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When it comes to combatting acne, there are certain skincare ingredients that come to mind, such as tea tree oil, niacinamide, and salicylic acid. However, if there was ever an OG in fighting breakouts, it would have to be benzoyl peroxide. You might have seen your mom treating her pimples with this reliable ingredient in the past, but what actually is it?
Table Of Contents
- What is benzoyl peroxide?
- Benzoyl peroxide benefits
- Benzoyl peroxide side effects
- Benzoyl peroxide: Types of acnes it treats
- Benzoyl peroxide skincare routine
- Benzoyl peroxide skincare products
Ahead, we give you the 411 on this star ingredient—from what it actually is, its benefits, what specific types of acne it banishes, and how to best incorporate it into your skincare regimen.
Oh, and of course, we'll also give you a ~*shopping list*~ at the end so you can get started on your road to clear skin! Keep on scrolling to learn more:
What is benzoyl peroxide?
Benzoyl peroxide (or BPO) is a non-prescription drug that is known for its ability to kill the propionibacterium acnes (aka acne-causing bacteria) residing in your pores, as opposed to just slowing down their growth. It also works as an exfoliant to increase cell turnover and dislodge the sebum and dead skin cells from the pores. It comes in concentrations ranging from 2.5 percent to 10 percent, making it great for treating moderate to severe acne.
According to Jessica Krant, M.D., benzoyl peroxide is "both antimicrobial, killing bacteria and other organisms, and an exfoliant, helping to unclog pores and gently debride the surface layer of skin." You basically get the ~best of both worlds~ with this skincare MVP!
One thing to note, though, is that benzoyl peroxide can bleach dark fabrics, so make sure to stay away from your dark-colored clothing, bedsheets, or pillows right after applying it.
It can also cause drying, peeling, and redness—especially if you pick a high concentration to start with—so we recommend beginning with a lower percentage and pairing it with skincare products that are ultra-hydrating such as hyaluronic acid.
What are the benefits of using benzoyl peroxide for acne?
- Unclogging pores: Benzoyl peroxide works by deeply penetrating the pores and dislodging all the acne-causing gunk and sebum trapped in there. By doing so, it prevents whiteheads and blackheads from forming.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Benzoyl peroxide reduces the appearance of unsightly, angry red spots and prevents new ones from appearing.
- Antiseptic: Benzoyl peroxide is a well-known antiseptic ingredient that reduces the number of bacteria on the skin.
What are the potential side effects of using benzoyl peroxide?
Typically, benzoyl peroxide can be tolerated by most skin types, but that's not to say that this ingredient doesn't come with its own side effects. According to Audrey Kunin, M.D., "It can be drying, cause redness and irritation, and may even lead to an allergic reaction."
Corey L. Hartman, M.D. also says that the skin can feel warm, tingly, or have a slight stinging sensation upon application, which is why he recommends topping it up with a moisturizer to prevent irritation. He also advises following it up with sunscreen during the daytime—not that we should be forgetting it, anyway!—as the skin can be more susceptible to UV damage when using an acne treatment like BPO.
And as mentioned earlier, benzoyl peroxide has bleaching properties, which means it can lighten your dark fabrics if you're not too careful.
What types of acne does benzoyl peroxide treat?
Here's some good news for you: While benzoyl peroxide can work for all types of acne, it's *especially* helpful for red, inflamed bumps (which can be more annoying than the actual breakouts themselves, TBH!) Dr. Krant further explains that it's especially effective for comedonal (blackheads and whiteheads) and pustular (small red bumps with white tips) acne.
It's also reported that benzoyl peroxide can help deal with cystic acne, which is the deepest and most painful type there is.
READ: The Tried-And-Tested Way To *Destroy* Cystic Acne At Home
How do I incorporate benzoyl peroxide in my anti-acne skincare routine?
Benzoyl peroxide comes in different concentrations in a wide variety of different skincare product types such as facial washes, toners, spot treatments, and moisturizers. For rinse-off products like cleansers, Kathryn Dempsey, M.D. recommends starting off with four percent and gradually increasing to 10 percent when your skin can tolerate it. For spot treatments, she suggests beginning at 2.5 percent and working your way up to five percent.
As with all active ingredients, we recommend only using benzoyl peroxide once a week at first to let your skin get used to it and build tolerance. If you don't see any negative reactions, you may begin using it more often.
P.S. It's always best to consult with your trusted dermatologist before incorporating a new skincare ingredient into your routine to prevent allergic reactions, redness, or breakouts!
Best benzoyl peroxide skincare products to use
1. PanOxyl Antimicrobial Acne Creamy Wash
This potent yet gentle facial wash effectively combats pimples, thanks to its four percent concentration of benzoyl peroxide. Its formula includes emollients that combat the potentially drying effects of BPO.
PanOxyl Antimicrobial Acne Creamy Wash, P970, Shopee
2. Benzac Benzoyl Peroxide Spots Treatment Gel 5%
TBH, we can't get enough of spot treatments, and this one from Benzac might just top our rotation. It's a water-based gel that contains benzoyl peroxide which can help reduce acne-causing bacteria and lessen inflammation and redness.
Benzac Benzoyl Peroxide Spots Treatment Gel 5%, P1,230, Shopee
3. CeraVe Acne Foaming Cleanser
This gentle foamy cleanser is infused with four percent benzoyl peroxide and three types of ceramides to help reduce acne while also keeping your skin well-moisturized. Its formula also features niacinamide which helps in minimizing the appearance of pores and correcting uneven skin tone.
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cleanser, P1,200, Calyxta
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