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Benzoyl peroxide is a synthetic medication used as a topical agent for fighting bacteria and unclogging pores. It is one of the longest-used medications to treat acne and fight pimples.
Benzoyl peroxide is often used in acne treatments due to its antimicrobial properties. It also has a drying effect, so it is effective at minimizing oily build-up in the pores. Benzoyl peroxide penetrates deep into the pores of skin and delivers oxygen molecules that loosen any buildup of oil, dirt, or dead skin within the pores. It also kills any bacteria trapped in the pores or on the surface of the skin that could lead to acne or skin infections around minor breaks in the skin.
There aren’t many safety concerns with using benzoyl peroxide. In fact, it is listed as one of the safest and most effective medical ingredients by the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medications. However, when used on the skin, it’s drying effect can cause mild irritation and itching. Some people may discover they are allergic to benzoyl peroxide, so caution is advised when trying a new ingredient on your skin.
Acne is a condition that occurs when certain pores in your face and torso are clogged up with an oil called sebum. Sebum comes from glands in your skin and hair follicles that would normally protect the skin and help with hair growth and be carried out of the pores in a natural exfoliation process. Acne occurs when the sebum stays clogged in the pores and hair follicles. Then our pores get inflamed with too much sebum and dead skin that doesn’t slough off properly. There are many types and causes of acne, from hormonal fluctuations to genetics to improper gland function.
Benzoyl peroxide is a topical agent for fighting bacteria and can be good for some type of acne. Jojoba oil and rosehip oil are also good for reducing inflammation, fighting bacteria, and keeping in moisture for healthier skin. Ingredients that help exfoliate dead skin cells and increase new skin cell production, such as Vitamin A/Retinol, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid, are good for treating acne as well.
The secret to winning the battle against acne is having the right regimen for your skin. Products that are too strong can be irritating and drying, causing your skin to overproduce oil, which leads to more acne. Picking the wrong active ingredients may have no effect. Using the right regimen for your acne type and skin tolerance can effectively clear acne while keeping your skin healthy and balanced.
benzoyl peroxide may be effective for acne, but there are many other factors that may affect whether this ingredient would work on your skin or if there are better ingredients that may work for you. Take this skin quiz to find the best ingredients for your skin and build your skincare routine.
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