Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl Peroxide

Have you ever wondered about the powerful acne-fighting ingredient in many skincare products? Benzoyl peroxide stands out as a popular and effective treatment for various skin concerns. This compound has an impact on millions of people worldwide, offering hope to those struggling with persistent acne and related skin issues.

Benzoyl peroxide uses extend beyond just treating acne. This guide will explore its diverse applications, proper usage techniques, and potential side effects. We'll also delve into how benzoyl peroxide works, the necessary precautions to consider, and answer common questions. 

What is Benzoyl Peroxide?

Benzoyl peroxide is a powerful over-the-counter (OTC) topical medication approved by the FDA to treat acne vulgaris. This chemical compound appears as a white granular solid with a faint benzaldehyde odour. It has an impact on acne-causing bacteria and helps to reduce skin inflammation.

This versatile compound is available in various concentrations, typically 2.5%, 5%, and 10%, in over-the-counter and prescription formulations. It's often combined with other acne treatments for enhanced effectiveness. Recently, a novel microencapsulated 5% cream has shown promise in treating moderate to severe papulopustular rosacea.

Benzoyl Peroxide Uses

Benzoyl peroxide, an FDA-approved over-the-counter topical medication, has a wide range of applications in dermatology, such as:

• The primary use of benzoyl peroxide is to treat acne vulgaris, where it effectively reduces acne-causing bacteria and promotes skin peeling.
• Benzoyl peroxide has proven helpful in treating rosacea. A novel microencapsulated 5% cream has shown promise in addressing moderate to severe papulopustular rosacea, reducing papules, pustules, and telangiectasia.

Benzoyl peroxide also has several off-label uses, including:

• Folliculitis (gram-negative, non-infectious, and drug-induced)
• Pseudo-folliculitis barbae
• Progressive macular hypo melanosis
• Pressure ulcers
• Perforating diseases
• Pitted keratolysis

While primarily used for acne treatment, benzoyl peroxide also has applications in other areas, including:

• Bleach flour, hair, plastics, and textiles
• Teeth whitening
• Interestingly, it also helps treat cutaneous ulcers by stimulating healthy granulation tissue production.

How to Use Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is for use on the skin only. Users should carefully follow the guidelines provided with the medicine.

• Typically, people apply benzoyl peroxide gel or face wash once or twice daily. Those with sensitive skin should use it once a day before bedtime. If skin becomes dry or peeling, reduce usage to once daily or every other day until the skin adjusts.
• The amount of gel needed is often measured in fingertip units. Generally, a fingertip unit covers an area twice the size of the palm. To treat the entire face, use a 2.5cm long gel strip.
• To apply:
  • Wash hands
  • Clean the affected skin area with mild cleanser and water
  • Gently pat skin dry
  • Apply a thin coat of medicine to the affected areas
  • Wash hands again
• Avoid strong sunlight and use an oil-free sunscreen with SPF30 or higher when using benzoyl peroxide.
• The product can bleach hair and fabrics, so keep benzoyl peroxide away from these.
• Benzoyl peroxide usually starts working within four weeks. Once acne is under control, continued use may prevent recurrence. If forgotten, resume use as before when remembered.
• Benzoyl peroxide overuse may cause skin irritation; if this occurs, wash off excess and wait for irritation to subside before restarting treatment.

Side Effects of Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide can cause several side effects, though not everyone experiences them. Common side effects include:

• Dry skin
• Peeling or red skin
• Burning or stinging (skin irritation)

If burning or stinging persists, users should stop using the product and consult a doctor.

Serious side effects are rare, such as:

• Swelling or blistering of the treated skin
• Serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and angioedema
• Severe dizziness

Precautions

The following are some essential precautions to remember before using benzoyl peroxide:

• Sun Protection: Benzoyl peroxide increases skin sensitivity to sunlight. Users should apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.
• Precaution for Other Topical Agents: It's important to avoid using other topical medicines within an hour of applying benzoyl peroxide. This includes products containing peeling agents, irritating haircare products, and skin products with high alcohol content. Using these alongside benzoyl peroxide may cause severe skin irritation.
• Medical Condition: Individuals should provide a complete medical history of lung or breathing disease or any skin conditions to their doctor before using benzoyl peroxide.
• Burns Precaution: If a person has a large area of burned or damaged skin, they should exercise caution.
• Pregnancy Precautions: If you are pregnant or trying to conceive, tell your medical team before using this medicine.
• Skin Care: If skin becomes excessively dry or irritated, consult a doctor for suitable skin products to reduce these effects.

How Benzoyl Peroxide Works

Benzoyl peroxide, a powerful acne-fighting agent, works through several mechanisms to combat skin issues. When applied to the skin, it penetrates the layers and undergoes conversion into benzoic acid. This process releases active free-radical oxygen species, which oxidise bacterial proteins.

The compound has an impact on Cutibacterium acnes, the bacteria responsible for acne. It reduces their population in hair follicles by up to 98% after two weeks of daily use. Benzoyl peroxide also decreases free fatty acids by 50%, comparable to four weeks of antibiotic therapy.

Additionally, benzoyl peroxide reduces sebum production and helps break down keratin, effectively treating comedonal acne. The treatment increases the turnover of epithelial cells, leading to skin peeling and the breakdown of comedones.

Benzoyl peroxide's antibacterial action stems from its ability to generate free radicals. These radicals interact non-specifically with bacterial proteins, interfering with their function and survival. This mechanism makes benzoyl peroxide an effective treatment for acne vulgaris and rosacea. Unlike other topical antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide hasn't shown signs of developing drug resistance.

Can I Take Benzoyl Peroxide with Other Medicines?

Certain medications may interact with benzoyl peroxide, such as:

• Adapalene
• Topical dapsone
• Isotretinoin
• Salicylic acid or sulfur-containing products
• Topical anaesthetics
• Topical Tretinoin

Dosing Information

The benzoyl peroxide dosage varies and depends on the severity of the condition. Most formulations are applied once or twice daily. According to various research, the combination formulations containing benzoyl peroxide, adapalene, and topical antibiotics are more effective in treating acne vulgaris than either medication used alone.

FAQ's

1. How should benzoyl peroxide be applied?

Before applying benzoyl peroxide, users should wash the affected skin area with a mild cleanser, pat dry with a towel, and then apply a thin layer of the medication. For creams, foams, lotions, or gels, gently rub the product into the skin. Some formulations may require rinsing off after application.

2. Should benzoyl peroxide be left on overnight?

Yes, benzoyl peroxide can be left on overnight. However, if you experience excessive dryness or irritation, consider using it as a short-contact therapy. Apply the product for 5 minutes before rinsing it off, especially when treating truncal acne.

3. What precautions should be followed while applying benzoyl peroxide?

Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and broken skin. Benzoyl peroxide may bleach hair and fabrics, so use it carefully. It can increase sun sensitivity, so use sunscreen and protective clothing outdoors. Pregnant or breastfeeding females should consult their doctor before use.

4. How often should I apply benzoyl peroxide?

Most formulations are applied once or twice daily. However, if you have sensitive skin, start with the once-daily application or every other day. Gradually increase frequency as your skin adjusts.

5. How long does benzoyl peroxide take to show its effects?

Improvement in acne is usually seen after 3 to 4 weeks of benzoyl peroxide use, with maximum benefit after 8 to 12 weeks of consistent use.

6. Is benzoyl peroxide safe for the face?

Yes, benzoyl peroxide is generally safe for facial use. However, it may cause dryness, redness, or peeling, especially when starting treatment.

7. Can I use benzoyl peroxide daily?

Yes, most people can use benzoyl peroxide daily. However, start with less frequent applications and gradually increase to daily use to minimise potential skin irritation.