Ouch, that burns! When Acne Medication Hurts

Benzoyl Peroxide

Washing your face is an inexpensive and sure-fire way to help reduce acne breakouts. If that's not working, you may want to purchase a benzoyl peroxide cleanser or soap to treat mild to occasional acne. There are various over-the-counter products that contain this key ingredient. Oil and dirt clog pores and cause acne. Benzoyl peroxide is designed to kill bacteria in the pores and on the surface of the skin.

When Not To Use Benzoyl Peroxide

If you have any of the following conditions you should not use this type of topical agent.
 Dry skin
 Chapped skin
 Irritated skin
 Sunburned skin
 Wind-burned skin
 Open wounds
 Eczema
 Women who are pregnant
Wait until your skin heals from the above conditions before applying an acne treatment that contains benzoyl peroxide.

Warning

Listen to your skin. Benzoyl peroxide is not meant to dry out your face. If your skin begins to itch, burn, or redden; stop treatment immediately. Wash your face with cool water. Apply a cool compress until the irritation desists.
It's probably not a good idea to use that product anymore. Your skin is telling you that you need one of the following three things:
 A different product
 A different set of ingredients
 A less intense dosage of the active ingredients

Benzoyl peroxide is available in various strengths 2.5%, 5% and 10%.

The Future of Acne Treatment

Science has improved the quality of acne treatments on the market. Some cosmetic companies now make acne treatments that, of course, include benzoyl peroxide but also a secondary ingredient. Mary Kay makes an Acne Treatment Gel that dries and clears acne blemishes. The treatment also aims to prevent the reoccurrence of acne by penetrating deep into the pore to kill unwanted bacteria.
Mary Kay's Acne Treatment Gel also goes a step further by adding an ingredient that helps the skin heal. The healing agent is cucumber extract. Cucumber extract moisturizes, works as an astringent, relieves puffiness, removes dead skin cells, and tightness skin. You can save time and money by using an acne treatment that treats acne as well as repairs damaged skin.

Written by Carmen Blacklock