Acne is a common skin concern that affects so many of us, regardless of age, gender or lifestyle. With the sheer number of treatments available, it’s easy to get lost in the search for an effective solution. One active ingredient that consistently proves its acne-fighting prowess is benzoyl peroxide. Yet so many people sleep on it or give up too soon after trying it. This simple product can actually prove to be the game changer you’ve been searching for in your quest for clear skin. We’re dedicating this blog post to benzoyl peroxide creams, gels and everything in between. Here is why we think it needs to be in your acne clearing routine.
What Does Benzoyl Peroxide Do to Your Skin?
Benzoyl peroxide is an organic compound that has been a staple in the skincare world for many decades. It owes this to its potent antibacterial and exfoliating properties. It’s a regular star ingredient in various over-the-counter and prescription acne treatments. It comes in a variety of forms including gels, creams, cleansers and lotions.
Acne is mainly caused by the overproduction of sebum, a build-up of dead skin cells and the presence of Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes), formerly known as Propionibacterium acnes. Benzoyl peroxide directly addresses two of these issues, since it can kill bacteria and break down dead skin cells. This makes it a valuable weapon against acne.
C. acnes bacteria can’t survive in an oxygen-rich environment. Benzoyl peroxide works by introducing oxygen into the pores, thereby killing this acne-causing bacteria. Unlike topical antibiotics, it does not appear to drive antibiotic resistance, which is one of its biggest advantages. It is also keratolytic, which means it can loosen dead skin cells, and this further helps to clear blocked pores.
Benzoyl peroxide can work on all types of acne lesion. It can clear comedones like blackheads and whiteheads by breaking down the blockages of dead skin cells. In inflammatory acne, there are inflamed pustules and papules. Its antibacterial action targets the bacteria causing this inflammation, suppressing the response that drives the lesions. Whilst cystic acne is far more complex and difficult to treat, benzoyl peroxide can still play a supporting role. For more severe forms of acne like nodules and cysts, it can be combined with other treatments. These include oral antibiotics, oral retinoids or topical retinoids like tretinoin for a more robust approach.
What’s the Difference Between Benzoyl Peroxide Gel and Cream?
There is a lot of choice when it comes to benzoyl peroxide. Whilst it comes in a range of preparations such as gels, creams, cleansers and lotions, the two most popular forms are gels and creams. Both deliver the same benefits. The primary difference lies in their preparation, and which one you use depends on your skin type and personal preference. Whichever type of product you choose, remember to patch test it first. Start with lower strengths to figure out your skin’s tolerance level.
Gels are usually lightweight, absorb fast and leave a matte finish. This makes them ideal for oily or combination skin types, though they can be drying. As such, they’re ideal if you only need benzoyl peroxide as a spot treatment for a small area. Creams and lotions, on the other hand, are usually more hydrating and may be better suited to dry or sensitive skin. They’re also best if you need to treat a wider area, such as the entire face or neck. They suit preventative use too. Cleansers and body washes containing benzoyl peroxide are great for regular daily use and when a large area needs to be covered. They are also useful for moderate to severe acute breakouts, prevention or maintaining results.
How Do You Use Benzoyl Peroxide?
Using benzoyl peroxide is straightforward and you can easily add it into any routine. It’s important, however, to introduce it carefully to get the best out of it and minimise the risk of irritation.
Before fully adding benzoyl peroxide into your routine, conduct a patch test first. Do this by using a small amount of the product on an easily visible area like your collarbone or your forearm. Monitor for 24 hours and check for itching, redness, bumps or any other signs of allergy. If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction, wash off the product and seek medical help immediately.
Here are our top tips for getting started:
- Start small: to reduce irritation, begin with a lower-strength product (2.5% is a good start). Use it no more than once a day initially to let your skin adjust. If your skin handles this well, you can increase the frequency and then the dose. However, if you experience irritation, then you may need to reduce the frequency, or stop completely if there are signs of an allergic reaction.
- Correct application: to get the best results, start by cleansing and drying your skin. Then apply a thin layer of benzoyl peroxide as a spot treatment if there’s only a small breakout. Otherwise, you may need to apply it in and around the areas where you get breakouts, not just on active blemishes. This applies if your breakouts are regular and widespread.
- Protect your clothes: since benzoyl peroxide can bleach clothes and linens, make sure you wash your hands really well after using it. If you don’t, it can bleach your clothes and towels.
- Follow up with moisturiser: benzoyl peroxide can be very drying to your skin. To avoid this, follow up with a hydrating moisturiser.
- Sun protection: unfortunately, benzoyl peroxide can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Make sure you’re using a broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day with at least SPF 30.
What Are the Side Effects and How Do You Minimise Them?
Like all active ingredients, benzoyl peroxide can cause some side effects. The main one is skin irritation, which usually presents as dryness, peeling, redness, itching or stinging. Irritation is most likely to occur when you first start using benzoyl peroxide and usually settles with time. Of course, there’s also the risk of an allergic reaction. This can be mild (with symptoms similar to irritation) or severe (such as anaphylactic shock).
Here are some tips to reduce the side effects and risks of benzoyl peroxide:
- Always patch test: this is even more important if you have a history of allergy.
- Start gradually: begin by using the product daily, or every other day if you have sensitive skin. Gradually increase the frequency, but only as much as your skin is able to handle.
- Choose a lower concentration: when you first start, higher strengths (above 5%) aren’t necessarily more effective. However, they can be more irritating and off-putting.
- Apply a moisturiser: a hydrating moisturiser can counter the drying, peeling and sensitivity side effects.
- Don’t combine with other potent actives: using other potent actives like retinoids, AHAs or BHAs at the same time can worsen the side effects of benzoyl peroxide. Consult your doctor or skincare professional if you are using these. They will help you find the best way to use them alongside benzoyl peroxide.
Who Should Not Use Benzoyl Peroxide?
Whilst benzoyl peroxide is generally safe for most people, it’s not suitable for everyone. People with extremely sensitive skin, or those who have had allergic reactions to it in the past, should avoid using it. They may be better off with gentler options like azelaic or hypochlorous acid instead. Additionally, anyone who is pregnant or nursing should consult a doctor or skin specialist before using products containing benzoyl peroxide. You should also speak with your skincare professional if you’re using other possibly irritating topical treatments, like retinoids or other acne medications.
How Does Benzoyl Peroxide Work with Other Acne Treatments?
Incorporating benzoyl peroxide into your skincare routine can be an effective way to target acne. However, it is important to consider how it reacts with other skincare ingredients. In particular, benzoyl peroxide gels and cleansers can be quite drying. So, it’s really important to use hydrating moisturisers to protect and maintain your skin’s barrier. Hyaluronic acid, glycerol, ceramides and polyglutamic acid are all great ingredients to look for.
If you are using active skincare, then be very careful about combining benzoyl peroxide with other possibly irritating ingredients. These include retinol or retinoids like tretinoin or adapalene, hydroquinone, vitamin C or exfoliating acids like AHAs, BHAs or PHAs. In these situations, you should seek the guidance of a skincare doctor. This is because combining these products can over-exfoliate and irritate your skin, causing more harm than good. They may advise stopping some actives, or adjusting the strength and cycling of your active products to reduce irritation.
As you can see, benzoyl peroxide is a powerful ally in the battle against mild, moderate and even severe acne. Even though it may seem out of date or old-fashioned, it could be the game changer you’ve been seeking. As with any potent active, you get the best result by starting slow, using it regularly and listening to your skin. It is also worth speaking with a doctor if you have stubborn or severe acne. They will ensure you use the most effective and safe products.
At City Skin Clinic, we are passionate about personalised skincare. Our online clinic offers safe and effective treatments using ingredients like tretinoin and hydroquinone where appropriate. Our doctors treat skin conditions like acne, hyperpigmentation, melasma and skin ageing. To start your personalised plan, book a virtual video consultation or use our online consultation form. The journey towards great skin and hair starts here.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified medical professional with any concerns about your skin or treatment options.
