Active Ingredients in Acne Treatments (The Benefits of Benzoyl Peroxide)

It's a potent antibacterial agent that kills P. acne, the bacterias that are involved in producing acne, is the most commonly used OTC acne medication, and for good reason - it works!

Also it dries and peels the skin and removes dead cells,helps to clear blocked follicles, the non-inflammatory comedones(blackheads and whiteheads), and it works on the papules and pustules. A triple threat!Unlike antibiotics and other prescription medications, you can use it for months, even years at a time, and there are really no long-term side effects including tolerance (bacterial resistance) associated with it .You can find this drug in many brand-name OTC products,such as Clearasil, Oxy, Clean and Clear, PanOxyl, and Neutrogena,as well as less-expensive generic or store brand products. You can also find it in creams, gels, lotions, foams, soaps, washes, masks,and scrubs and in combination with other topical products.

Here are a couple of little tidbits to keep in mind: Of all the available options, creams, lotions, and pads are more effective than washes, soaps, and scrubs.It's also available as a prescription ,but prescription formulations are no more effective than OTC products, they just cost more.

It is designed to treat existing acne and prevent future breakouts. If you have acne vulgaris, you should use it even when your face is clear. Women can use it regularly to prevent or minimize hormone-related acne breakouts.

The strength of this drug varies in the different products,ranging from 2.5 to 10.0 percent. Lower strength benzoyl peroxide preparations, such as 2.5 percent, are less irritating than the higher strength 5 percent and 10 percent concentrations and are just as effective for most people, plus they're cheaper! Start out using the lowest dose possible, and then move up in strength if you need to. You minimize the chances of irritation and hopefully save some money.

In general, you begin using these products sparingly and then work toward more frequent application (follow the instructions that accompany the package - if you don't understand them, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you). Here are some general guidelines:

1. Start out doing this every other night. After you wash your face, sparingly apply a very thin layer to areas of your skin that have acne or are acne-prone. Avoid your eyes, lips, and the corners of your mouth,which are often very sensitive.

2. As you are able to tolerate it, build up to once or even twice daily if you're not making too much progress.

I hope you enjoyed this article so far and I recommend that you read side effects and how to choose benzoyl peroxide products and visit the links for acnedestroyer.blogspot.com natural acne treatments and how to get rid of acnescarsdestroyer.blogspot.com acne scars.

Dr. Adam Ezz
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