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Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical Route) - Mayo Clinic
Benzoyl peroxide is used to treat acne. Find out how to apply it safely and possible side effects. Benzoyl peroxide is commonly called Brevoxyl, Clean & Clear, Benzac AC or Panoxyl.
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What is benzoyl peroxide?
Benzoyl peroxide is used to treat acne (blackheads, whiteheads, pimples). It works by it killing the germs (bacteria) that cause acne, and softens and removes outer layers of the skin. It also reduces redness, soreness and inflammation and it helps to unplug blocked pores. Read more about acne.
Available products
You can buy benzoyl peroxide without a prescription at a pharmacy. It comes in different brand names and strengths – there are 2.5%, 4%, 5% and 10% strengths.
Benzoyl peroxide is available in a cream, gel or wash. The choice between gel, cream and wash is based on preference and skin type. Gels are more suited to oily skin. A wash is more convenient for treating acne affecting your back and chest and is more suitable if irritation occurs.
Ask your pharmacist for advice on the strength of product that is best for you. The following is a guide:
- The lower 2.5% strength is sufficient for most people and often work as well as the higher 10% strength preparations and causes less skin irritation.
- It is best to start treatment with the lower strength, especially if you have sensitive skin, then if necessary, you can increase the strength gradually.
How to apply benzoyl peroxide
- Washes can be used once or two times a day. Leave on the skin for 30 seconds before rinsing thoroughly.
- Apply gels and creams as a thin layer once daily.
- At the start, for the first 3 days when you begin treatment, apply the the cream or gel for a short time (about 2 hours), then wash it off.
If you tolerate this, with no irritation, then apply once daily, at night, and leave on the skin overnight, washing it off in the morning.
- Some people may tolerate twice daily applications.
- Make sure the skin is clean and dry before applying. It can be used on the face as well as the chest and back.
- As you apply benzoyl peroxide, try to avoid getting it on the sensitive areas of your skin in or around your nostrils, your eyes and your mouth. Do not apply it to any areas of skin that are irritated or sore.
- If your skin peels or becomes very dry, use an oil-free moisturiser.
- Acne responds very slowly to treatment, so it may take several weeks to months to notice improvement.
Note: Benzoyl peroxide bleaches clothing and hair. Make sure the benzoyl peroxide has completely dried before the treated skin touches clothes or bedding and wash your hands well after using.
Precautions before using benzoyl peroxide
- Do you have a skin problem other than acne, such as eczema?
- Are you are taking or using any other medicines? This includes any creams or medicated soaps you are using that are available to buy without a prescription.
- Have you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine?
If so, it’s important that you tell your doctor or pharmacist before you start using benzoyl peroxide. Sometimes a medicine isn’t suitable for a person with certain conditions or it can only be used with extra care.
What are the side effects of benzoyl peroxide?
Like all medicines, benzoyl peroxide can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.
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| Did you know that you can report a side effect to a medicine to CARM (Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring)? Report a side effect to a product | |
Learn more
Benzac AC Medsafe, NZ
Benzoyl peroxide Dermnet, NZ
References
- Benzoyl peroxide New Zealand Formulary
- Managing acne in primary care BPAC, NZ, 2013
- Benzac AC Medsafe, NZ
Additional resources for healthcare professionals
A topical issue - serious hypersensitivity and burning reactionsMedsafe, NZ, 2015
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