Skincare Demystified: Benzoyl Peroxide for Acne Skin Care
Skincare-News. com explains benzoyl peroxide, a leading acne-treatment ingredient.
Rancho Cordova, CA (PRWEB) April 7, 2008
Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most powerful anti-acne medications, designed to simultaneously treat multiple acne-causing factors. Skincare-News. com's latest article, "Benzoyl Peroxide," explores the various ways that this ingredient helps to combat acne. http://www. skincare-news. com/articles. php? ArtID=541 (http://www. skincare-news. com/articles. php? ArtID=541)
Naturally antibacterial and antiseptic, benzoyl peroxide helps to reduce the P. acnes bacteria on the skin that's responsible for causing acne in many people. It also contains exfoliating properties that slough off the top layer of dead skin cells, encouraging normal production of cells. Additionally, benzoyl peroxide has an oxidizing property that dries excess oil and sebum on the skin's surface.
Benzoyl peroxide is found in a wide variety of skincare products such as cleansers, lotions and topical treatments contain benzoyl peroxide. To combat excess oil and bacteria without drying out the skin, experts recommend beginning with a low concentration of benzoyl peroxide (2-5 percent). If a lower concentration doesn't do the trick, try a concentration up to 10 percent. Higher strengths are available by prescription from a doctor, but most likely won't be needed.
Cleansers: For combination skin, choose a cream-based product that contains benzoyl peroxide. Oilier skin should opt for a gel-based or exfoliating cleanser. Apply the cleanser to a wet face, then massage for 10 to 20 seconds. Topical treatments are available in both gel and cream-based formulas. These can be applied to individual blemishes for spot treatment or to entire acne-prone areas for prevention. Many formulas also contain soothing ingredients like green tea or chamomile to combat any irritation that might occur.
As with any acne medication, don't be discouraged if you don't notice immediate results. Results should be seen in about six to eight weeks, with significant improvement occurring after about four to six months. Because benzoyl peroxide is a particularly strong treatment, side effects can include dryness, irritation, itchiness, peeling or redness. The good news is that as the skin becomes accustomed to the ingredient, these side effects usually subside.
For those with extremely dry or sensitive skin, it might be wise to avoid this ingredient entirely and opt for something gentler. Those who are using other acne-fighting medications should be sure to talk to a doctor about possible drug interactions. Some medications, like antibiotic lotions, gels or creams like erythromycin, actually help to boost the acne-fighting power of benzoyl peroxide and make it work even better. However, other medications or ingredients may be unsafe to use with benzoyl peroxide, causing painful dryness and other side effects.
Skincare-News. com covers all skincare and beauty topics from head to toe. Check out these latest articles:
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The Busy Girl's Guide to Feeling Fresh and Fabulous All Day
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We've all had them: days where we feel oily, grimy, worn out and sometimes, just plain ol' disgusting. So what can we do to rejuvenate our old, attractive selves while sitting stagnant at the office all day? Here are six tips any woman can use while at her desk, in between projects and even on the way to the printer to ensure her face feels fresh, her body feels healthy and she's as fabulous as she should be.
About SkinCare-News. com -- "Your Source for Intelligent Skin Care"
Skincare-News. com is the online source for consumers seeking intelligent beauty and skin care news, advice, tips and articles. Founded in 2005, SkinCare-News. com features articles, news items and frequently asked questions on skincare and beauty related issues. SkinCare-News. com is located in Sacramento, California, but receives visitors from all around the world. For more information, visit http://www. skincare-news. com (http://www. skincare-news. com).
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