Benzoyl Peroxide: An Acne Sufferer’s Chief Weapon

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Did you know that an acne sufferer’s best friend actually has a celebrated cosmetic link? Gosh, what a clumsy opening line that was. Ok, to make it simple, the credit for establishing benzoyl peroxide as a treatment for acne goes to one Jack Breitbart of Revlon Laboratories, who developed benzoyl peroxide’s use for treating acne in the 1920s. Take a bow, Mr Breitbart.

Today, benzoyl peroxide is a household name in every acne-affected household, I should think. The chemical is usually applied on acne-affected areas in gel or cream form, in concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 10 percent. While on the topic of concentration, there is nothing to show that a 10 percent benzoyl peroxide solution is more effective than a 2.5 percent solution. So the strength in numbers concept is invalid here. In fact, a 2.5 percent solution is usually more bearable.

The application of benzoyl peroxide typically results in a little dryness and occasional irritation, though skin tolerance usually develops in a week. For the uncommonly (and unluckily) sensitive types, burning, itching, peeling and inflammation are likely side effects. In any case, start with the lowest concentration and increase it as required.

From what I have distilled from my vast reading (gloat, gloat), benzoyl peroxide is a peeling agent, really, that clears skin pores and reduces the bacterial count. That means it restricts the harmful effects of acne-causing bacteria as well as unclogs pores that trap dirt and oil within them, and thereby reduces acne.

Nifty little chemical, eh? So the next time you take any treatment for acne at all, make sure benzoyl peroxide is part of it.