Using Benzoyl Peroxide for Sensitive Skin

Having an acne problem is bad enough, but if you have dry, sensitive skin, it can seem almost hopeless. Sensitive skin is often not only more prone to blackheads, whiteheads and pimples, but also more likely to itch, flake, and generally become irritated. Benzoyl peroxide is one of the best treatments for acne, but should those with sensitive skin be concerned about its effects?

Sensitive Skin and Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is powerful medicine, and as such, it can be difficult for sensitive skin to tolerate. Any strong acne fighter has a tendency to dry out skin as it clears away moisture and oil in the process of unclogging pores. For this reason, if you have sensitive skin, you may have tried over the counter topical benzoyl peroxide formulations and found that they make your skin worse, or that they cause itching and flaking as they clear up your acne. However, this does not mean that there is no acne care solution for sensitive skin.

Proactiv and Sensitive Skin

One thing you might try for your sensitive skin is the Proactiv system. Yes, Proactiv does contain benzoyl peroxide as its main ingredient, but unlike the typical over the counter solution, Proactiv is designed to cover a larger surface area with a lower concentration of benzoyl peroxide. You will still see great acne reduction and prevention benefits. In addition, the Proactiv system has moisturizing qualities as well, so it fights dry skin as well as your acne.

Using Proactiv for Sensitive Skin

If you have very sensitive skin, a good method for using the Proactiv system is taking a gradual approach. Rather than applying the treatment twice a day, start out by applying it once every other day. It’s OK if your acne doesn’t clear up right away, the important thing is to see how your skin tolerates the Proactiv solution. If you are not finding excessive itching, flaking or redness after a week or two, try increasing to once a day. If this is successful for a while, then you can try using the products twice a day as directed. By this time, hopefully you will see a significant reduction in acne without a commensurate increase in skin irritation. Remember to use all the products in the system as directed and you may want to add a moisturizer as well.

Other Options for Sensitive Skin

If you are finding that your skin is too sensitive for the Proactiv system even with this gradual approach, there are still options for you. Proactiv offers a Gentle Formula, which uses salicylic acid instead of benzoyl peroxide. Salicylic acid can also be highly effective in reducing acne, and you may not find it as harsh on your system as benzoyl peroxide. If you find that your skin is too sensitive even for this, consult your dermatologist. He or she can give you a thorough examination and help you determine whether other options, such as antibiotics or vitamins, may be appropriate for your particular situation.