All About Benzoyl Peroxide

As an acne sufferer, or a parent who is helping a teen deal with problem acne, or even the occasional breakout, education is the key the fight against the common skin disorder. Understanding how acne develops is the first step in understanding how to prevent it and treat it when inflammations occur. There are more than a few over-the-counter products to choose from in treating acne, and many of them go by different names; however, one common ingredient found in most accessible acne treatment products is benzoyl peroxide.

Most people realize that benzoyl peroxide comes in different concentrations and strengths, but few realize what it really is, what it does and how it can help fight acne and prevent future acne.

The Development of Acne

Before delving into the substance known as benzoyl peroxide, how about a quick review on the formation of acne. The sebaceous gland in a hair follicle produces an oil known as sebum. Dead skin cells shed, and combine with the P-acne bacteria that everyone possesses on their skin. These elements combine in the sebaceous gland, just below the skin’s epidermis layer and an inflammation occurs. Both whiteheads and blackheads develop in this manner, as well as cystic acne, which occurs at a deeper skin level and can become quite severe.

All About Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide, thought to be a chemical by many, is actually a member of the organic peroxide family, coming from a synthesis involving the combination of benzoyl chloride and barium peroxide. Like its chemical brother, Hydrogen peroxide, benzoyl peroxide has a variety of uses, and is commonly used in everything from making a higher quality flour, cosmetic bleaching of hair, teeth and it is even used in polymerising of polyester. Most commonly, it is used to treat acne.

How Does Benzoyl Peroxide Help Treat Acne?

Benzoyl peroxide is a versatile organic. For starters, when applied the skin it breaks down chemically, becoming an oxidizer. The skin’s bacteria, one cause of acne, simply cannot thrive in an oxygenated environment. Benzoyl peroxide is also a drying agent, that will help aid the natural shedding process of the skin.

When used in conjunction with a mild exfoliant, it can be highly effective in reducing the production of the acne clogging, dead skin cells from the epidermis. Benzoyl peroxide is great for clearing pores of additional sebum and bacteria. Benzoyl peroxide is also a bleaching agent, and it can help to reduce the discoloration of scabs and surface scars. It will even out the entire complexion if used liberally. The only drawback–it can irritate skin and cause cases of dryness.

Using Benzoyl Peroxide to Treat Acne

Most often, people use benzoyl peroxide to “spot treat” a zit or pimple. Benzoyl peroxide is most effectively used over the entire face, or acne affected area. Used liberally, it will act as prevention to future acne inflammations, while actively fighting current acne. It is recommended that a moisturizer be used in conjunction with a benzoyl peroxide treatment. Simply apply the moisturizer to the skin after the benzoyl peroxide has dried.

Never use benzoyl peroxide around the eyelids. This skin is approximately 1/10 of the thickness of the rest of the face, and will immediately dry out.