MDacne
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl Peroxide is at the moment the most common topical compound used to treat acne. It usually comes in a clear gel form, and occasionally contains some color to conceal blemishes. Benzoyl Peroxide main action is destroying bacteria in the upper parts of the sebaceous glands.
Side effects of benzoyl peroxide:
Benzoyl Peroxide may cause skin irritation, dryness, or redness in the treated area. A small number of patients discover that they are actually allergic to Benzoyl Peroxide. Overuse can cause severe dryness and irritation, and even cause flare-ups.
Benzoyl Peroxide can bleach or stain clothing with which it comes into contact. To prevent damage to your clothes it advisable to wear an old white t-shirt when using these products.
How to use benzoyl peroxide?
Benzoyl Peroxide is the best anti-acne product one can buy over the counter. Spot treatment is not advisable. The idea is to both treat and prevents pimples. Thus spread a thin film of BP gel over the entire affected area. If you keep on using benzoyl peroxide regularly it will prevent new pimples to appear and your acne will be much better.
Always start with a strength of 2.5% and see how your skin reacts to it. The first week, apply the cream or ointment once a day, then wash it off after one hour. The second week, leave it on for two hours every evening. If no redness or dryness occurs, then the third week it may be left on overnight.
Topical retinoids for acne:
What are topical retinoids used for in acne?
Retinoid topical formulations are based on a Vitamin A acid known as tretinoin or retinoic acid. Tretinoin reduces the number of comedones, or blackheads and whiteheads. Some of the new retinoids have to be shown to have some positive effects on red inflammatory pimples.
Side effects:
Tretinoin causes a mild peel effect to the skin. This is because tretinoin causes a certain thinning of the epidermis or outer layer of skin. Occasionally, the case of acne worsens during the first month of treatment with tretinoin. In all cases, since the epidermis is thinner, there is increased sensitivity to the sun, and proper precautions should be taken.
How to use:
Products containing tretinoin come in both cream or gel form, so the patient may choose his or her preference.
Topical retinoids are formulated as gels or creams. The gel form is more suitable for oily skin while the cream form is better for drier skin. Always apply the product at night, and in very small amounts. A pea-sized quantity is enough for your entire face.
Apply sunscreen every morning before going out. Overexposure to the sun while using tretinoin can cause severe irritation to the skin and long term hyperpigmentation.
Commercial names of topical retinoid products in the US:
Atralin, Avita, Refissa, Renova, Retin-A Micro, Retin-A, Stieva-A, Stieva-A Forte, Tretin-X
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