What Is Benzoyl Peroxide
Since you’re reading this article, you are probably already familiar with benzoyl peroxide. However, just in case you’re not familiar with it or don’t really know why it works, here is a brief explanation. Benzoyl peroxide is a compound that you apply directly to the skin to treat acne. It can be found in cream or gel form and usually comes in concentrations of 2.5%, 5%, or 10%.
How Does It Fight Acne
There are two main reasons why benzoyl peroxide works well against acne. The first reason is that it oxygenates your skin. Bacteria on the skin is one of the main causes of acne. Increasing the oxygenation of your skin makes it more difficult for bacteria to develop and thrive.
The second reason it works against acne is because it is a peeling agent. This means that it will cause old skin to peel away which allows new healthy skin to replace it. This reduces the amount of bacteria on your skin and helps prevent your pores from clogging.
The Only Way To Use Benzoyl Peroxide
There are a few things to consider when using benzoyl peroxide. The first one is which concentration level you should use. The answer is 2.5%. It comes in higher concentrations, but studies have shown that 2.5% works just as well at preventing acne as 5% and 10%, but your skin is much less likely to be irritated by the 2.5% concentration.
Now that you know which concentration to use, you need to decide if you want to use a cream or a gel. Either one will work fine, so just go with your preference. Once you decide, make sure you buy a lot of it. One of the secrets to making this work to control your acne is to use a lot of benzoyl peroxide.
You’re ready now to start your treatment. Begin by washing your face. There is enough to say about the proper way to wash your face for an entire article, so let me just give you a few quick tips. Use a mild face wash instead of soap, rub gently with your hands, and pat dry with a clean cloth.
After washing your face, wait about 10 minutes before applying the benzoyl peroxide. You are going to want to use a generous amount. If it’s in a squirt bottle, two full pumps should be about the right amount (The first few times you do this you may want to use less until your skin gets used to it). Now you should take what is in your hands and dab it all over your face. Next, you gently massage the cream or gel into your skin. Go slowly and do not rub hard. Allow the product to absorb naturally into your skin. All you really need to do is move it around and allow your skin to absorb it. Be thorough. This should take a few minutes. If it doesn’t, you’re either going to fast or not using enough of the cream or gel.
Since benzoyl peroxide is a peeling agent, after you apply it you should also apply a moisturizer. The moisturizer should be applied using the same steps described in the previous step. The only difference is you don’t need as much moisturizer. One squirt from a pump bottle should be about right.
It will probably take your skin a few weeks to get used to this treatment. Once your skin is able to tolerate the full dosage of benzoyl peroxide you should start to see some good results. The trick is knowing the proper way to do it and now you know.
