Benzoyl Peroxide Side Effects

Benzoyl Peroxide is listed as one of the ingredients that can be used in fighting acne. Research suggests that the chemical ingredient is used in primarily killing of the bacteria that is responsible for acne. One method it does this is by increasing of aeration. When oxygen levels in the pores increase, the bacteria is unable to metabolize normally, so it dies. Benzoyl Peroxide has also been recommended for use in the restoration of blemish-free skin. It works mechanical by inducing skin death in this case, the acne affected skin. The body reacts by regenerating new skin which is blemish free and smoother.

Use of Benzoyl Peroxide as an active ingredient in acne solutions has been questioned on several occasions because of the side effects. They are numerous, as would be expected when any chemical contacts the skin. These effects are classified as short and long term depending on the amount of time that it has been used in treating the acne problem.

Short Term Effects

Skin Irritation is the first. It’s the body’s way of disapproving what you are doing. The skin naturally doesn’t like taking on synthetic products even when it’s supposed to do it good. The irritation does subside with continued use. What you need to do is to use acne treatments with minimal levels of the peroxide to give the skin time for adjustment.

Dryness of the skin is also a short term effect of Benzoyl Peroxide. The desiccation too does subside over time when the skin rejuvenates and regenerates. A stinging or burning sensation is predicted as well. Normally, this is the indication of a reaction taking place.

The unfortunate part is that for that continued look of fresh new skin, continued use of Benzoyl Peroxide is usually encouraged. And over time there are some effects that are recorded. These one are usually more serious in comparison.

Long Term Effects

One of the predicted long term effects of continued use Benzoyl Peroxide is skin damage. True the skin does have regenerative power, but there is only so much growth that it can do. The regeneration is supposed to be a natural process, so when manually induced, results are witnessed, but it’s not advised as something to be done on the long term.

The other documented long term effect is increased sensitivity to sunlight. Spending longer periods getting a tan may not be so good for you when you have been using Benzoyl Peroxide for a long time.

Being peroxide, you are required to keep it away from anything with color, like cloth, towel or hair. It does have bleaching power and the last thing you want is a patch of white on your red evening dress.

How sensitive your skin is will determine if there will be severity with the side effects that you experience. Talk it over with your dermatologist or your doctor to ensure that your skin can take it. There are natural alternatives to Benzoyl Peroxide, and with fewer side effects, and that you are at liberty to try out.