Skin Health
Acne
Treatment
ByAngela Palmer
Updated on January 09, 2024
Medically reviewed byCasey Gallagher, MD
Benzoyl peroxide is the most effective over-the-counter acne treatment. It can be found in both over-the-counter and prescription acne medication in concentrations of 2.5%, 5%, and 10%. Benzoyl peroxide is bactericidal, meaning it kills bacteria. It works against Cutibacterium acnes(C. acnes), a type of bacteria that contributes to the development of acne.
Benzoyl peroxide is effective, but it has side effects. It can make your skin dry and flaky and cause a burning sensation when you apply it. Using moisturizer just before you apply benzoyl peroxide can help. Since benzoyl peroxide can also stain, it's best to keep it away from fabrics and hair.
This article provides tips for using benzoyl peroxide that can reduce side effects, protect clothing, and make the medication more effective.
1
Use a Moisturizer Every Day
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Dy skin is the most common side effect of benzoyl peroxide use. Most people find benzoyl peroxide too drying to the point of being uncomfortable. It can also make your skin burn, flake, and peel.
The best way to counteract this is to use a noncomedogenic (doesn't clog pores) moisturizer every day. If you're just beginning your benzoyl peroxide treatment, start using moisturizer before you notice any uncomfortable dryness.
If your skin is already dry and flaky, put a liberal amount of moisturizer on first, immediately after cleansing, then apply benzoyl peroxide. This should be done right before bed.
Choose a moisturizer that is oil-free and noncomedogenic to help prevent new blocked pores. A fragrance-free moisturizer made for sensitive skin will be more soothing to already irritated skin.
6 Tips to Beat Dry Skin Caused by Benzoyl Peroxide
2
Keep It Away From Fabrics and Hair
Benzoyl peroxide acts like bleach, so take care not to stain clothing when using it. Thoroughly rinse off benzoyl peroxide cleansers. Let benzoyl peroxide creams and lotions dry completely before dressing or lying on a pillow. Always wash your hands well after using any benzoyl peroxide treatment.
If you have dark hair, keep benzoyl peroxide away from your hairline. Regular exposure can also bleach your hair.
Prevent Benzoyl Peroxide Bleach Stains
3
Always Wear Sunscreen
Benzoyl peroxide can make your skin more likely to burn. During use, you will be more prone to sunburn and sun damage. Try to stay out of the sun and don't use tanning beds while you're using this medication.
Choose a sunscreen that's oil-free with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 and wear it every day. This will protect you from skin cancer and premature aging.
If you'd prefer not to use sunscreen, look for a moisturizer that has SPF.
Sun Sensitivity With Acne Medications
4
Don't Use Multiple Acne Medications
Using multiple acne treatment products won't help you get clearer skin faster. Instead, it can cause severe redness, drying, peeling, and flaking. Don't use benzoyl peroxide with other acne medications unless your healthcare provider has recommended it.
Under certain circ*mstances, benzoyl peroxide may deactivate Retin-A (tretinoin) when the two medications are applied simultaneously. If in doubt, ask your dermatologist first.
Summary
Benzoyl peroxide is an effective acne medication, but it can cause side effects like dryness and flaking. To limit or reduce these side effects, use a noncomedogenic moisturizer after you wash your face but before you apply the benzoyl peroxide. Don't combine benzoyl peroxide with other acne medications unless your healthcare provider has instructed you to do so.
Benzoyl peroxide can also act like a bleach, so take care when using it near fabric and hair. And because it can make your skin more likely to burn in the sun, avoid sun exposure whenever possible and wear sunscreen with at least 30 SPF.
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Boonchaya P, Rojhirunsakool S, Kamanamool N, et al. Minimum contact time of 1.25%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10% benzoyl peroxide for a bactericidal effect against Cutibacterium acnes. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2022;15:403-409. doi:10.2147/CCID.S359055
Kawashima M, Nagare T, Doi M. Clinical efficacy and safety of benzoyl peroxide for acne vulgaris: Comparison between Japanese and Western patients.J Dermatol. 2017;44(11):1212–1218. doi:10.1111/1346-8138.13996
Bagatin E, Freitas THP, Rivitti-Machado MC, et al. Adult female acne: a guide to clinical practice.An Bras Dermatol. 2019;94(1):62–75. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20198203
Del Rosso J, Sugarman J, Green L, et al. Efficacy and safety of microencapsulated benzoyl peroxide and microencapsulated tretinoin for the treatment of acne vulgaris: Results from two phase 3 double-blind, randomized, vehicle-controlled studies. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2023;89(4):719-727. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2023.05.093
By Angela Palmer
Angela Palmer is a licensed esthetician specializing in acne treatment.
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