AZ Chemistry

Uses of Benzoyl Peroxide on Face – Recommendation and Side Effects

What is Benzoyl Peroxide and what is its use on the face?

The name benzoyl peroxide certainly sounds familiar, especially if you often look for various products to deal with acne effectively and in a fairly fast period of time. (Read also Uses of Sulfur and Its Compound in Daily Life) Well, of course this claim sounds tempting, isn’t it? Moreover, there are currently a large variety of products with benzoyl peroxide content that you can try.

Benzoyl Peroxide Contents

Benzoyl Peroxide is actually a pretty hard chemical that can whiten clothes. No worries, though, because Benzoyl Peroxide also should not be used with concentrations greater than 10%. Benzoyl Peroxide works by killing acne-causing bacteria to remove existing ones and prevent new pimples from appearing, reduce inflammation, help reduce excess oil production and open closed skin pores.

Benzoyl peroxide is an external medicine (topical), can be the only ingredient or mixed with other ingredients, such as antibiotics, to treat acne. Benzoyl peroxide is available in various pharmacies on the market, and can be purchased without the need for a doctor’s prescription. However, there are also certain types of benzoyl peroxide skin products that can only be purchased through a doctor’s prescription.

Benzoyl Peroxide belongs to Anti-Acne Group. It is categorized as free drug, but requires a prescription if combined with antibiotics. Benzoyl Peroide has benefits of treating acne. It can be used by adults and children ≥ 12 years.
Based on categories of pregnancy and breastfeeding, this drug belongs to category C.

Studies in experimental animals show side effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefits exceed the magnitude of the risk to the fetus. In breastfeeding mothers, it is unknown whether benzoyl peroxide can be absorbed into breast milk or not. It is better to consult doctor first before using this medicine.

Benzoyl peroxide is usually sold in the form of bar soaps, lotions, creams, gel / jelly, liquids, pads, and foam. (Read also Harmful Chemicals to Avoid in Skin Creams)

One thing to be notice is Benzoyl Peroxide does not work instantly. Of course, all the beneficial properties of benzoyl peroxide you will not get overnight. When using benzoyl peroxide products, you must be patient. Although there are reviews that say that he saw a change in one use, it may take several weeks to see an improvement in your skin. Remember, each person’s skin is different, so fast results in others don’t necessarily apply to you, and vice versa.

Beside that, this drug should only be used on the outer skin. Avoid rubbing it in the area around the eyes, lips, the inside of the nose, or sensitive areas around the neck. (Read also Harmful Chemicals to Avoid in Mascara Ingredients) Do not also apply benzoyl peroxide to injured or sunburned skin. Rinse with water if the drug is applied in the area. (Read also Uses of Hydrogen Peroxide for Health and Beauty)

Benzoyl peroxide needs to be stored in a container that is closed at room temperature and away from heat, moisture and direct sunlight. Do not store Benzoyl peroxide in the refrigerator.

Harsh enough, the benzoyl peroxide can roughly make the skin dry, there are dry patches, or severe cases to peel. Therefore, the use of Benzoyl Peroxide must also be mindful. For beginners, ranging from the smallest percentage first and focused on the acne alone, do not flatten to all troubled areas.

If you are the first time trying to use a product with benzoyl peroxide content, do not immediately use it a lot! It would be better if you patch the test first, because this content is quite hard and there are some people who have allergies to benzoyl peroxide. Even though your skin is not allergic or sensitive, you are still advised not to use products with this content too much.

Warning in using Benzoyl Peroxide

They are :

Avoid contact with the lips, mouth, nose and eyes. In the event of contact with that part, it is advisable to rinse immediately with running water.
Do not use this medication when suffering from skin problems, such as eczema, irritation, or injury.
Avoid sun exposure for too long while using benzoyl peroxide.
Benzoyl peroxide has side effects such as making the skin area dry and reddish. Therefore, always use a moisturizer after the use of products with this content to maintain the condition of the skin to keep it moist. If the area of the skin feels hot, itchy, or swollen, chances are you are allergic to this content. Consult a doctor immediately if there is allergic reaction or overdose.
Like other drugs, benzoyl peroxide has side effects such as skin irritation (burning skin, blisters, exfoliation, hives, redness, or swelling) and rashes. Usually, some of these side effects will stop by themselves along with the skin that begins to adjust to the drug. If the side effects do not stop and the worse, you must check it to a doctor.

Common Side Effects of Benzoyl Peroxide

Dry skin
Irritation
Redness of the skin
Skin peeling
inflammation
pain

Many people experience allergies to benzoyl peroxide. If you want to use it for the first time, try first rubbing it slightly on the arm for 3 to 4 days.

If allergies do not occur, then benzoyl peroxide cream can be used on the face.

Side Effects due to Allergies

Skin rash
Itchy
Dizzy
breathing difficulties
Swelling
Chest tightness

Other Side Effects

Scale: The surface of the skin appears to begin to scaly and thicken.
Blisters & swelling: The skin may be blisters and swollen filled with fluid due to the use of benzoyl peroxide.
rash: Some people may develop a mild to severe rash on the face.
Reddish point: Some people will experience red spots or lumps due to allergies to benzoyl peroxide acne creams.
Acne gets worse: In some cases, the use of benzoyl peroxide actually makes acne worse.
Acne is getting worse when you use this substance excessively. Some of the possible side effects include itching, redness, burning sensation, and rashes.
It should also be noted that benzoyl peroxide is not recommended for use by pregnant and lactating women, infants, and children under 12 years of age.

In most products with benzoyl peroxide content, the amount or amount of benzoyl peroxide contained is often listed as a percentage. Generally, skin care products to treat acne have a percentage of 2.5%, 5%, up to 10%. Well, usually a product with a low percentage of benzoyl peroxide is intended to treat mild acne, moderate percentage for moderate acne, and a high percentage of severe acne.

However, if you think that the higher the presentation, the more effective the product, you are wrong. According to research results, a low percentage of benzoyl peroxide is as effective as benzoyl peroxide which has a high presentation, how come!

So, don’t let you immediately have the highest benzoyl peroxide product because you want to quickly get rid of the really mild zits, huh! Instead of recovering quickly, your skin will actually become much drier than if you use a product that is lower percentage of benzoyl peroxide. So, just adjust it to the condition of acne you have.

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That’s all the uses of benzoyl peroxide on face. Hope this article is useful.