Treatment FAQ

how long after beginning treatment does benzoyl peroxide begin working

by Kian Feeney Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Around eight to 10 weeks after you start using the product, your skin should be much clearer. You'll still have the odd spot or two. If the treatment didn't work as well as you wanted, it's a good idea to visit a dermatologist. A prescription treatment might work better.Sep 7, 2021

How often should I apply benzoyl peroxide?

To use the facial mask:

  • Before applying, wash the affected area with a nonmedicated cleanser. Then rinse and pat dry.
  • Using a circular motion, apply a thin layer of the mask evenly over the affected area.
  • Allow the mask to dry for 15 to 25 minutes.
  • Then rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.

How does benzoyl peroxide actually kill bacteria?

In acne, some of these pores become blocked, causing small pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. Benzoyl peroxide has three actions - it kills germs (bacteria), it reduces inflammation and it helps to unplug blocked pores.

How does benzoyl peroxide ruined my face?

Unless your dermatologist says to use them, avoid:

  • Oil-absorbing cleansers
  • Medicated treatment pads
  • Astringent toners

How long does BenzaClin take to work?

Benzaclin (clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide): Most acne treatments take 6 to 8 weeks to reach maximum benefit. Usually BenzaClin (clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide) is combined with a topical reti... Read More. 5.5k views Reviewed >2 years ago. Thank. Dr. Jovita Anyanwu and another doctor agree. 2 doctors agree.

How long does it take to see results with benzoyl peroxide?

Benzoyl peroxide usually takes about 4 weeks to start working. It can take up to 2 to 4 months for the treatment to have its full effect. What can I do if benzoyl peroxide does not work? Speak to a doctor if your skin does not improve with benzoyl peroxide, or if acne is making you feel very unhappy.

How long do you leave benzoyl peroxide on a pimple?

If You're Washing for Acne First, lather your face with a Benzoyl Peroxide wash. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Then rinse it off with water.

How do you know if benzoyl peroxide is working?

Around eight to 10 weeks after you start using the product, your skin should be much clearer. You'll still have the odd spot or two. If the treatment didn't work as well as you wanted, it's a good idea to visit a dermatologist. A prescription treatment might work better.

Can benzoyl peroxide worsen acne?

During the first 3 weeks you are using benzoyl peroxide, your skin may become irritated. Also, your acne may seem to get worse before it gets better. If your skin problem has not improved within 4 to 6 weeks, check with your doctor.

How long will it take benzoyl peroxide to work?

Up to 2 months: Acne can be a very frustrating condition. Most over the counter and prescription medications don't work to clear up the spots you have. They start working from day 1 to prevent new pimples. However, it can take up to 8 weeks for pimples to form, and some under the surface of your skin may still pop up in that 8 week period.

How long does it take for benzoyl peroxide to take effect?

Several weeks: If you are not clearly improved after two weeks using the stuff as tolerated, get with your physician who can add something that will help more.

How long does benzoyl peroxide take to clear skin?

4-12 weeks: Benzoyl peroxide will improve acne in 4 weeks or less and continue to show improvement up to 12 weeks.

How long will benzoyl peroxide red marks last and how can I reduce the redness?

Unclear question: Is the benzoyl peroxide making your face red or do you have red marks from old pimples. If the red marks from the old pimples are what you are talking abou, they will fade with time. If your whole face is red from benzyl peroxide you may be using too strong a strength or it is possible that you cannot tolerate it at all.

How long does it take for Benzoyl Peroxide to work?

Benzoyl peroxide 5% takes around 4 weeks to start working. You'll usually use it 1 or 2 times a day. The most common side effect is skin irritation. It is better to use it less often at first, then build up as your skin gets used to it. Pharmacy brands include Acnecide 5% gel and Acnecide Wash 5%.

What is benzoyl peroxide used for?

1. About benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is used to treat acne. It works as an antiseptic to reduce the number of germs (bacteria) on the surface of your skin. It comes as a gel or face wash containing 5% benzoyl peroxide. This is available to buy from pharmacies under the brand name Acnecide.

Can benzoyl peroxide cause acne?

are allergic to benzoyl peroxide or other medicines. have damaged or broken skin where you need to use the treatment. have very bad acne with nodules (large, hard lumps that build up beneath the surface of the skin and can be painful) or cysts (large, pus-filled lumps that look similar to boils).

Can you use benzoyl peroxide in Duac?

3. Who can and cannot use benzoyl peroxide. Most adults and children over 12 years old can use benzoyl peroxide.

Is benzoyl peroxide an antimicrobial?

This is an "antimicrobial" ingredient that kills micro-organisms on your skin . It's sold in pharmacies as Quinoderm cream. Some benzoyl peroxide products are available on prescription only. This is because they contain other active ingredients such as antibiotics or retinoids (exfoliants).

Can you use benzoyl peroxide on sensitive skin?

Always check the ingredients on the label and choose products for sensitive skin. Do not use other benzoyl peroxide products or other acne medicines (such as isotretinoin ), unless your doctor or pharmacist says it's OK. It may cause your skin to become very sore.

How long does it take for benzoyl peroxide to work?

Such is the case with benzoyl peroxide. It can take up to six weeks for new products to take full effect. If you don’t see any improvements after six weeks, consider seeing a dermatologist. They might recommend a prescription-strength formula, especially if your acne is severe.

Does benzoyl peroxide help with acne?

Benzoyl peroxide works particularly well for inflammatory acne, which is characterized by red bumps that contain pus — pustules, papules, cysts, and nodules — instead of whiteheads and blackheads.

Does benzoyl peroxide cause skin irritation?

Skin side effects. Benzoyl peroxide works by peeling away the skin to get rid of dead skin cells, excessive oil, and bacteria that may be trapped underneath. Such effects can lead to dryness, as well as redness and excessive peeling. You might notice itching and general irritation at the site of application too.

Is it safe to use benzoyl peroxide?

While considered safe for most people, benzoyl peroxide can cause side effects. This is especially the case when you first start using the product. It may be helpful to use it once a day, and then build up the frequency in application over time if your skin can tolerate it.

Can you use benzoyl peroxide on acne?

Benzoyl peroxide isn’t your only treatment option for acne and acne scars. Other OTC products can help treat bacteria, excessive oil, and dead skin cells too. Consider the following treatments:

Is benzoyl peroxide good for whiteheads?

Benzoyl peroxide for blackheads and whiteheads. Blackheads and whiteheads are still considered acne. However, they are classified as noninflammatory because they don’t cause the red bumps that are associated with other types of acne pimples.

Is benzoyl peroxide safe for sensitive skin?

Benzoyl peroxide and skin conditions. A dermatologist may not recommend benzoyl peroxide if you have sensitive skin, as this skin type is more prone to side effects such as rashes and irritation. Benzoyl peroxide also might not be the best choice if you have eczema or seborrheic dermatitis.

How long does it take for benzoyl peroxide to work?

Most people see results from benzoyl peroxide after 3 weeks of consistent use although it may take as long as 8-12 weeks to see maximum benefits. Some users may experience the following symptoms:

How to use benzoyl peroxide for acne?

Most people have used a benzoyl peroxide product for acne treatment. Benzoyl peroxide comes in many forms including cleansers, gels, lotions, soaps, foams, and more. It is important to use products as directed or as instructed by a skincare professional. It has a bactericidal effect on Propionibacterium acnes bacteria associated with acne and does not cause antibiotic resistance. It often is combined with an antibiotic such as clindamycin or salicylic acid, which has shown to be more effective then Benzoyl peroxide alone. Apply the chosen benzoyl peroxide based product to the areas of your skin affected by acne. Avoid getting this medication into your eyes, nose, mouth, or on any areas of broken skin since it may cause irritation. If irritation occurs, wash the area with water. Be advised that benzoyl peroxide may have a bleaching effect on hair or fabric. If diligent use of benzoyl peroxide products do not clear up the skin, or more severe acne breakouts occur, prescription strength medications such as Spironolactone may be necessary to clear up blemishes.

Can you use benzoyl peroxide before treatment?

Little preparation is needed before treatment when using a lower concentration of benzoyl peroxide. If using a prescribed dose, consult with your dermatologist before use. Before application ensure treatment area is clean and dry.

Does benzoyl peroxide cause skin irritation?

Side effects from benzoyl peroxide may include mild stinging or burning, itching or tingly, skin dryness, peeling, flaking, or redness and other irritation. Although the skin develops tolerance to the product after approximately a week, and the symptoms resolve. A small percentage of people are much more sensitive to it and liable to suffer burning, itching, crusting, and possibly swelling.

How long does it take for benzoyl peroxide to kill C. acne?

5% benzoyl peroxide significantly reduces the number of C. acnes in only 48 hours. Benzoyl peroxide kills the same amount of C. acnes in 3 days that it takes clindamycin (an antibiotic applied to the skin) 14 days to kill. 1.

How effective is benzoyl peroxide?

The drug shows on average a 50% reduction of inflamed lesions and a 46% reduction of non-inflamed lesions. 1 This effectiveness rate seems very low to people who use benzoyl peroxide correctly in the real world, however, because when used properly, benzoyl peroxide can completely clear the skin.

What is the main mechanism of action of benzoyl peroxide?

Since acne is in part a bacterial disease, this is thought to be benzoyl peroxide's main mechanism of action against acne. Benzoic acid is thought to work similarly to salicylic acid, ...

What are the two compounds that make up Benzoic Acid?

It is a compound made out of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen atoms with most of the carbon atoms linked in two "benzoyl" ring structures. Once absorbed into the skin, it breaks down into two compounds: Benzoyl radicals, which kill bacteria. Benzoic acid, which help unclog pores 2.

How long should you keep antibiotics?

Also, antibiotics should be used for no longer than 3 months, so they are a short-term help at best. Still, if you are using topical antibiotics, doctors very often add benzoyl peroxide to the treatment regimen, because benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria in a way that does not allow the bacteria to develop resistance. 2.

When was benzoyl first used?

In 1929, physicians discovered that it could be used as a topical treatment for wounds and burns. In 1934, the researchers Lyon and Reynolds found that it was an effective treatment for a case of acne, however it was not until the 1960s that physicians began using it as a regular treatment for acne patients. Now, 60 or so years later, benzoyl ...

Does benzoyl peroxide help sebum escape?

The researchers speculated that, while the skin continues to produce normal amounts of sebum, benzoyl peroxide allows this sebum to escape to the skin surface faster by unclogging pores. 5.

How long does it take for breakouts to go away with benzoyl peroxide?

Over the course of several weeks, breakouts will slowly become fewer and farther between. If you've used an OTC benzoyl peroxide product for more than 12 weeks and you haven't had any improvement, it's time to see a doctor for a prescription medication (or to change your current prescription treatment).

How long does it take for acne to clear up?

You may need to wait eight to 10 weeks, sometimes a bit more before seeing a noticeable improvement in your skin. As tempting as it may be, don't slather on more medication, or apply more often than directed. You'll increase your chances of annoying side effects and it won't clear up acne any faster.

How to get rid of acne quickly?

Consistency is your best friend when treating acne. Skipping days will set your treatment back. You'll see the fastest improvement with regular, consistent use. Another biggie—keep benzoyl peroxide away from your towels and pillowcases. Benzoyl peroxide will stain anything it comes in contact with.

Does Proactiv have peroxide?

Yes, the active ingredient in Proactiv is benzoyl peroxide. 8  Proactiv broke ground as the first acne treatment kit (meaning a three-step program rather than just one product) on the market. Some Proactiv products also contain ingredients like glycolic or salicylic acid .

Is it normal to have blisters after taking benzoyl peroxide?

2  These are normal reactions. If you're getting swelling, severe redness, blisters, or incredibly irritated skin, you may actually have an allergy.

Can you get allergic to benzoyl peroxide?

Some people just can' t handle benzoyl peroxide, especially if your skin is super sensitive . And , yes, some people are truly allergic to this medication. But there are differences between a benzoyl peroxide allergy and normal side effects. 7 . Benzoyl peroxide can cause some fairly intense dryness, peeling, and flaking.

Is benzoyl peroxide good for acne?

OTC benzoyl peroxide are appropriate for mild acne. Prescription benzoyl peroxide medications work better for moderate acne . But benzoyl peroxide isn't the only ac ne treatment option available. If you're having trouble with acne, and need help getting it under control, don't wait to see a physician.

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