Benzoyl peroxide, in addition to various acids, is the most famous anti-acne ingredient. Its main anti-acne principle is that it can penetrate sebum to slowly release oxygen, and form free oxygen after decomposition and conversion of cysteine, thereby having a good inhibitory and killing effect on the anaerobic bacteria, propionibacterium acnes.
Not only that, but it can also reduce the content of free fatty acids in the skin. Whether it is medicine or skincare products for external use, the concentration is 2.5%-5%, and a small portion uses a concentration of 10%. High concentration will dry the skin and even cause dermatitis and will generate a large number of free radicals, which will increase the possibility of inflammatory pigmentation. The advantage is that it will not produce drug resistance and can be used for a long time.
Benzoyl peroxide can cause the skin to become dry, flaky, red, swollen, or painful. It can also cause itching, peeling, or burning. Benzoyl peroxide is also known to have a bleaching effect and is used to bleach hair color, clothes, or furniture. Too high concentration and improper use can cause serious consequences. My suggestion is to apply low-concentration for red, swollen, and inflammatory acne. And for antibacterial, you can choose essential oils, which will be safer to use after dilution. Even with antibiotics such as erythromycin, the resistance is no problem when used occasionally.
If you can buy benzoyl peroxide cleansing foam, soap, or shower gel, it will be more flexible to use, and the risk of skin irritation will be less. It can also be used for the treatment of acne on areas other than the face, such as the scalp, the front, and back of the chest can be cleaned with shower gel or soap. For those who cannot tolerate benzoyl peroxide gel preparations, you can choose to contain benzoyl peroxide facial cleansing products, which are effective in short-term contact on the face, and the risk of irritation will be smaller.
Combined use with antibiotics or retinoic acid topical drugs will increase the efficacy and reduce the risk of resistance to a single topical antibiotic.
It is generally not recommended to use it in combination will all-trans retinoic acid drugs at the same time, because the oxidizing property of benzoyl peroxide can easily lead to the degradation of all-trans retinoic acid and affect the curative effect. Therefore, benzoyl peroxide and tretinoin ointment should be used in periods or alternately.