As a teen I never battled with Acne, however as a mom to a teen who is going through the Acne stage, I have bought him a Benzoyl Peroxide gel to wash his face. It’s effective (when he remembers to use it) and has worked well for him. During my research on Parabens and other chemicals used in body and beauty products, I looked up Benzoyl peroxide to see what I’m exposing my child to.

What is Benzoyl Peroxide?

Benzoyl peroxide gel is a keratolytic agent with antibacterial actions. The effectiveness of Benzoyl Peroxide appears to be due to its antibacterial, peeling (keratolytic), and drying actions.
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How to use Benzoyl Peroxide

Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer’s printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about Benzoyl Peroxide and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you could experience from using it.

It is recommended that you use Benzoyl Peroxide once or twice each day. When you first start using it, you will be recommended to use a 4% or 5% strength preparation. This will help keep any skin irritation to a minimum. If you find it does irritate then try the 2.5% strength once the irritation has settled. These strength preparations often work as well as the higher 10% strength preparations and cause less skin irritation. If necessary, you can increase the strength of the preparation as you go on, but do this gradually. A general point is that you should apply Benzoyl Peroxide to all of the area where your spots occur and not just to each spot.

Creams and gels should be applied about 15 minutes or so after washing the area with soap and water and gently drying with a towel. At first you may want to wash the preparation off after a few hours, but gradually try to increase the length of time you leave it on the skin. When your skin is used to the preparation, aim to put it on twice a day and leave it on.

If you are using a ‘wash’, wet your skin and then pour some of the liquid wash on to your hands and use it to wash the affected areas. Leave it on for a minute or so before you rinse it off. Then dry the area gently with a towel.

As you apply Benzoyl Peroxide, try to avoid getting it on the sensitive areas of your skin in or around your nostrils, your eyes and your mouth. Do not apply it to any areas of skin which are irritated or sore.
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General information

* If you have any questions about Benzoyl Peroxide gel, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
* Benzoyl Peroxide gel is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
* If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
* Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take Benzoyl Peroxide gel or any other medicine. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for you. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about Benzoyl Peroxide gel. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to Benzoyl Peroxide gel. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using Benzoyl Peroxide gel.
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Side Effects

Skin reactions such as peeling, itching, irritation, and reddened skin may occur, especially at the start of treatment. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. You may need to apply smaller amounts of the drug or use it less often. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
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*Disclaimer: I AM NOT a medical doctor. Please speak to your medical practitioner before using any medicinal products.*