Benzoyl peroxideis the active ingredient in many over-the-counter (OTC)acnetreatments.
Benzoyl peroxide generally takes around four weeks to work.
You want to confirm you’re using the right strength and you’re applying it correctly.
Verywell / Ellen Lindner
you’re free to ease some of the dryness and flaking by using an oil-free moisturizer every day.
Even if you don’t normally moisturize, you’ll want to start while you’re using benzoyl peroxide.
It’s normal for benzoyl peroxide treatments to burn or sting a little bit when you apply it.
Don’t expect to see any results yet.
New pimples at this stage are completely normal.
Benzoyl peroxide is a slow worker.
Give it more time to start improving your skin.
Work your way up to twice dailymorning and nightover several weeks.
Weeks 2 to 3
You’re probably going to be red and very dry at this stage.
Your skin might be peeling and flaking, too.
As annoying aspeeling and flaking skincan be, it’s normal when you’re doing benzoyl peroxide treatment.
To help with the dryness and flaking, apply the moisturizer before you put on the acne medication.
Just don’t give up the treatment altogether.
Your skin is probably still dry and a little flaky, but it’s starting to clear.
As for those pimples, you may still be getting new breakouts.
They’re healing more quickly, too.
If you are not seeing any change, don’t worry.
You still have a few more weeks of treatment left.
Weeks 8 to 10
At this stage, the treatment should be finally starting to pay off.
By now, you should be noticing an improvement in your skin.
They’ll also be less frequent.
Your skin may not be completely clear yet, but don’t worry.
The longer you use benzoyl peroxide, the better your acne will get.
The results of the treatment build up over time.
Don’t panicthose spots are normal and are part of your skin’s natural healing process.
The brownish spots are calledpost-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
The most important thing you’re free to do now is to stay consistent with your treatment.
Try not to skip days.
You should be feeling more confident about your skin and comfortable with the benzoyl peroxide treatment.
If the results are not what you expected, re-evaluate the treatment approach.
That said, don’t reach for anotherover-the-counter (OTC) medication.
Instead, see adermatologistto exploreprescription options for treating acne.
If benzoyl peroxide didn’t clear up your acne, you’re not alone.
Most people have to try a few different options before finding one that works.
Knowing that this one didn’t work gets you one step closer to finding a treatment that will.
If the results are what you wanted, keep using benzoyl peroxide.
The medication won’t cure acne but if you stop using it, your acne will come back.
The responsibility of sticking to askincare regimenis worth the reward of clear skin.
You might need to see a dermatologist for prescription acne treatment.
Over the years, many over-the-counter remedies have been used with little to no help for some.
Benzoyl peroxide has been used for acne therapy for over 60 years.
It can take as long as 3-4 months for full effect.
It is harsh and will cause the skin to be very dry and peel, making moisturizing necessary.
It’s best used with the guidance of a dermatologist for optimal improvement.
Summary
Benzoyl peroxide is an acne treatment you might buy without a prescription.
When you first start using it, your skin may sting a little.
It may also turn red, flake, and feel dry.
These side effects are normal and may last several weeks.
If they are bothering you, try skipping a day of treatment.
If the treatment did not work as well as you wanted, see a dermatologist.
A prescription acne treatment might work better.
National Health Services.How and when to use benzoyl peroxide.
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American Academy of Dermatology Association.9 things to do when acne wont clear.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Questions and answers about acne.
National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus.Benzoyl peroxide (topical).
