According to Drugs.com, an online drug information source, benzoyl peroxide is a medication that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved for the treatment of acne. It's available over the counter in a number of products, including Del-Aqua, Desquam, Fostex Benzoyl Peroxide and Stridex. It's designed to be applied to your skin in the form of a soap, shaving cream, medicated pad, solution, liquid, gel, spot stick, facial mask, lotion, cream or foam. If you need a more powerful concentration of benzoyl peroxide, your doctor can prescribe other benzoyl peroxide products.
Effects
Benzoyl peroxide is a powerful oxidizing agent that kills the bacteria that cause acne and removes dead skin cells to expose the healthy skin underneath your acne blemishes, according to AcneNet, a website of the American Academy of Dermatology. It's also quite effective at penetrating the oil in clogged pores, so it can get down to the source of the infection.
Proper Use
Benzoyl peroxide products work best when they are used exactly as directed on the label or by your doctor. For example, the facial mask form of benzoyl peroxide is typically used once a week. The Drugs.com website recommends that you gently wash acne blemishes with a nonmedicated cleanser, rinse and pat your skin dry. Use a circular motion to apply a thin layer of the facial mask containing benzoyl peroxide, leave it on for 15 to 25 minutes, rinse it off and pat your skin dry.
Side Effects
While benzoyl peroxide does a good job as an oxidizing agent on acne blemishes, it also has side effects related to its oxidizing effect on healthy skin, according to MedlinePlus. When benzoyl peroxide touches normal skin, it can cause temporary mild redness, stinging, warmth or peeling. In some cases, you may notice more severe burning, blistering, crusting, swelling or marked redness of the skin. Notify your health care provider of temporary side effects that don't go away, as well as more severe skin reactions.
Warnings
Apply benzoyl peroxide products exactly as directed and only on acne-prone skin areas. Keep benzoyl peroxide away from sensitive tissue around your eyes, lips or the inside of your nose, according to Drugs.com.
Time Frame
It's important to have realistic expectations for benzoyl peroxide products. According to the Mayo Clinic, they typically make your acne worse before it gets better. However, you should see a big improvement in your acne within two to three weeks.
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