How long should i keep benzoyl peroxide on my face?

If you’re someone who suffers from acne, benzoyl peroxide is probably not a new phrase to you. It’s one of the most common active ingredients in skincare products for acne-prone skin. But if you’re wondering how long you should keep it on your face or if might just be an ingredient in your moisturizer that will eventually get washed away – this is article is just what the dermatologist ordered.

Understanding Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide works by killing off bacteria that cause pimples and reducing inflammation- thus reducing breakouts.
As a first step to better understand how long to leave on benzoyl peroxide, let us examine its concentration.

Concentration Matters

Various concentrations are available today; Benzoyl peroxide comes in 2%, 5%, and 10% strength formulations, as well as combination options with other actives like clindamycin (glycopeptide antibiotic used primarily to treat Gram-positive bacterial infections).

  • The lower (2%) forms of topical benzolyl work well when treating mild-to-moderate inflammatory (papulopustular) acne
  • Medium-strength formulas (5%) are effective against moderate-to-severe inflammatory papulopustular acne.
  • High-strength medications(10%) can additionally help clear severe inflammatory / nodulocystic (cysts under facial tissue) acne.

Furthermore, Like all good things in life – BPO also comes with some possible side effects.

Times Have Changed

In previous years applying benzoyl-peroxide overnight was deemed effective- though recent studies have shown otherwise! And herein lies our main question:

How Long then SHOULD I Keep BP On my Face?

Well…there isn’t exact science behind it. It is different for everyone. However, here are some tips that may help you had a successful experience:

Start Slowly

begin by using only once daily (and preferably at night) for 10 minutes and gradually increase the time until your skin can tolerate longer periods without excessive drying or redness

  • For example, Treat yourself to a first-time application of benzene peroxide on Monday evening and leave it on for 5-7 minutes

Increase Gradually

if there isn’t any itching, burning or noticeable irritation then feel free to store in cream form overnight as long as possible (even up to eight hours maximum!)

  • On Tuesday extend your duration from Day1’s time window up by an extra two-three minutes. Apply liberally over the affected area (but be careful not get into the surrounds eyes-lids region)

Note: Always remember whenever you have applied BP wash face after twenty-thirty minutes.

What if my Benzoyl Attains more potency?

If you start experiencing dryness / irritability/ reddening associated with prolonged use; cut back frequency rather than increasing strength level._

  • For Example: reduce nighttime applications so now apply every other day before bed in order maintain efficacy without risk much adverse effect of longterm usage.

The Verdict

Ultimately how long should one keep BPO? There is no exact science behind it! Tailor your usage tolerance – starting slowly & increasing gradually helps…plus moderation remains key! Don’t let benzoyl peroxide become yet another issue contributing to folks’ ongoing anxieties around acne.

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