What Is Benzoyl Peroxide? We Clarify the Pimples Ingredient

In relation to over-the-counter treatments, zits responds finest to 2 substances: benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Whereas salicylic acid is pretty well-known and celebrated, its acne-fighting counterpart benzoyl peroxide should not be underestimated. The factor is, benzoyl peroxide is already utilized in a ton of skin-care products, from cleansers to spot treatments — you simply might not know you are utilizing it.

However what’s benzoyl peroxide? And the way precisely does it assist with zits? It isn’t magic, but it surely’s fairly shut. Whereas it might be tempting to mix the powers of benzoyl peroxide with salicylic acid, the 2 deal with zits in another way. That can assist you perceive extra in regards to the ingredient and the best way to use it to assist with breakouts, preserve studying.

What Is Benzoyl Peroxide?

Benzoyl peroxide assaults acne-causing micro organism in your pores to deal with present pimples and forestall new ones. It may be present in over-the-counter formulations and prescriptions. “Benzoyl peroxide is very lipophilic, which permits the molecules to penetrate the pores and skin floor and goal the hair follicle,” Ted Lain, MD, board-certified dermatologist and chief medical officer at Sanova Dermatology, instructed POPSUGAR. Its main profit just isn’t exfoliation, but it surely does assist with that as a secondary acquire.

Who Ought to Use Benzoyl Peroxide?

This ingredient works finest on zits brought on by micro organism like inflammatory pimples, which embody pustules, papules, nodules, and cysts. Dr. Lain defined it is “these with predominantly pus bumps and pimples.” With that in thoughts, it is not the popular ingredient for treating blackheads and whiteheads. These with sensitive or dry skin also needs to watch out utilizing benzoyl peroxide as it might probably worsen pores and skin.

The Draw back to Utilizing Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is a strong ingredient, and whereas it is efficient at treating delicate to reasonable zits instances, it’s best to test along with your dermatologist first earlier than incorporating it into your skin-care routine. “It would not solely kill p.acnes micro organism, it additionally kills good micro organism,” stated Dennis Gross, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founding father of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare. “Benzoyl peroxide is a free radical and really damages pores and skin whereas it clears zits. Which means it injures regular pores and skin cells and may create dryness, redness, and irritation.”

Generally, overdoing it with any energetic ingredient, together with benzoyl peroxide, can injury the pores and skin’s barrier. “While you strip the pores and skin’s moisture barrier, you possibly can really make breakouts worse,” Dr. Gross stated. In case you’re not sure if benzoyl peroxide is an efficient ingredient so that you can use, seek the advice of with a skin-care professional like a dermatologist, and all the time begin gradual and do a patch take a look at.