Five Questions About Benzoyl Peroxide Answered
Most people know that benzoyl peroxide is a gold standard ingredient when it comes to treating acne. You know it. You love it. But can you explain why? Sometimes it’s the ones we love the most that we know the least about. Here are answers to some of the most-asked questions about acne’s arch enemy benzoyl peroxide.
Is benzoyl peroxide an acid?
BP is an organic compound with antibacterial, keratolytic, comedolytic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It works by releasing oxygen into the pore to kill acne bacteria and flush out impurities. By contrast, acids work on the surface of the skin to dissolve the proteins that bind dead skin cells and slough dead cells away. Dr. Fulton developed and patented a stabilized Benzoyl Peroxide gel giving Vivant’s BP products a performance edge.
Does benzoyl peroxide increase cell turnover?
Part of benzoyl peroxide’s charm is a mildly irritating effect that boosts the turnover rate of epithelial cells to peel out impactions.
What is benzoyl peroxide used for?
Acne in all its forms—from little white bumps to angry red pustules—can be treated with benzoyl peroxide on both face and body. It also works very quickly, improving acne as early as five days after starting treatment.
Does benzoyl peroxide remove scars?
For removing red marks associated with acne (post-inflammatory erythema, or PIE), Benzoyl peroxide is king. For darker scars (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation PIH), brightening agents like mandelic acid or hydroquinone are a better choice. It may help to reduce the appearance of raised scars by peeling away the top layer of skin, but a combination of vitamin A and acids is a better course. An aesthetician or dermatologist can help with more severe scarring. The best treatment for acne scars is to avoid getting them in the first place by treating acne early and preventively. Benzoyl peroxide is your acne scar avoidance plan.
Can I use benzoyl peroxide every day?
BP percentages range from 2.5% to 10% concentrations to treat mild to stubborn acne. It can be used daily with consideration for skin type and concentration. At the lower end, cleansing daily with BP Wash is no problem for oily, acne prone skin. Sensitive skin might benefit from a schedule that alternates with a milder product like Green Tea Antioxidant Cleanser.
At the higher end, 10% is a strong concentration. We recommend using this to control active breakouts as needed. Start by putting 10% BP gel all over the face (or affected area on the body) overnight every other day and work it up to every night. Keep in mind benzoyl peroxide bleaches clothes, sheets, and towels. Wash the BP 10% off with 3% BP Exfoliating Cleanser or BP Acne Wash. And we always recommend against spot treating because the bacteria is spreading under the surface. You may eradicate the pimple you can already see, but others are already forming under the surface in the surrounding area.
Benzoyl Peroxide Benefits
- Kills bacteria and flushes pores
- Peels out acne impactions
- Reduces oil in skin
- Reduces the appearance of pores
- Works quickly
- Does not cause antibiotic resistance
Things to Note About Benzoyl Peroxide
- May be irritating to sensitive skin
- Can bleach fabric
- Can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (a.k.a. dark spots) in darker skin tones
- Makes skin more sensitive to the sun, so be sure to wear sunscreen
What Does Vivant Recommend?
Vivant’s creamy and soothing, yet vigorously cleansing 3% BP Acne Wash strikes the perfect balance for refining and resurfacing without undue irritation. This is the first stop for skin new to benzoyl peroxide. Les Nouvelles Esthetiques & Spa Best Product Award Winner 2018.
“I have had almost no acne since using this product for about a month. It is amazing how fast this wash started to work. You can both see and feel the difference.” -Owen, Vivant customer
Our gold standard acne-fighting formula gets an exfoliating boost from biodegradable microbeads to make this the king of acne cleansers. Excellent for targeting acne on the face, back, forearms, or for use after a sweaty workout.
“Best scrub/wash ever. I have been using this scrub for over a year now. I started using it when I had enough with prescription pills to rid me of my acne. This scrub, combined with BP 10% gel at night was a life changer and a life saver. Not only does this scrub attack acne fast but you can see the quality of your skin change after one or two uses. It's amazing and worth every penny.” -Lauren, Vivant customer
This high concentration gel formula delivers extra firepower against tough breakouts for oily or resistant skin.
“I have struggled with acne my entire life. I am also a licensed esthetician. This product is a game changer especially when paired with the other Vivant skincare products.”
-Megan, Vivant customer
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