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Benzoyl
peroxide is a chemical classified under organic peroxides. This compound
is composed of two benzoyl groups attached to a peroxide group. It was
developed by Jack Breitbart of REVLON to treat acne. Basically, benzoyl
peroxide when applied on the skin creates free radicals which are deadly
to bacteria as well as fungus. It also acts as an oxidizing agent or
an oxygen donor as well. Being an oxidizer, benzoyl peroxide can actually
bleach hair, teeth and fabric.
II.
How does Benzoyl Peroxide works on acne?
Benzoyl peroxide is noted for its antiseptic/antibacterial
action. It kills bacteria that cause inflammation of the oil glands.
Benzoyl
peroxide as an oxidizing agent dries out the sebum and fluids that have
built up inside a blocked pore. This product also possesses mild anti-inflammatory
action which means that it may reduce the swelling of an infected pore.
Users should not rely on the anti-inflammatory action of benzoyl peroxide
since it is very mild. You can use topical niacinamide and copper peptide
as a much better alternative for reducing the swelling of pimples.
Advantages
- Benzoyl
Peroxide does not cause bacterial resistance which means that you can
use this product for long periods of time without the reduction of its
germ killing power. Antibiotics usually work very well during the initial
treatment stage but its ability to kill bacteria degrades over time.
There is also a point where a specific antibiotic is already ineffective
because the bacteria have already adapted to its effects.
Disadvantages
- It
is important for you to make sure that this product does not come in
contact with your pillows, clothes and hair as it bleaches these things
upon contact.
- It
does not reduce the sebum output of the oil gland.
- It
does not enhance tissue repair of acne damaged skin.
- It
chemically disables topical Vitamin-C when used at the same time. Benzoyl
Peroxide is an "oxidizer" while Vitamin-C is "anti-oxidant".
These products should be used at separate application times. For example,
you can use vitamin-C at daytime and use benzoyl peroxide at night.
Efficacy
Benzoyl
peroxide alone (monotherapy) is already effective in reducing the population
of acne causing bacteria but Benzoyl peroxide in combination with topical
erythromycin is more effective than benzoyl peroxide alone. Premixed
benzoyl peroxide and antibiotic is now available. Typically, it is 5%
benzoyl peroxide and 3% erythromycin or 1% clindamycin and 5% benzoyl
peroxide. When using Benzoyl Peroxide, it is advisable to use the 2.5%
cream or gel because research have shown that the 2.5% Benzoyl peroxide
gel is just as effective as the 5% gel but with less irritation.
-
"A
water based 5% benzoyl peroxide gel (Benzac® W5) was compared
with topical 1% clindamycin phosphate solution (Cleocin T®) in
the treatment of acne vulgaris using a randomized, investigator blind
study design. Lesion counts were significantly reduced in both treatment
groups over the 12-week study period; however, the reduction of total
lesions produced by benzoyl peroxide gel was significantly greater
than that produced by clindamycin phosphate (P< 0.05). Clindamycin
phosphate had a milder effect on the skin surface in terms of peeling
and drying than the benzoyl peroxide gel".
( Source: L.J. SWINYER, M.D. BAKER, THALIA A. SWINYER, O.H. MILLS
Jr (1988)
A comparative study of benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin phosphate
for treating acne vulgaris
British Journal of Dermatology 119 (5), 615–622.)
-
Treating
acne vulgaris with a combination of 5% benzoyl peroxide plus 1% clindamycin
appeared to have some advantages over benzoyl peroxide monotherapy.
The combination gel reduced inflammatory lesions to a greater extent
than did the gel's individual components.In reducing the number of
comedones, however, the effects of combination therapy and benzoyl
peroxide monotherapy did not differ significantly.
( Source: Clindamycin-Benzoyl Peroxide Combination May Offer Some
Advantages in Acne Vulgaris Family Pratice News, May 1, 2000 by Sherry
Boschert)
-
The
2.5% benzoyl peroxide formulation was more effective than its vehicle
and equivalent to the 5% and 10% concentrations in reducing the number
of inflammatory lesions (papules and pustules). Desquamation, erythema,
and symptoms of burning with the 2.5% gel were less frequent than
with the 10% preparation but equivalent to the 5% gel. The 2.5% formulation
also significantly reduced Propionibacterium acnes and the percentage
of free fatty acids in the surface lipids after 2 weeks of topical
application.
( Source: Comparing 2.5%, 5%, and 10% benzoyl peroxide on inflammatory
acne vulgaris.Mills OH Jr, Kligman AM, Pochi P, Comite H.)
III.
Forms, Dosage and Administration
Benzoyl
peroxide comes in creams, lotions or gel. The basic mode of delivery
is by sparingly coating the surface of the skin with this medication.
It is available in 2.5%, 5% and 10% concentration. It is always best
to use the small dosage first and see the reaction of your skin to the
medication.
IV.
Precautions
Do
not use near the eyes, lips or inside the nose. During the first few
weeks of using this product your skin may become irritated. Avoid using
other products with an exfoliating agent such as retinoids, salicylic
acid and resorcinol. Avoid using other products with high amounts of
alcohol and abrasives. Benzoyl Peroxide cannot be used with Topical
Vitamin-C at the same time as they would both cancel their effectiveness.
Benzoyl Peroxide is an oxidant and Vitamin-C is an anti-oxidant so these
two products are definitely incompatible.
V.
Side Effects
Slight
stinging sensation, slight peeling of the skin and slight redness of
the skin.
Brand Names
Benoxyl®,
Benzac®, Desquam® , Fostex®, Oxy 10®, PanOxyl®
References
- http://physchem.ox.ac.uk/MSDS/BE/benzoyl_peroxide.html
Safety data for benzoyl peroxide (updated September 2003)
- http://dermnetnz.org/treatments/benzoyl-peroxide.html
Benzoyl peroxide Benzoyl Peroxide( updated December 2006 )
- http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a603021.html
Benzoyl Peroxide( updated 10/01/2003)
Page
last modified: January 07, 2008
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