Benzoyl Peroxide has recently become popular in the market of treating acne. However, what most consumers find out much too late is that the adverse effects of Benzoyl Peroxide is much worse than the acne itself.
Benzoyl Peroxide works as an extreme cleanser when used in the low percentage of dosage in most acne treating products. It removes dead skin cells from pores lessening the chance of blockages and thus used as a preventative measure against future acne flare-ups. To most consumers with acne, this would seem to be an advantage of the product. However, this method of cleansing could make the skin dependent on Benzoyl Peroxide. In some cases, the discontinuation of using a Benzoyl Peroxide based product results in the worsening of acne. The skin gets used to not having the dead skin cells and when the consumer stops using the product, bacterium builds up in the pores and causes the acne flare-ups to continue, if not worsen.
While extreme allergic reactions to benzoyl peroxide product are rare, they can occur. With this in mind it would be unwise to use these products if allergic reactions have occurred when previously using products with similar chemicals. If extreme sensitive skin is a known condition in consumers, then any product with benzoyl peroxide should be avoided.
Benzoyl Peroxide has also been found to make the skin excessively sensitive to every day elements. Most products with benzoyl peroxide recommend using sunscreen if going outside because the product makes the skin much more sensitive and prone to sunburns. Excessive drying and/or flaking may also be a result of these products. Thus, it is also recommended that a moisturizer be used in combination with such products. This could be counterproductive if the correct moisturizer is not used. Exposure to chemicals such as polyurethane or other products like it could cause an allergic reaction. This could range from mild itching and flaking to extreme burning and swelling.
Benzoyl peroxide products can also interact negatively with certain types of medications if used in combination. Dermatologists should know these risks and be able to inform consumers of the possible interactions; however extreme caution should be taken when considering combination treatment for acne.
All things considered, benzoyl peroxide products are not the best solution as an acne treatment. Consumers should take skin types into consideration if thinking about purchasing a benzoyl peroxide acne treatment. These products could not only worsen acne problems but could also create worse conditions that would be damaging to the skin.
