Benzoyl Peroxide
About Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl Peroxide is used to treat bacterial skin infections, such as acne (pimples). Acne is a skin condition that occurs when the hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells.
Benzoyl Peroxide contains ‘Benzoyl Peroxide’ that kills bacteria, reduces inflammation and unplugs blocked pores. Benzoyl Peroxide decomposes to release oxygen when applied to the skin. This oxygen acts as a bactericidal agent, killing Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria that cause acne. Benzoyl Peroxide increases the turnover rate of epithelial cells (cells that line the surface of the skin), eventually helps in peeling the skin and treating comedones (skin-coloured, small bumps due to acne). Benzoyl Peroxide also has a mild drying effect, allowing excess oils and dirt to be washed away from the skin.
Benzoyl Peroxide is for external use only. Avoid contact with eyes, eyelids, lips, mouth and nose. If the medicine comes into contact with any of these areas, rinse the area immediately with water. Do not use Benzoyl Peroxide on sunburned, windburned, dry, or irritated skin. Common side effects of Benzoyl Peroxide include dry skin, erythema (skin redness), burning sensation, itching, skin irritation, swelling, blistering, crusting, and skin rash. Most of these side effects are temporary and gradually resolve over time. However, consult the doctor if any of these side effects persist or worsen.
Let your doctor know if you are using any other medications, including vitamins, before starting Benzoyl Peroxide. Your skin may become more sensitive to sunlight; therefore, always use sunscreen and protective clothing before stepping outdoors. Care should be taken while applying Benzoyl Peroxide on sensitive areas, such as the neck. Please avoid contact with Benzoyl Peroxide on hair or fabrics, as it has bleaching properties. Please limit the use of products that contain large amounts of alcohol (such as astringents, shaving creams, or after-shave lotions), hair removal products, and those containing lime or spices while using Benzoyl Peroxide. It is essential to let your doctor know if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or a breastfeeding mother.
Uses of Benzoyl Peroxide
• Treats acne: Benzoyl Peroxide helps clear acne by reducing oil production, unclogging pores, and killing bacteria that cause acne.
• Prevents future breakouts: It helps prevent the formation of new pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads by keeping the skin clean and free from bacteria.
Medicinal Benefits
Benzoyl Peroxide contains ‘Benzoyl Peroxide’, an antibacterial medication used to treat bacterial skin infections like acne (pimples). It is an organic compound with an irritant, keratolytic (removes warts and calluses), comedolytic (inhibits the formation of blemishes), and anti-inflammatory activity. Benzoyl Peroxide kills bacteria, reduces inflammation, and unblocks clogged pores. It decomposes to release oxygen when applied to the skin. This oxygen acts as a bactericidal agent, killing Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria that cause acne. Benzoyl Peroxide increases the turnover rate of epithelial cells (cells that line the surface of the skin), eventually helps in peeling the skin and treating comedones (skin-coloured, small bumps due to acne). Benzoyl Peroxide also has a mild drying effect, allowing excess oils and dirt to be washed away from the skin.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safe and effective use.
- Clean and dry the affected area. Take a pea-sized amount onto your finger and apply it to the affected area by gently rubbing until it gets fully absorbed.
- Avoid contact with the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. If Benzoyl Peroxide comes into contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth, rinse immediately with water.
- Benzoyl Peroxide is for external use only.
Storage
Side Effects of Benzoyl Peroxide
- Dry skin
- Erythema (skin redness)
- Burning sensation
- Itching
- Skin irritation
- Swelling
- Blistering
- Crusting
- Skin rash
Drug Warnings
Please inform your doctor if you are using any medicines, including vitamins, before starting Benzoyl Peroxide. Benzoyl Peroxide can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight; therefore, always use sunscreen and protective clothing before stepping outdoors. It is recommended to avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Do not apply Benzoyl Peroxide to the irritated and sunburned skin. Care should be taken when using Benzoyl Peroxide on sensitive areas, such as the neck. Please avoid contact with Benzoyl Peroxide on hair or fabrics, as it has bleaching properties. Please limit the use of products that contain large amounts of alcohol (such as astringents, shaving creams, or after-shave lotions), hair removal products, and products containing lime or spices while using Benzoyl Peroxide. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or a breastfeeding mother.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Benzoyl Peroxide may interact with other drugs used to treat acne (isotretinoin, tretinoin, trifarotene, adapalene), as well as dermatological medications (bexarotene, dapsone).
Drug-Food Interaction: Avoiding alcohol may improve the side effects of Benzoyl Peroxide.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Before using Benzoyl Peroxide, let your doctor know if you have any liver, kidney, and heart diseases.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is unknown whether Benzoyl Peroxide interacts with alcohol. Please consult the doctor if you have any concerns.
Pregnancy
safe if suggestedBenzoyl Peroxide is safe if advised by the doctor. Please consult the doctor if you are pregnant before using Benzoyl Peroxide.
Breast Feeding
safe if suggestedBenzoyl Peroxide is safe if advised by the doctor. Please consult the doctor if you are breastfeeding before using Benzoyl Peroxide to ensure safety.
Driving
safeBenzoyl Peroxide usually does not interfere with your driving ability. However, please consult the doctor if you have any concerns.
Liver
safe if suggestedBenzoyl Peroxide is safe if advised by the doctor. Please consult the doctor if you have any liver diseases before using Benzoyl Peroxide.
Kidney
safe if suggestedBenzoyl Peroxide is safe if advised by the doctor. Please consult the doctor if you have any kidney diseases before using Benzoyl Peroxide.
Children
cautionBenzoyl Peroxide is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age. Please consult a doctor if you have any concerns.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid harsh products on your skin.
- Do not share cosmetic products, face towels, and bathing bars.
- Manage stress, eat healthily, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep.
- Avoid or limit the intake of alcohol and caffeine.
- Rinse your face with water several times a day to avoid breakouts.
- Avoid scratching or picking at your skin to prevent infection in the affected area.
- Hydration is essential in managing acne; hence, drink 3-4 litres of water daily to eliminate toxins from the body.
- Include anti-inflammatory foods in your diet.
Special Advise
- Consult your dermatologist if you do not notice any improvement after 4-6 weeks of treatment with Benzoyl Peroxide.
- If the acne doesn't improve, an ultrasound scan of the abdomen is advised to check if there is any possibility of PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease).
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Acne vulgaris (acne): It is a skin condition caused when the hair follicles are plugged with oil and dead skin cells. Whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, cysts, and nodules are all types of acne. It commonly occurs in teenagers, although it affects all age groups. Symptoms include blackheads, pus-filled pimples, and large/red bumps. Break-outs can happen on the face, neck, back, shoulders, and chest. The risk factors for acne are hormonal changes, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), poor sleep, stress, smoking, dermatological and cosmetic products with high oil content, and genetic conditions. Treatment involves antibiotics, retinoids, and topical benzoyl peroxide, along with dietary and lifestyle changes.
FAQs
Benzoyl Peroxide belongs to the class of medication called antibacterial agents, primarily used to treat bacterial skin infections like acne (pimples). Acne is a skin condition that occurs when the hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells.
Benzoyl Peroxide contains Benzoyl Peroxide, an antibacterial medication used to treat bacterial skin infections like acne (pimples). It kills bacteria, reduces inflammation, and unblocks clogged pores. Benzoyl Peroxide decomposes to release oxygen when applied to the skin. This oxygen acts as a bactericidal agent, killing Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria that cause acne.
Your doctor may advise the initial dose as once daily in the evening. The dose may be increased to twice or three times daily, in the morning and evening.
Benzoyl Peroxide usually improves your skin condition in 4-6 weeks of treatment. If you notice no improvement after one month of treatment, please get in touch with your doctor.
You can leave Benzoyl Peroxide overnight on the skin. However, if any irritation occurs, wash the area with clean water and discontinue use; then consult your doctor.
It is advised to limit the use of products that contain large amounts of alcohol (astringents, shaving creams or after-shave lotions), hair removal products, and products containing lime or spices if you are using Benzoyl Peroxide.
Benzoyl Peroxide can make your skin more sensitive to the harmful effects of sunlight. Hence, it is advised to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing while using Benzoyl Peroxide. It is recommended to avoid tanning booths and sunlamps.
Benzoyl Peroxide may help cleanse the skin and reduce the appearance of acne scars.
Yes, Benzoyl Peroxide can be used for spot treatment of acne. When applied directly to individual pimples, it helps reduce inflammation, dries out the blemish, and speeds up healing without affecting the surrounding skin.
Common side effects of Benzoyl Peroxide include dry skin, erythema (skin redness), burning sensation, itching, skin irritation, swelling, blistering, crusting, and skin rash. Most of these side effects are temporary and mild. However, consult the doctor if you experience these symptoms persistently.
Yes, Benzoyl Peroxide is a good option for treating pimples. It works to treat and prevent acne by killing bacteria underneath the skin and helping the pores shed dead skin cells and excess sebum.
Take the advised amount with clean and dry hands. Gently massage the medicine onto the affected areas of the skin with your fingers. Wash your hands before and after applying the product. Do not put a dressing or bandage on the affected areas.
If your skin becomes dry or peels, reduce the frequency of using benzoyl peroxide or discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.
Benzoyl Peroxide can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, so always use sunscreen and protective clothing when stepping outdoors. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Do not apply the Benzoyl Peroxide to irritated and sunburned skin. Care should be taken when using Benzoyl Peroxide on sensitive areas, such as the neck. Please avoid contact with Benzoyl Peroxide on hair or fabrics, as it has bleaching properties.
Benzoyl Peroxide typically begins to show results in about four weeks. However, it may take 2 to 4 months of consistent use to achieve its full effect. Therefore, use Benzoyl Peroxide for the recommended duration for best results.
Traditional moisturisers cannot be used under or over Benzoyl Peroxide. They may interfere with efficacy. Individuals who require additional hydration should use a water-based hydrating gel or serum as directed by their dermatologist.
If you have sensitive skin, consider using it once daily before bed. If you experience severe irritation, redness, or other symptoms, discontinue use of Benzoyl Peroxide and consult your doctor.
Yes, you can apply makeup after using Benzoyl Peroxide, but it's best to wait at least 5 minutes to allow your skin to dry completely. This helps to prevent any potential irritation. However, use minimal cosmetics and avoid oil-based products, which can clog pores. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Benzoyl Peroxide may interact with other acne medications, such as isotretinoin, tretinoin, trifarotene, and adapalene. Therefore, please take the advice of your doctor before using other acne medication along with Benzoyl Peroxide.
