The rule of benzoyl peroxide
What is benzoyl peroxide and how does it work?
Acne is the common cause of spots. Most people with acne are aged between 12 and 25, but some older and younger people are affected too. Small sebaceous glands lie just under your skin surface and make an oil (sebum) that keeps your skin supple and smooth. Tiny pores on your skin allow the sebum to come on to the surface of your skin. In acne, some of these pores become blocked, causing small pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. Benzoyl peroxide has some actions -It is used to treat acne (blackheads, whiteheads, pimples). It kills the bacteria that cause acne. It softens and removes outer layers of the skin. It reduces redness, soreness and inflammation and it helps to unplug blocked pores.
Benzoyl peroxide is available in combination preparations used for acne. It can be combined with an antibiotic called clindamycin, or with another medicine used for acne, called adapalene. Both of these preparations need to be prescribed by a doctor, and should be used as directed by the doctor.
What are the side effects of benzoyl peroxide?
- Dry skin and peeling skin
- Burning or stinging sensation after application
- Eczema
- Flushing Skin
- Pain
- Itching