If you have been reading up about acne skin care products, I am sure you have heard of products that contained benzoyl peroxide that could clear up acne. Is there any truth to that?

Well, it is pretty much proven to be quite useful as acne treatment although it does not guarantee crystal clear skin. Benzoyl peroxide was first used back in the 1920s when it was developed in the Revlon laboratories by Jack Breitbart.

How is this treatment used to clear up acne?

It is actually quite easy to use. In fact, all you need to do is to apply it on the affected area and wait for it to do its work. In short, any skin care product with benzoyl peroxide are mostly topical treatment for acne. It comes in a gel or in a lotion or a cream form. Once you applied it on the affected area, this does not mean it will magically zap that pimple and make it disappear overnight. In fact, it takes some time for it to work. That's because this special chemical is only good to clear up your pores by getting rid of your dead skin. It is also an antibacteria solution to reduce the amount of bacteria on your skin which could cause acne.

We all know acne is caused by clogged pores due to a build up of dead skin and when bacteria get under your skin, it caused it to inflame and thus, an acne is formed. Like what was said in my other hub on acne myths, no amount of washing can unclog your pores as it all happens below your skin surface.

That's where benzoyl peroxide creams come in. It is able to penetrate below your skin surface to 'kill' the bacteria and at the same time, 'peel' off your dead skin. This way, it clears up the clogged pores and this helps the acne to heal faster.

When choosing a suitable benzoyl peroxide product, you must always look at the concentrations of the chemical in the products. In the market, the concentrations are between 2.5% to 10%. Although it may seem logical to go with the one with the highest concentration, the 10%, this is highly not recommendable. That's because benzoyl peroxide is strong stuff. Too high a concentration may actually 'burn' your skin! Yes, if your skin is ultra sensitive, it may cause your skin to peel or you may suffer extreme dryness, irritation, swelling and itching. You may end up with 'burnt' skin such as dark patches where you applied it and then the skin may even peel and become even more sensitive.

It is, therefore, safer to use the lowest concentration first, the 2.5%, and see how it goes. Some people's skin may experience adverse effects when benzoyl peroxide was used on their skin so if you experience allergic reactions, it is best you discontinue use immediately. If you started with the lowest concentration, even if you suffer allergic reactions, it would not be as bad as if you use the 10% one.

Of course, you may think the product with only 2.5% concentration of benzoyl peroxide is too mild and may take a long time to work. Well, do bear in mind that since it is quite mild, you can apply more of it and twice a day after your cleansing and moisturizing regime. It may work slowly but at least it won't burn your skin or caused adverse reactions which could worsen your skin condition.

1. Acne myths

2. Benzoyl Peroxide as an effective skin care product