If you’re like many people, you’ve considered using benzoyl peroxide as an acne treatment – and while it may help in some ways, it can harm in others. Here’s what you need to know about using benzoyl peroxide on your face (and what better alternatives you have). Before you start any type of acne treatment, you should talk to your doctor to make sure you’re choosing the right program for your skin.
Is Benzoyl Peroxide Safe for Acne Treatment?
Benzoyl peroxide is an ingredient in many over-the-counter and prescription acne treatments. That’s because it can kill acne-causing bacteria, and that’s the ultimate goal of these types of products. Usually, these kinds of treatments balance out the drying effects that peroxide has by blending ingredients that restore moisture to your skin.
But what about straight peroxide from the bottle?
Peroxide you buy at the drug store may be too harsh for your skin. It can cause irritation and dryness, and because there are better alternatives, you should talk to a doctor about your options before you resort to liquid peroxide on a cotton ball.
Alternatives to Benzoyl Peroxide for Safe Acne Treatment
Although benzoyl peroxide is an active ingredient in many safe acne treatments, you may have better results with different types of treatment. You should talk to your doctor about:
- HydraFacials
- Chemical peels
- Laser treatments
Here’s a closer look at each.
HydraFacials
Depending on the severity of your acne, you may benefit from a HydraFacial. These medical-grade facials deep-clean your skin and include vacuum extraction, exfoliation and rehydration. This treatment isn’t a stand-alone; you need to adopt a proper skincare regimen to improve your skin between HydraFacials. Over time, you can make your skin healthier and resolve hyperpigmentation (the dark spots that appear on the skin after a pimple disappears).
Chemical Peels
Many people benefit from chemical peels to help the skin cells “turn over” – that is, clear out old, dead skin cells to make room for those beneath them. These chemical peels to treat acne can give you noticeable results after just one treatment, though you may need multiple treatments to get the look you want.
A chemical peel is made from a specialized solution that causes the skin to exfoliate itself. Over the course of a few days, the skin peels off. New, regenerated skin (the skin cells beneath the older skin cells, which come off with a chemical peel) is often smoother than the old skin was. As a result, chemical peels can help minimize fine lines on the face, reduce dullness and correct hyperpigmentation. It can also help improve the appearance of some acne scars.
Laser Treatments
In some people, laser treatments for acne are far superior to benzoyl peroxide. Laser treatments can help reduce acne, scarring and hyperpigmentation. These treatments can leave behind smoother, more attractive skin – and there’s little to no downtime. Laser treatments for acne are generally simple procedures with very minimal discomfort, and they’re non-invasive. If you’re interested in laser treatments for acne, talk to your doctor; they may be the right choice for you.
What if You Choose to Use Benzoyl Peroxide to Treat Acne at Home?
You should talk to your doctor about the right skincare regimen to use benzoyl peroxide to treat your acne. Your doctor may be able to recommend a good product with the right balance of peroxide and moisturizer to help you clear up your acne quickly and effectively. Because straight benzoyl peroxide can be too rough on your skin – and because it can cause significant damage in the wrong concentration, you should avoid using it directly on your skin without consulting your doctor first. There may be better alternatives for you.
Ready to Talk About Using Benzoyl Peroxide as an Acne Treatment in Ann Arbor?
Our Ann Arbor med spa can help you get the look you want, from clear and youthful skin to fat reduction. Call or text us at 734-249-8722 or fill out the form below to get in touch.
