Benzoyl Peroxide Wash

Are you like one of the millions of people worldwide who are battling mild or moderate breakouts of acne or other troublesome skin problems?

If so I’m sure you’ve probably tried a hundred and one different miracle cures all claiming to be the next best thing when it comes to ridding you of these often humiliating problems. But alas there is light at the end of the tunnel because you’ve found one of the most effective skin condition treatments on the market today, benzoyl peroxide wash.

A benzoyl peroxide wash is a relatively new phenomena in the ongoing treatment and maintenance of moderate cases of acne and other mild skin problems. Much like the similar glycolic acid products, through regular use these products can be effectively harnessed as an effective acne fighting solution because their key ingredients utilise what are known as keratolytic agents (just a fancy way of saying skin softeners).

By coupling benzoyl peroxide washes with a regular facial cleansing routine you can have access to one of the most effective acne treatments available on the market today, all in the privacy of your own home.

So let’s take a look at just how benzoyl peroxide works to help create healthy younger looking skin…

How does a Benzoyl Peroxide Wash Work?

Benzoyl peroxide washes are so effective at ridding us of skin impurities because the active ingredient acts as a keratolytic agent which induces mild antibacterial actions deep within our skin cells. But what are keratolytic agents?

A keratolytic agent while sounding fairly complicated is actually quite a simplistic process.

Basically any ingredient is said to have keratolytic properties if it acts to soften and loosen the outermost dead skin cells on our body (epidermis), and help shed these cells to be replaced by newer reinvigorated and refreshed skin cells.

But lets back up just a short ways…before you can truly understand how benzoyl peroxide works to help clear acne you need to know how acne is formed.

How is Acne Formed?

Contrary to popular belief pimples are actually created in the deepest layers of our skin cells (the dermis) where hair follicles, blood vessel and other capillaries are located.

Now our bodies are continuously replacing old and damaged skin cells with new ones on a very regular basis.

However as we age this skin renewal process is slowed down due to excess sunshine, the environment, over cleaning of our skin and the slow down effects of aging and as a result our outer most layers of skin hang around longer and longer.

Because more and more dead skin cells are located on the body and they are taking longer and longer to be shed and replaced the possibility for acne increases.

Acne occurs because oil and dead skin cells become plugged inside our hair follicles, this leads to the formation of blackheads. Once a blackhead is formed it is only a matter of time before the normally harmless bacteria that normally reside in the hair follicle multiply and become a problem. As the bacteria multiplies the body triggers an inflammatory response which causes a large number of white blood cells to ruse to the area and voila a pimple is born!

So How does Benzoyl Peroxide Help Remove Pimples, Blackheads and Skin Conditions?

A benzoyl peroxide wash helps to decrease the likelihood and effect of pimples and black heads in two major ways…

1. Firstly because it contains the keratolytic agent that helps promote the removal and regeneration of new skin cells you are immediately reducing the threat of dead skin cell build up and increased bacterial activity within the deep hair follicles.
2. Secondly benzoyl peroxide washes actually fights off any increases in bacteria fund within the hair follicles. This in turn reduces the threat of the body triggering an inflammatory response which generates the white blood cells and leads to pimples

What are the Benefits of Using a Benzoyl Peroxide Wash?

Now that you can understand the basics of how benzoyl peroxide washes can help remove skin impurities and help manage the breakout of pimples and acne you can consider these other beneficial properties of using benzoly peroxide.

• It actually kills the bacteria responsible for causing acne
• Acne does not become resistant to the benefits and properties of benzoyl peroxide
• Benzoyl peroxide can can boost the effectiveness of other medications used in conjunction with it to treat skin conditions
• Benzoyl peroxide is available in handy washes and bars that can be used to replace you pre-existing soap

Instructions for Using Benzoyl Peroxide in your own Skin Care Regime

If you decide to use a benzoyl peroxide wash or similar product to complement your current skin care regime you should follow closely the instructions found on your own brand of benzoyl peroxide.

However the following is a rough guide of how most benzoyl peroxide washes can be used to achieve reductions in the severity and break out of acne and other mild skin related problems.

Step 1: Wash your face with a facial cleanser making sure to remove all oils, dirts and other contaminants

Step 2: Dry your face with a clean towel ensuring not to touch your skin with any dirty nails or other contaminating objects.

Step 3 (Optional): Apply a skin toner to your skin to help unclog pores and revitalise your skin cells.

Step 4: Prior to going to bed for the night, apply to your face, forehead, cheeks, nose and chin a small amount of your chosen benzoyl peroxide wash. If you have any overly troublesome acne areas (for example your T-zone) apply a little extra peroxide wash to these places.

Step 5: When you wake up in the morning ensure that you remove the benzoyl peroxide wash with a facial cleansing product and remove with a splash of lukewarm water.

Step 6: Apply a mousturiser to your skin, this will help ensure that your skin does not overly dry out due to the use of the peroxide wash.

Step 7: Using these treatments will increase your sensitivity to the sun and other elements. Ensure that you plan adequately for your daily activities by including sun screen and other SPF protectors that you may need.

Precautions when Using Benzoyl Peroxide to Treat Acne and Skin Conditions

Benzoyl Peroxide treatments have been well documented to clean out dead and clogged pores and can be a feasible alternative for those with sensitive skin that will not handle harsher treatments. However benzoyl peroxide washes and treatment are not for everybody!

Be very careful with any pre-exisitng medical conditions when using this product on your own skin. We recommend consulting your local physician before trying any new products to ensure that it is safe to use in your own personal circumstances.

More specifically benzoyl peroxide wash should not be used in the following circumstances:

• If your skin becomes excessively irritated, red or peeled please consult a skin care professional
• Do not apply to the eyes, eyelids, inside of the nose or mouth…if accidental contact occurs consult your local physician immediately
• In the case of being pregnant or breastfeeding
• In the use of young children. If your young child has any skin problems take them to a qualified skin care professional for assessment

How to Choose the Right Benzoyl Peroxide Product for Your Skin…

When considering your own skin care needs it is important to think about short term, mid term and long term strategies. Benzoyl Peroxide washes fall in the category of a short term beautification strategy.

These types of skin care products should be used each day in conjunction with a well rounded complement of other skin care product to be truly effective as part of your own skin care regime.

You may also want to check out our extensive articles on glycolic acid and related glycolic acid products that can be used to complement your existing skin care regime.