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Benzoyl peroxide — which comes in the form of gel, cream or lotion, and sometimes washes — is an important skincare ingredient when it comes to fighting acne. Agreeing, Dr Seema Oberoi Lall, Consultant, Dermatology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, pointed out that this medicine, which is only prescribed to patients with acne, helps in killing acne bacteria or cutibacterium acne owing to its bactericidal properties.
“It also helps in controlling excessive oil secretion to a large extent and has a keratolytic action, which helps in opening up mild blocks that happen in oil glands,” she told indianexpress.com.
Talking about the same, Dr Aanchal Panth, a dermatologist wrote on Instagram, “Benzoyl peroxide has many uses. It kills bacteria by releasing free radical oxygen species. There is no bacterial resistance with benzoyl peroxide. This is the reason why in acne, we encourage the use of benzoyl peroxide antibiotic combination rather than antibiotic alone,” adding that it is available in 2.5%, 4%, 5% and 10% strength in gels, creams, lotions and washes.
Uses of benzoyl peroxide
Helps manage whiteheads and active acne: It helps in reducing whiteheads due to its keratolytic effects. Its antibacterial properties help with active acne as well. It is recommended to use 2.5% gel twice a day for only one hour.
Prevents armpit odour: Bacterial overgrowth is the cause of bad smelling armpits. Using benzoyl peroxide soap while bathing helps in reducing odour. Apply the soap and leave it on for 5 minutes before washing it off.
Smelling feet: Pitted keratolysis is a common condition which can give bad odour to feet. Using benzoyl peroxide soaks for 10 minutes helps in improving the condition.
Improves buttock acne: Benzoyl peroxide washes can help in improving active acne in the buttocks. Do not use it for dark spots as it won’t help in improving the spots once acne has resolved.
Reduces back acne: Active acne on the back also improves with benzoyl peroxide soaps or washes. Short contact 5% gel also helps if applied over a small area.
Manages razor bumps: Red bumps in the beard area are common in those who close shave or do reverse shaving. Using benzoyl peroxide in the beard area twice a day helps in reducing the bumps.
Side effects of using benzoyl peroxide
While considered safe for most people, benzoyl peroxide can cause some side effects too. “One must be very careful while using it because of its peroxide nature. It can cause a bit of irritation and dryness on the skin, therefore it must be applied gently, should not be applied in large quantities, should be blended into the skin, and not be rubbed or applied near the eye area, mouth, or nose,” said Dr Lall.
Additionally, if you have sensitive skin, benzoyl peroxide might not be the best choice for you, especially if you have eczema or seborrheic dermatitis. Moreover, avoid using benzoyl peroxide products while pregnant. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies it as a pregnancy risk category C, and its effects on foetal health remain unknown, so it’s better to play it safe. However, it is considered low risk during breastfeeding as long as there is no skin-to-skin contact with the baby.
How to use it
Dr Lall noted that benzoyl peroxide should be used in evening as it makes the skin sensitive and if one is applying in the morning, one must apply sunscreen before heading out. “It can also cause some discoloration of the fabric if applied on the back and can even cause bleaching of the hair, because of the peroxide properties.”
“Dermatologists can help in recommending the most appropriate percentage of this product, can guide if one must use this or not, and also recommend medications can this be combined with,” Dr Lall signed off.
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