Benzoyl Peroxide for Acne-Prone Skin
- Kavya Goswami
- 5 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Benzoyl Peroxide, this is one skincare active that has recently become famous in the Indian skincare market. Personally, this is one of my favorite skincare ingredients, as I have oily, acne-prone skin, and I have been using this active since last year, and it has worked wonders for me.
In the previous years, I have battled with severe inflammatory acne, and Benzoyl Peroxide has helped my skin in so many ways. This is an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredient that acts proactively on acne causing bacterias.
That's why this is my most beloved skincare ingredient to talk about. I still feel there aren't enough benzoyl peroxide products in the Indian market, but I have been successful in finding a few that you will love to try.
Let's dive right in!
What is Benzoyl Peroxide?
Benzoyl Peroxide is a super ingredient primarily used to treat acne. It is available in various forms, including leave-on gels, creams, and also as face washes.
One thing to know about Benzoyl Peroxide is that it is an oxidizing agent, which means that when it penetrates the pores, it releases oxygen, creating an environment where acne-causing bacteria cannot survive.
Why Use Benzoyl Peroxide?
Benzoyl Peroxide is often considered a 'gold-standard' in over-the-counter acne treatments because it addresses the root cause of breakouts more directly than many other ingredients.
Let's list down a few reasons why you should be using Benzoyl peroxide:
It directly kills acne-causing bacteria. Unlike Salicylic Acid, which mostly exfoliates, or Retinoids, which regulate cell turnover, benzoyl peroxide is a potent antimicrobial. It introduces oxygen into the pores, killing C. acnes bacteria, which cannot survive in an oxygen-rich environment.
The best part of Benzoyl Peroxide is that it has no bacterial resistance. The major advantage is over topical antibiotics (like clindamycin), as bacteria usually adapt to and "ignore" antibiotics, but they cannot develop resistance to the oxidative burst of benzoyl peroxide. This makes it a sustainable long-term treatment option.
It's the best solution for inflammatory acne, those red, painful, or pus-filled bumps (pustules and papules). By reducing the bacterial load, it quickly brings down redness and swelling.
It acts as a mild peeling agent. By helping the skin shed dead cells more efficiently, it prevents the 'plug' of debris that leads to a clogged pore, stopping new breakouts before they even surface.
My Personal Benzoyl Peroxide Combination
I like to use Clindamycin and Benzoyl Peroxide in combination for inflammatory acne, as Clindamycin will lose its effectiveness over time; it is best to use it along with Benzoyl Peroxide.
Benzoyl Peroxide Forms in Market
If you are using doctor prescribed 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide gels or creams, then it is best to use them after washing your face with a gentle cleanser and then applying the gel on the active acne.
You can also go for over-the-counter Benzoyl Peroxide spot treatments and face washes. If you are using a Benzoyl Peroxide face wash, then it's best to apply it to your face and wait for at least 5 minutes so that it has time to absorb into the skin, and then wash it off.
Best Benzoyl Peroxide Skincare Products in India
The Derma Co 2.5% Benzoyl peroxide Gel Face Wash is my tried and tested face wash. Since last year, this Benzoyl peroxide face wash has become a staple in my skincare routine. In the beginning, it used to be a little itchy for my skin as I have sensitive skin, so I used to use it twice a week, or on alternate days.
But now skin has adapted to the formulation, and it acts flawlessly on my skin. Just like me, if you also have oily, acne-prone skin, this face wash is worth a try.
Skincare Actives:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Glycerin
Benzoyl Peroxide
Laminaria Digitata Extract
Ceramide 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 II
Allantoin
Be Bodywise 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide Face Wash is another face wash I found in the Indian market. If you are suffering from painful, inflammatory acne, this is another face wash you might consider trying.
Skincare Actives:
Glycerin
Benzoyl Peroxide
The Derma Co 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide Spot Corrector is my another favorite Benzoyl Peroxide product that I have used multiple times, and it has worked wonders for me.
Skincare Actives:
Glycerin
Benzoyl Peroxide
Niacinamide
Zinc PCA (anti-acne ingredient)
Allantoin
Zingiber officinale root extract (antioxidant)
Dimethicone
Solved Rapid Clear Face Wash is a new skincare brand that I found on Amazon with a good Benzoyl Peroxide formulation.
Skincare Actives:
Benzoyl Peroxide
Glycolic Acid
Ceramides
Hyaluronic Acid
Glycerin
Green Tea Extract
Allantoin
Panthenol
One thing to remember while using Benzoyl Peroxide
Start slowly and steadily. Benzoyl Peroxide can be irritating at first and can make your skin dry and red, so be careful while using. Always remember, 5% Benzoyl Peroxide will work exactly the same as 2.5% formulation, so there is no need to go any higher just because you think it will work better.
As Benzoyl Peroxide is oxidizing in nature, there are chances it will bleach out your towels and bed sheets. Be careful while using.
Say goodbye to painful, inflamed acne with just one skincare active in your skincare routine, Benzoyl Peroxide. Use it consistently but always with precaution; overuse of anything can be harmful for skin. Be wise, be beautiful forever with La Peau. Love your skin and treat it with care.
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