoyl peroxide helps to cure acne by breaking |
| clear indication that Benzoyl Peroxide is widely | | | | down dead cells on the surface of the skin. This |
| accepted as an effective treatment for acne | | | | helps to unblock the sebaceous glands. This in |
| vulgaris. | | | | turn, allows the sebum that the sebaceous glands |
| This acceptance is backed up by scientific | | | | secrete, to escape, rather than become trapped |
| research which has been used to demonstrate | | | | in the pores. Benzoyl peroxide also helps to kill the |
| that topical treatments with concentrations of up | | | | bacteria that feed on the sebum and cause the |
| to 10 percent benzoyl peroxide are effective in | | | | blockages in the first place, thus it helps with all |
| the reduction or removal of acne lesions. The | | | | the areas that can cause or exacerbate acne. |
| normal timescale for this topical acne treatment | | | | In conclusion, Benzoyl Peroxide is a widely used |
| to work is between three to twelve weeks. | | | | and effective topical treatment for acne vulgaris. |
| A topical acne treatment is a treatment that is | | | | It works as the single active ingredient, but is |
| applied directly to the affected area, using a | | | | frequently combined with other active ingredients |
| cream, gel or wash, rather than being taken | | | | to provide more effective acne treatments, both |
| internally or injected. | | | | over the counter and via prescription. |
| Increased concentrations of benzoyl peroxide, | | | | |