Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide has been touted as a ‘miracle cure’ for acne. It was a great product to treat your skin…in the 1930’s when it was created! Since then, science and the understanding of skin care has come a long way. You can find several celebrity endorsed products and web sites devoted to the benefits of acne products containing Benzoyl Peroxide. What you never tend to here is that benzoyl peroxide has been classified by the FDA as ’safety unknown’. Benzoyl Peroxide can help clear acne with long term, continued use, however, studies have shown that the long term use of Benzoyl Peroxide can lead to skin cancer.

BP is available in a cream, gel, lotion and wash with varying degrees of concentration. It serves as an oxidant, meaning that helps to reduces small bumps on your skin as well as an antiseptic to help clear away skin surface bacteria. Keep in mind that BP can bleach clothing! Try and make sure that the Benzoyl Peroxide has completely dried before you touch anything.

With the use of any acne products you may encounter some side effects. Benzoyl Peroxide is no different. Our test user experienced dry, irritated skin. At times their skin became red and itchy. This was countered by the use of a light moisturizer and the skin eventually returned to normal.

So, what’s our final conclusion on Benzoyl Peroxide? Sure, it can bring positive results to acne sufferers, but at what cost? The safety warning from the FDA as well as the bleaching elements was enough to make us find an alternative acne solution.