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Benzoyl Peroxide for Acne: How it Works and How to Use It. |
How does benzac ac gel work
- How does benzac ac gel work
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How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Benzoyl peroxide is used to treat acne. It works by killing the bacteria that cause acne, drying the acne pimples, and helping the skin to peel.
This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are being given this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
Benzoyl peroxide products should be used or applied once or twice daily to the affected area or as directed by your doctor. Start with one application daily and increase to twice daily if needed.
This medication is for external use only. Avoid contact with eyes, nostrils, lips, mouth, or broken skin.
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is very important that this medication be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss an application, apply the medication as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next application, skip that missed dose and carry on with your regular schedule. Do not apply more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Benzac AC is no longer being manufactured for sale in Canada. For brands that may still be available, search under benzoyl peroxide topical. This article is being kept available for reference purposes only. If you are using this medication, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for information about your treatment options.
How should I use this medication?
Benzoyl peroxide products should be used or applied once or twice daily to the affected area or as directed by your doctor. Start with one application daily and increase to twice daily if needed.
This medication is for external use only. Avoid contact with eyes, nostrils, lips, mouth, or broken skin.
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is very important that this medication be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss an application, apply the medication as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next application, skip that missed dose and carry on with your regular schedule. Do not apply more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to benzoyl peroxide or any ingredients of the medication.
What side effects are possible with this medication?
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- dryness or peeling of the skin (may occur after a few days)
- feeling of warmth, mild stinging, and redness of the skin
Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- painful irritation of the skin, including blistering, burning, crusting, itching, severe redness, or swelling
- skin rash
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- signs of a severe allergic reaction (e.g., hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the mouth, tongue, lips, or throat)
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Are there other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Bleaching effect: Benzoyl peroxide may bleach hair or coloured fabrics.
Dry skin: If you experience excessive dryness of skin, stop using this medication, and talk to your doctor.
Sun sensitivity: Benzoyl peroxide can increase the sensitivity of your skin to the sun. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and do not use sunlamps while you are using this medication. When you are exposed to the sun, be sure to use an adequate sunscreen and wear protective clothing (e.g., hat).
Pregnancy: Benzoyl peroxide should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while using this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known whether benzoyl peroxide passes into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding. Do not apply this medication near or on the breasts if you are breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children less than 12 years of age.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Bleaching effect: Benzoyl peroxide may bleach hair or coloured fabrics.
Dry skin: If you experience excessive dryness of skin, stop using this medication, and talk to your doctor.
Sun sensitivity: Benzoyl peroxide can increase the sensitivity of your skin to the sun. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and do not use sunlamps while you are using this medication. When you are exposed to the sun, be sure to use an adequate sunscreen and wear protective clothing (e.g., hat).
Pregnancy: Benzoyl peroxide should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while using this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known whether benzoyl peroxide passes into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding. Do not apply this medication near or on the breasts if you are breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children less than 12 years of age.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
Other topical medications that may potentially dry or irritate the skin may affect how benzoyl peroxide works or increase the risk of side effects.
If you are using any medications that fit this description, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or illegal drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2022. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/Benzac-AC
How to Treat Acne with Benzoyl Peroxide
What is benzoyl peroxide?
Benzoyl peroxide is a well-known ingredient for fighting acne. Available in over-the-counter (OTC) gels, cleansers, and spot treatments, this ingredient comes in different concentrations for mild to moderate breakouts.
While benzoyl peroxide can effectively get rid of bacteria and dead skin cells that clog your pores, it has limitations. Let’s cover the pros and cons and when to talk to a dermatologist (skin care specialist) if OTC products aren’t doing the job.
Is benzoyl peroxide good for acne?
Benzoyl peroxide works to treat and prevent acne by killing bacteria underneath the skin, as well as helping the pores shed dead skin cells and excess sebum (oil).
Benzoyl peroxide for pimples
Benzoyl peroxide works particularly well for inflammatory acne, which is characterized by red bumps that contain pus — pustules, papules, cysts, and nodules — instead of whiteheads and blackheads.
Benzoyl peroxide for cystic acne
Cystic acne is considered the most serious form of acne, which also makes it the most difficult to treat.
It’s characterized by hard bumps below the surface of your skin. While these pimples may have pus deep inside them, it’s difficult to identify any prominent “heads.”
P. acnes bacteria is one contributor to cystic acne, which benzoyl peroxide may help treat in combination with prescription medications.
If you have this type of acne, consult a dermatologist for your best treatment options.
Benzoyl peroxide for blackheads and whiteheads
Blackheads and whiteheads are still considered acne. However, they are classified as noninflammatory because they don’t cause the red bumps that are associated with other types of acne pimples.
You may be dealing with both of these types of acne and might be wondering if you can use benzoyl peroxide for noninflammatory spots too.
While benzoyl peroxide can help treat oil and dead skill cells that clog your pores, this may not be the best treatment option available for blackheads and whiteheads.
While benzoyl peroxide does help treat certain types of acne, topical retinoids are considered the first line of treatment. This includes adapalene and tretinoin.
Some adapalene products, such as Differin Gel, are available OTC. Tretinoin products require a prescription.
Benzoyl peroxide for acne scars
Acne scars are sometimes a result of an acne outbreak. This is especially the case with inflammatory acne, even if you successfully resist the urge to pick at the lesions.
Acne scars can worsen with sun exposure, so it’s important to wear sunscreen every day. In theory, benzoyl peroxide could also help shed dead skin cells and make the scars less prominent. However, research doesn’t support this use.
How to use benzoyl peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide comes in the form of many acne treatment products. It’s important to select the right one for your skin care concern as well as preference.
For example, you may prefer to use a wash formulated specifically for your body rather than your face. Or you might decide to choose a gel.
Another key is to choose the appropriate concentration. The concentration that you choose to use may depend on your skin.
Some people can tolerate products with a high percentage of benzoyl peroxide (up to 10 percent) on their skin. Others may prefer a lower percentage.
What concentration to use also depends on where you apply the benzoyl peroxide.
The face is rather sensitive, so many choose to use a lower concentration (around 4 percent) in that area, while the chest and back are more resilient and can tolerate a higher concentration.
Benzoyl peroxide may be found in the following acne treatment products:
- acne creams and lotions: typically applied once or twice a day on the entire area of skin as both a treatment and preventive measure
- face washes and foams: used once or twice a day to help prevent acne and treat existing lesions
- acne body washes and soaps: ideal if you have frequent breakouts on the chest, back, and other areas of the body
- gels: tend to come in the form of spot treatments with higher concentrations and are typically applied only to the affected area
Side effects of using benzoyl peroxide on the skin
While considered safe for most people, benzoyl peroxide can cause side effects. This is especially the case when you first start using the product.
It may be helpful to use it once a day, and then build up the frequency in application over time if your skin can tolerate it. You can also minimize side effects by starting with a lower concentration.
Talk to a dermatologist about the following side effects and precautions of using benzoyl peroxide for acne.
Skin side effects
Benzoyl peroxide works by peeling away the skin to get rid of dead skin cells, excessive oil, and bacteria that may be trapped underneath.
Such effects can lead to dryness, as well as redness and excessive peeling. You might notice itching and general irritation at the site of application too.
Don’t use benzoyl peroxide if you have a sunburn.
Stained clothing and hair
Benzoyl peroxide is known for staining clothing and hair. Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly after each use.
You might also consider skipping an application right before a workout so you don’t transfer the product to your hair and clothing via sweat.
Allergic reactions
While allergic reactions from benzoyl peroxide are considered rare, they are still possible. Stop using the product immediately if the treated areas have redness and irritation.
You should go to an emergency room right away if you have severe swelling and breathing difficulties, as these may be signs of an allergic reaction.
Benzoyl peroxide and skin conditions
A dermatologist may not recommend benzoyl peroxide if you have sensitive skin, as this skin type is more prone to side effects such as rashes and irritation.
Benzoyl peroxide also might not be the best choice if you have eczema or seborrheic dermatitis.
Benzoyl peroxide vs. salicylic acid for acne
While benzoyl peroxide is a staple for treating inflammatory acne, it’s worth considering salicylic acid if you also have noninflammatory acne (blackheads and whiteheads).
Both help clean pores, but salicylic acid’s primary role is to get rid of dead skin cells. Such exfoliating effects may help treat noninflammatory lesions.
It also won’t stain your hair or clothing like benzoyl peroxide can. But it can still lead to dry, red, and peeling skin, especially when you first start using a product containing salicylic acid.
As a rule of thumb, if you have inflammatory acne along with oily, less sensitive skin, benzoyl peroxide may be the better choice.
Other OTC acne treatments
Benzoyl peroxide isn’t your only treatment option for acne and acne scars. Other OTC products can help treat bacteria, excessive oil, and dead skin cells too. Consider the following treatments:
When to see a doctor
No acne product will clear up your blemishes and scars overnight. Such is the case with benzoyl peroxide. It can take up to six weeks for new products to take full effect.
If you don’t see any improvements after six weeks, consider seeing a dermatologist. They might recommend a prescription-strength formula, especially if your acne is severe. They may also recommend an entirely different treatment option.
Be prepared to answer questions about your acne and its severity so your dermatologist can determine the best treatment option possible. They will also conduct a skin exam to see the type of acne you have.
The takeaway
Benzoyl peroxide is one of the many options available for treating acne.
Its enduring popularity goes beyond its availability and affordability — benzoyl peroxide can help treat inflammatory acne lesions and related scarring. It’s most helpful when used together with other treatments, such as topical retinoids.
Still, everyone’s skin is different, and benzoyl peroxide may not work for all. Give any new acne product several weeks to take full effect before moving on to the next one. See a dermatologist if OTC products aren’t working or if you develop a negative reaction to benzoyl peroxide.
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