Benzoyl Peroxide: Side Effects and How to Avoid Them

Benzoyl Peroxide: Side Effects and How to Avoid Them

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12/20/2009 11:05:00 AM

If you're deciding to use benzoyl peroxide to treat your acne, you must know that there are some major side effects, that you'll definitely want to avoid.

Here are some products that contain benzoyl peroxide:

Skin Side Effects of using benzoyl peroxide to treat acne:

  • Dry
  • Red
  • Itchy
  • Flaky
  • Stinging
  • Tight

Possible Allergic Reactions:

It's now being said that if you decide to use benzoyl peroxide, you should first apply it to your arm for 3 - 4 days, to see if any allergic reactions appear. That way, they don't appear on your face.

Here's a list off possible allergic reactions:

  • Rash
  • Hives
  • Itching
  • Dizziness
  • Trouble breathing
  • Tightness of chest
  • Swelling

Preventing Side Effects

Preventing an allergic reaction isn't possible. However, it's definitely possible to prevent some side effects from occurring if you do some of the following things correctly.

  • Stick to 2.5% benzoyl peroxide.
  • 10% is way too strong, and is usually not necessary.
  • Get a good moisturizer. I like Alba Aloe and Green Tea Moisturizer.
  • Moisturize twice a day.
  • Never wash your face more than twice a day.
  • When washing your face, take your time
  • Slowly ramp up dosage.
  • Only use once a day at first.
  • Be gentle.

Still having trouble?

  • If you're still having a difficult time with the use of benzoyl peroxide, feel free to leave a comment below.
  • By following the tips above though, you should be able to avoid some of the side effects that come along with the use of B.P.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

What ingedients should i look for in a moisturiser if I just want to buy one from a local store?

Eyden said...

Just make sure it's a non-comedogenic moisturizer, meaning that it will NOT clog pores.

Anonymous said...

I was using proactive for a while like over a year almost everyday but suddenly i had to stop because one random day i had an allergic reaction and now i have to stay from all benzoyl peroxide products.

Anonymous said...

I had the same problem as the last comment. I used proactiv for months, then one day I started getting red itchy patches which started to spread. Now I can't even stand to use the lowest percentage without an allergic reaction. Each time I've tried, it just gets worse.

Anonymous said...

i got the itchy skin and red patches too,i have used 2.5%

Anonymous said...

I have used the same being 2.5% benzoyl peroxide and I am very itchy and have red rashes. The best solution is to not put anything on your skin till the skin regulates and returns back to normal. For me I found the best thing in this case was to leave my skin alone! Hope this helps!

Anonymous said...

When I first used it, it was red and itchy, now, after one week, it's not that itchy anymore, however, it's kind of red, should I still keep on using it?

Anonymous said...

I used it for 4 days, once in a day. On the 5th day i too faced itching, rashes and burning sensation. I want to know, when my skin would heal.

Anonymous said...

I have previously used Pro-Active, for the first few months it worked fine...then I skin became really sensitive to the benzoyl peroxide. My face would become so red & tight & sting, so went to a beauty therapist who used organic skincare products. My face de-sensitised, but still have breakouts so have been starting to use the 2.5% & now 5% benzoyl peroxide just on the acne areas...my skin really dries out & becomes flakey in the areas applied. Just last night I experienced swelling around my eyes from this product, so would warn people NOT to apply around the sensitive eye area. Also to use a good moisturiser, if this dries the skin out - then more oil will be produced, causing more acne - but using a hydrating moisturiser should help balance out skin. Also try to use products that DON'T use parabens, SLS or any other ingredients you would find in your dishwashing detergent.

Acne said...

I have super sensitive skin and can't use anything that contains benzoyl peroxide. I get a rash almost instantly if I do.

Anonymous said...

i am starting to use proactiv and it is good, i used to be very shiny and this controls the oil. it has only been about one week. my breakouts arent clearing though, this more controls the oiliness. my skin is not tight because i moisturies nightly + suncream daily .

Anonymous said...

omg i thank you so much, i have bad acne, and it cleared up when i was with a dermatologist but since i stopped going it starting to break out a bit so my mother finally ordered the proactive 3 step with the refining mask and im still waiting for it in the mail...and when i go to youtube people would say these horrible things about it and i was getting to worrried! so thanks to seeing all ur vids i feel safe and now i cant wait for it to arrive! thanks so much xoxo vanessa from puerto rico :)

Anonymous said...

i am using 5% benzoyl peroxide, it cures my acne problems, i havent face any side effects of redness, but then after seeing all these comments i guess i have to stop it or maybe reduce the usage.......quite worry now

Anonymous said...

does benzol peroxide contain alcohol? i have a client in drug court who uses the product, denies use of alcohol and uses benzol peroxide. she tests barely positive as opposed someone who really ties one on. please help. jay b.