Acne vulgaris (commonly called acne) is a skin disease caused
by changes in the pilosebaceous units (skin structures
consisting of a hair follicle and its associated sebaceous
gland). Severe acne is inflammatory, but acne can also manifest
in non-inflammatory forms. Acne lesions are commonly referred to
as pimples or zits. Acne is most common during adolescence,
affecting more than 85% of teenagers, and frequently continues
into adulthood. The face and upper neck are the most commonly
affected, but the chest, back and shoulders may have acne as
well. </p>
Often, acne clears up after several years, even without
treatment. It can be disfiguring and upsetting to the patient
(it is emotionally troubling). If left untreated, it can leave
permanent scars that may have to be treated by your
dermatologist in the future. To avoid acne scarring, treating
acne is important.
Successful treatments show little improvement within the first
two weeks, they usually take a period of two to three months to
improve and start flattening out. The modes of improvement are
not necessarily fully understood but are believed to work either
by normalising shedding into the pore to prevent blockage,
killing the bacteria that causes acne (P. acnes), having
anti-inflammatory effects or by interfering with hormones.
Benzoyl Peroxide, an antibacterial can be very effective in
treating mild cases of non-inflammatory acne. It prevents/may be
used in the treatment of mild to moderate acne. It may be
combined with other topical or oral treatments. This acne
treatment does not affect sebum production or the rate at which
your skin sheds dead cells, so it is important to continue to
use it even after your acne disappears so that your acne will
not return.
It is available in concentrations between 2% to 10%. It is
available in a range of gels, creams, lotions, bar soaps or
washes and cleansers. As with any product, please read the label
carefully and follow the instructions for proper use.
Benzoyl peroxide has the advantage of being a strong oxidizer
(essentially a mild bleach) and thus does not appear to generate
bacterial resistance like antibiotics.
Its side effects include dryness. If you experience mild
dryness you can apply a light oil-free moisturizer that is
non-comedogenic to prevent overdrying of your skin. If you are
trying benzoyl peroxide for the first time, it is advisable to
start with a low concentration (2.5%) so as to determine if your
skin is sensitive to the product. Another side effect is
irritation; mild irritation can be taken care of by decreasing
your frequency of use. For severe irritation however, it is
advisable you discontinue use. If you experience dermatitis
(i.e. red, dry, itchy skin), it would be best you discontinue
use and treat with a mild topical steroid like hydrocortisone.
Most drugs have people who are allergic to them. So if you fall
into the range of people who are allergic to benzoyl peroxide
(usually characterized by itching and redness), it is important
you discontinue the use of the product.
CAUTION: Benzoyl peroxide can bleach hair, clothing and linen
so it is important that your skin is completely dry before you
touch any fabric.
Most benzoyl peroxide products are to be used twice daily in
other to achieve its result and consistently too. Also stick to
the regimen for about 2-3 months to obtain favourable results.
</p>
Well hope you know a little about benzoyl peroxide and are
encouraged to start using it. Like I always say, you have
nothing to lose except your acne.
For more information on benzoyl peroxide and products that even
offer you a money back guarantee, check out my blogs
http://beautyandhealthshop.blogger.com or
http://beautyandhealth1.wordpress.com. You would also learn
about my struggle in keeping my face and chest acne free. Hope
you enjoy all my postings.
About the author:
Bim nubi is a pharmacist on a mission to get rid of her acne and
hopes to become a make-up artist in future.