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Benzoyl Peroxide
INFORMATION ABOUT BENZOYL PEROXIDE
Benzoyl Peroxide Uses
Benzoyl Peroxide is used in the treatment of acne.
How Benzoyl Peroxide works
Benzoyl Peroxide is an organic compound. It has a keratolytic property, i.e., it even out the uneven skin. When applied on acne, it releases oxygen which kills the bacteria. This is how it works to cure your acne.
Common side effects of Benzoyl Peroxide
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common
Dry skin, Erythema (skin redness), Burning sensation, Itching, Skin irritation, Skin exfoliation, Skin pain
CONTENT DETAILS
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Written By
Dr. Lipika Khurana
PGDHHM, BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Rajeev Sharma
MBA, MBBS
Last updated
07 Apr 2025 | 05:14 AM (UTC)
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Medicine brands for Benzoyl Peroxide
Expert advice for Benzoyl Peroxide
- You have been prescribed Benzoyl Peroxide for the treatment of Acne.
- Do not apply it on sunburned or damaged skin.
- Be careful when applying Benzoyl Peroxide to large areas since it can bleach hair, clothing, and furnishings upon contact.
- It makes the skin more sensitive towards sunlight. Hence, apply it at night time and avoid excessive sun exposure. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
- It may cause skin dryness or stinging sensation. In case you experience excessive irritation or allergy, discontinue the medication and consult your doctor.
Frequently asked questions for Benzoyl Peroxide
You should remove all of the make-up. Wash your hands and the affected area and gently dry. Put a thin layer of Benzoyl Peroxide cream on the affected skin, using your fingertips. Apply it to the entire area affected by acne, not just each spot. After applying, wash your hands thoroughly with water.
At the beginning of the treatment, Benzoyl Peroxide is usually used once daily in the evening. The area is not washed off after application of Benzoyl Peroxide, so it can be left overnight unless you experience irritation. However, if you experience irritation, consult your doctor.
You should discontinue Benzoyl Peroxide and consult your doctor if you experience severe local irritation, which means severe redness, dryness and itching and stinging/burning sensation.
Use Benzoyl Peroxide only on your skin. Keep it away from areas like your eyes, eyelids, lips, mouth and inside of the nose. If the medicine comes in contact with any of these areas, wash the affected area with water immediately. Avoid using Benzoyl Peroxide on scratched or eroded skin and open wounds. Take care when using Benzoyl Peroxide on sensitive areas of skin such as your neck. Benzoyl Peroxide can make your skin more sensitive to the harmful effects of the sunlight. So, avoid the use of sunbeds/lamps and minimize the time you spend in the sun. You should use sunscreen and wear protective clothing while using Benzoyl Peroxide. Avoid contact with hair as Benzoyl Peroxide has bleaching properties. It can even bleach dyed or colored fabric, furniture or carpeting.
The initial dose is preferably once daily in the evening. Later, the doctor will gradually increase the dose to twice daily (most probably morning and evening).
You may see an improvement after 4-6 weeks of treatment. You may need to use this treatment for longer to see the full benefits. This is normal for acne treatments. If your acne does not get better after 1 month or if it gets worse, talk to your doctor immediately.
You may apply moisturizer an hour after applying Benzoyl Peroxide. Consult your doctor in case of any doubt or concern.