Benzoyl Peroxide in Acne Treatment

Benzoyl peroxide in acne treatment acts by its antibacterial and keratolytic properties. It also shows mild antisebaceous activity, whereby it reduces the sebum secretion.

Benzoyl peroxide is less effective compared to tretinoins in the treatment of comedonal acne. But it is very effective in grade 2 to 4 acne, i.e., papular acne, pustular acne and cystic acne(moderate). Infact some studies point out the efficacy of Benzoyl peroxide equivalent to systemic antibiotics in pustular acne.

Benzoyl peroxide is far more effective than topical antibiotics like clindamycin or erythromycin in acne.

How to Apply Benzoyl Peroxide in Acne Treatment

• Apply Benzoyl Peroxide in acne only during night, especially in hot weather
• First apply to a small area. Watch for 2 days. If redness and irritation occurs, consult your dermatologist
• If no irritation, apply to the whole area and leave overnight
• If there is mild irritation, start with 2 hourly application for one week, then start applying overnight.
• In persons with sensitive skin, start with 2.5% gel, then after 2 weeks, shift to 5% if needed
• In individuals with normal, oily skins, start with 5%, once new lesions stop appearing, shift to 2.5%, continue for 2-3 months.
• If no new lesions for 2-3 months and the brownish pigmentation start to disappear, you can reduce the frequency of application to 2-3 times a week.

Tips on Dealing With Side Effects of Benzoyl peroxide in Acne Treatment:

• If excessive scaling, erythema or edema develop, use should be discontinued.
• To hasten the resolution, cold compresses may be used.
• After symptoms and signs subside, a reduced dosage schedule may be tried, if the reaction is judged to be due to excessive use and not hypersensitivity.
• In individuals with sensitive or dry skin, acne treatment may be initiated with 2.5% and later increased to 5% strength depending upon the tolerability.

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