Is BENZOYL PEROXIDE RIGHT FOR YOU

Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most famous acne ingredients in skin care. Skincare brands market 2 percent benzoyl peroxide and 10 percent benzoyl peroxide for acne.  But how should we use benzoyl peroxide and when is it the best time to use it to get the optimal outcome? 

Benzoyl peroxide is a bleaching ingredient and can be harsh on dry or sensitive skin. This is important to know when we are choosing the strength of benzoyl peroxide.  Commonly, this ingredient comes in the forms of face washes, or spot gels to fight acne. Keep in mind, This ingredient only serves to cystic acne and will burn skin with fungal acne.

When using these gels or washes, the peroxide works by targeting acne causing bacteria.  It is important to note, too much benzoyl peroxide can clear the skin but dry the skin out at the same time .Healthy skin is key. Using a moisturizer will help combat any dryness. Homeostasis of the skin is essential to prevent unwanted bacteria from entering the skin.  Benzoyl peroxide is great for oil control.  The more oil the face produces, the more congested the skin becomes. Thus it becomes more prone to inflammation  This ingredient is a common recommendation for mild acne. Benzoyl peroxide keeps pores clear from dirt and bacteria. 

Propionibacterium acne or Cutibacterium (C, Acnes) is an anaerobic bacteria that helps form acne by contributing to the overgrowth of vitamin C.  However, it is essential to skin homeostasis and to ensure unwanted microbes do not enter the skin.  Even though vitamin C is used as a serum, an overgrowth will cause acne. Vitamin C is used to promote collagen stimulation and bright skin. Thus, those that suffer from acne will not age as quickly as those that do not suffer. Skin homeostasis the key to healthy skin. 

Acne is anaerobic. This bacteria thrives without oxygen. When our pores become blocked, it creates a perfect environment for this bacteria. The bacteria divides and begins to irritate the skin overtime. With the assistance of Benzoyl peroxide, it breaks apart the dirt concentration which helps reduce dead skin cells. This makes C. Acne  more manageable. 

Skin that is not prone to breakouts should only use benzoyl peroxide only when a pimple is forming. It is best to target the pimple at its early stages to break up the acne before it is overly concentrated. 

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-1344/benzoyl-peroxide-topical/details 

https://healthmatch.io/acne/what-bacteria-causes-acne#all-you-need-to-know-about-cutibacterium-acnes.