Benzoyl Peroxide - Is It Safe Long Term?

By Barry Crewse

As in many of my previous posts I have discussed the many complications of treating acne. One of the most prominent of these complications is

the length of time in which many individuals must endure the treatment and medications of battling their acne problems. The course of suppression may continue many years beyond being a teenager and because of this consideration should be taken in not only how well the treatment works but also the long term effects of that treatment.

The safety of benzoyl peroxide hit national debate in the early 1980's. At that time the long term side effects due to it's use became better known. Although the FDA reported that the medication was safe to use the fact that this product produces what is known as "free radicals" was cause for alarm. We have long known that free radicals can in fact be responsible as a possible link in the cause of cancer.

There have been literally hundreds of reports generated over the years by various medical publications that have done research concerning this product as a link to cancer risk. Many of them appear to support this risk albeit mainly in theory. Nevertheless, in 1995 the FDA changed their position in categorizing the safety of benzoyl peroxide from a level 1 to level 3 category "safety unknown." Research done on laboratory mice and hamsters raised concern that benzoyl peroxide may be a tumor promoter in these animals.

It is important to remember that the amounts administered and the time in which these amounts were allowed to be in contact with these creatures does not necessarily mirror that type of use in humans. This brings back the great cyclamates debate of the 1970's in which rats were given huge amounts of the artificial sweetener promoting warnings as a possible cancer causing agent. These warnings were later dismissed as it was highly improbable that people would drink an equivalent amount of 50 cans of soda a day over many years to reach the minimal amount of sweetener given to the lab rats. It is not known proportionally how much exposure to benzoyl peroxide is needed to actually become a cancer risk.

When talking about long term side effects it is important to remember that there are many products available to treat acne. Of all the long term side effects reportedly associated with these medications, benzoyl peroxide appears to be one of the safest products among them. Unlike antibiotic medications, resistance by the bacteria that cause acne cannot be developed. Because benzoyl peroxide is a applied topically, there is no risk to any internal organs as there might be associated with medication which would have to be taken orally. The medication comes in variable strengths which allows you to use only that concentration that helps suppression of your acne outbreak.

In 1991 a study was conducted by the University of Miami to weight the associated risks of using benzoyl peroxide. That study indicated no known risks of skin cancer by those using the product as an acne treatment. Skin color, nationality and family history of skin cancer were the risk factors used in the determination. It is interesting to note that those who seem to raise the biggest questions concerning benzoyl peroxide are usually those who are marketing products that do not contain it. This does not mean that risks do not exist.

There are many opinions, theories and myths circulating when it comes to treating acne. Being an educated consumer will help you make the best decisions concerning which course of medication is best for you.

Talk candidly with your physician about your choices. Spend a little time doing some research on all the remedies available for fighting your acne. Make sure you are comfortable with your decisions and you are well on your way to achieving the beautiful skin you deserve.

How To Get Rid Of Acne Overnight

This is only an Ideas

Divulging adolescent’s stepping into adulthood the acne authenticates a hormonal changes taking place in the body of boys and girls. You are being fooled provided you are imparted tips on how to get rid of acne overnight.

Acne is not a bubble of water which you can burst within no time. Growing over the skin the acnes happen to be tenacious by their nature and bumpy by their entity. And being hard enough they cant be dealt with as easily as any one may expect them to be. Any step taken in haste by the affected ones have got to exacerbate the acne problem which at the latter stage may covert into acne scars, which in its own self is a pugnacious complication for the affected ones to tame. 

Once your facial skin is occupied by acne, it will require on your part a great patience and an effort to deal with the acne problem. Acne occurs naturally over the skin so does it go away as well on its own. But its unwanted emergence, spoiling whole complexion of teenagers, call for effective ways to get rid of unwanted acnes as soon as possible.

Before revealing you how to get rid of your acne problem, the factors causing acne are needed to be highlighted. Acne occurs due only to changes in the structure of our skin, consisting of a hair follicle and sebaceous gland. The acne causes inflammation even on mildly being touched by the individual.

Being a natural syndrome of hormonal changes in the teenagers(12 to 16 years of age) the acne surfaces over the facial skin prior to their puberty and may continue even into adulthood as well. Though an acne fades spontaneously with the passage of time by early twenties of an individual, it may exist over the skin by thirties, forties and beyond, depending upon the condition of respective person’s skin.

Apart from affecting facial skin, the acne may affect chest, back and shoulders as well. There are different types of acnes like comedones, inflammatory papules, pustules and nodules. The acnes being larger in size and shape are  known as cysts as well. 

Getting yourself acquainted with the facts regarding acnes, would you still like to be misguided and seek to get rid of acne problem overnight? Shed the idea of getting yourself rid of acne overnight as the time and patience are prerequisites to deal with acnes and remove them from skin with success. Those affected from acne rather should muster the courage and have a patience while yearning to get rid of their acne problem.

• Welcome Acne- Hate causes stress, anxiety and frustration which, as result, has got to render all of your attempts to deal with your acne futile. As the acne forecasts something unique awaiting in your life, you should reciprocate to it without any hate.[Acne confirms of an adulthood, a teenager is to step into.] 
• Do not mistreat Acne- Do not touch acne-affected skin with your unwashed hands. Neither try to squeeze them out by your finger nor prick at them. Any such mistreatment can damage the cells of your facial skin and develop acne scars at the latter stage.
• Keep Acne Clean- Wash your face with moisture-containing mild soap or face wash many times a day. [Make sure that skin is not parched]
• Avoid Applying Oily Cream.
• Apply Lemon Juice- Squeeze out the lemon juice in a small plate and apply it all over the acne-affected skin in the night before heading for sleep. Wash it next day in the morning with a Luke warm water without using soap or face-wash.
• Drink Plenty Of Water.
• Benzoyl Peroxide Cream- Apply over the acne affected facial skin benzoyl peroxide-containing ointment. Initially you may experience some irritation and sensation which, within a less than a week, will disappear and help you get rid of your acne problem easily.
• Have Antibiotic Drugs- Being an effective substance to remove the acnes too fast, the antibiotic drugs exterminate the bacterias that cause infection and develop acnes all over the skin. Being too effective to fight with infections caused by microorganisms, including fungi and protozoa, such antibiotic drugs will help you get rid of your acnes sooner and faster.
• Azelaic Acid- A saturated dicarboxylic acid found naturally in wheat, rye, and barley, the Azelaic acid shrivels the acnes efficiently. Made of Malassezia fur-fur (aka Pityrosporum ovale), the Azelaic acid is a yeast found over the natural skin. It is very effective to treat the acne problem. Apply it over the acnes and see the result within a week.
• Keratolytic And Comedolytic- It resuscitates the acne affected skin by inhibiting the bacterias and drying the acnes. Its unique property of shriveling the acnes and fading pigmentation of skin helps the affected ones get rid of acne problem easily.
• Salicylic Acid- Being colorless, the salicylic acid is derived from the metabolism of salicin and can be used as anti-acne treatments.

Benzoyl Peroxide Pimple Treatment

Pimple Treatment

By Charles S. Spencer

Most of the time, when we talk about medication to treat acne, we are going to hear a lot of people say about the effectiveness and benefits of benzoyl peroxide. True, it is very effective on mild to moderate and even severe acne condition. It is undoubtedly the most popular and effective topical acne medication. Personally, I have had a lot of positive experience with benzoyl peroxide. Even the hyped up and heavily advertised Proactiv Solution's main ingredient is benzoyl peroxide. So this article serves my goal to let you know more information about this medical treatment option so that you can make knowledgeable actions in treating your acne.

There are so many forms of Benzoyl peroxide products in the market. So how do you choose them?

For your information, do not buy any cleanser that claims to cure your acne. Any cleanser alone is not effective on acne because of the time the cleansing foam stays on your skin. The time is just not long enough for the active ingredients to react with your skin. For this reason, it is better to have a deep cleansing cleanser that lets your skin feel fresh and clean.

If you are treating acne with this active ingredient, make sure you choose cream form. For best results, use acne treatment products that combine salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide together. Salicylic acid is believed to help with the effects and absorption of benzoyl peroxide.

How to use benzoyl peroxide to treat acne?

Make sure you wash your face with a facial cleanser that suits your skin type before applying benzoyl peroxide on your face so that your skin can absorb more of the medication. Apply twice, in the morning and before going to bed.

Side effects:

1. Overuse may result in redness, dryness, and irritation. Take note that this medicine is considered to be quite strong for your skin. Use it accordingly.

2. It will increase sensitivity of your skin to sun. In other words, after using too much benzoyl peroxide on your skin, your skin might get irritated and burnt if you are exposed to the sun for a long period of time. Solution for this is to apply sunscreen whenever you are outdoor.

Stop medication if severe redness, irritation, rashes occur. Consult your doctor for other treatment alternatives.

Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most effective acne medication around. If you use it accordingly to the instructions, you can really expect to see improvements in several days.

Best Natural Acne Treatment

What Exactly is Acne?

Acne is a skin condition that involves the hair and oil glands. It is basically plugged pores. These are commonly known as blackheads, whiteheads or pimples. They occur mainly on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms but can occur anywhere on the body. Hair follicles, often called pores, get blocked with sebum (oil), which normally drains to the surface, and a bacteria begins to grow. Both whiteheads and blackheads start out as a “microcomedone” which then become skin blemishes called comedones. Acne can be upsetting, disfiguring, sometimes even leading to permanent scarring.

Thinking acne is a minor problem, some people tend to totally discard the topic of acne prevention. However, the importance of acne prevention should not be overlooked.

Acne Prevention Starts before an Outbreak

Acne prevention can and should really start much before the acne actually appears. Prevention is more about being proactive than reactive. It starts with following daily skin care routines with complete discipline.

Acne prevention starts with being clean. A hot morning shower is one of the most effective ways of keeping the skin clean. A shower before bed is a good idea also (it not only helps in keeping your skin clean but also relaxes your body for a good sleep.) If you are living in a hot and/or humid area, frequent showers are a must. Showers are the first and most effective acne prevention method.

However, while important, showers are often not enough all by themselves. Wearing clean clothes and sleeping on clean sheets and pillows can go a long way toward acne prevention. Loose clothes are good also because tight clothes can cause sweat to accumulate quickly. Comfortable cotton clothes are recommended.

Don’t forget to frequently clean or change your brushes, wash rags and any other grooming item you use on your body.

The Most Effective and Best Natural Acne Treatment

Always use a mild, water-soluble, soap-free and oil-free cleanser for keeping your face, neck and arms clean. This is the most important part of any acne prevention routine particularly in teenagers and those prone to outbreaks. A good face cleaner is the easiest and the most effective way of removing dirt, grease, pollutants and excess oil from your skin and unblocking your pores. It is also recommended that you remove your makeup using a make up remover before you go to bed (not in the morning.)

If you have an outbreak, do not try to squeeze the pimples. This can lead to permanent scars. Continue to practice your acne prevention routine of gentle cleansing and cleaning of the affected area using an over-the-counter medication and a clean/soft cotton pad. There are many good acne prevention creams and lotions available (a lot of these acne prevention products are actually cleansers).

If your acne prevention does not work and you have an severe outbreak, you may need to seek further more aggressive treatments.

Acne Treatment Solutions for Adult

Are you experiencing acne problems? Many adults are dealing with acne problems.

Based on the most recent survey, 75 percent of teenagers and young adults suffer from acne. Adults who are on their 30s and 40s can also experience acne problems.

When spots and black heads grow on your face, it only indicates that there is an over activity on the oil glands.

Acne is a skin condition that usually happens when the sebaceous glands, which are oil producing glands, secrete excess oil in some parts of the body. Sebaceous glands are found mostly on your face.

Adults with acne may experience having blackheads, which are caused by the blocking of the pores. The darkening of the portions of the skin is caused by the excess skin pigments secreted by the oil glands.

Whiteheads are also common to people suffering from acne. It occurs near the surface of the skin when the excess oil is blocked inside the follicle.

There are simple solutions on how you can treat acne properly and safely. First, you should understand what causes acne.

Bacterial growth and too much inflammation of the oil glands is one main reason why an adult can suffer from acne.

The main factors that contribute to acne also include bacterial growth, increase of oil secretion, and changes inside the hair follicles and hormones that affect the sebaceous glands in secreting oil.

To treat acne, you should know how to consistently and persistently follow simple directions on how you can easily treat acne.

Here are some simple solutions that will help you treat your acne problems.

1.Go to a dermatologist.

A dermatologist can provide you simple solutions for your acne. Your treatment may depend on your skin type, medical history and your age.

2.Take medications.

There are antibiotics and vitamin A derivatives and other acne drug products that are available from over the counter stores. Make sure that they will not irritate your skin by consulting a dermatologist.

3.Always be clean.

Always keep spot prone portions of your face clean. It is recommended to wash the affected portions twice or thrice a day with antibacterial skin soaps.

4.Avoid the temptation.

Refrain from pricking the spots. Squeezing can cause scarring to the face. The dirt on your hands might also cause infection to acne wounds.

5.Take benzoyl peroxide.

You may buy over the counter acne treatment products that contain benzoyl peroxide. For serious acne problems, you can buy topical skin solutions and tablet intake antibiotics.

6.Prevention is the acne treatment for adults.

Use non comedogenic solutions such as sunscreen, foundations, make ups, moisturizers and lotions that have medicated solutions for acne. These products can help in blocking the pores and prevent acne.

These effective methods can help you treat and prevent acne. Consult your acne problems with a dermatologist so that you can know the best solutions available for you. Avoid scrubbing and vigorous washing to your face. This may cause even worse acne problems.

Acne is curable. Take actions immediately and begin with individualized treatment program. Soon you will have a great feeling looking at the mirror and admiring your clean and acne-free face.

Acne Treatment

Acne Review Treatment - The New Face Of Benzoyl Peroxide

By Rebecca Prescott

One of the problems with benzoyl peroxide topical acne treatments is that they can be quite irritating, particularly to sensitive skin. Those fans of benzoyl peroxide will thus be pleased to learn that one skin care company that supplies prescription acne and skin care products is releasing a treatment with a delivery system that reduces benzoyl peroxide's irritating effect.

Called NeoBenz Micro, this acne treatment will be available only by prescription, which is one drawback. On the plus side, it should mean that the acne sufferer is given the appropriate strength to their particular needs. It is aimed at helping people with mild to moderate acne, and comes in three strengths. These are 3.5% benzoyl peroxide, 5.5% benzoyl peroxide, and 8.5% benzoyl peroxide.

The difference in this treatment as compared to regular benzoyl peroxide solutions, is that it is a time release product. The method designed by SkinMedica, NeoBenz Micro's developer, uses very small 'sponges', called microsponges. These hold the active ingredient, in this case benzoyl peroxide, to be slowly released throughout the day. It means that though acne is kept in contact with benzoyl peroxide for the whole day, only small amounts of it are released onto the skin. These amounts are enough to be effective but far less irritating.

The side effects that this benzoyl peroxide acne treatment aims at reducing are rashes, skin soreness, and irritation. Aside from the unpleasant feeling these effects create, they unfortunately also reduce the effectiveness of benzoyl peroxide in clearing acne.

NeoBenz Micro is one example of a new trend in the pharmaceutical industry. It aims at taking existing products and developing new ways to package and deliver the active ingredients, thus effectively modernizing many treatments. The emphasis in the past had been more research oriented - finding new and more powerful treatments rather than fine tuning existing ones that were proven to work.

Other examples of this phenomena include converting treatments into sprays, with the effect of increasing absorption and convenience. MedPharm, a research contracting firm, is turning one eczema treatment and two acne treatments into sprays. These are still in the development stage, however.

Acne Review Treatment

Acne Review Treatment - The New Face Of Benzoyl Peroxide

By Rebecca Prescott

One of the problems with benzoyl peroxide topical acne treatments is that they can be quite irritating, particularly to sensitive skin. Those fans of benzoyl peroxide will thus be pleased to learn that one skin care company that supplies prescription acne and skin care products is releasing a treatment with a delivery system that reduces benzoyl peroxide's irritating effect.

Called NeoBenz Micro, this acne treatment will be available only by prescription, which is one drawback. On the plus side, it should mean that the acne sufferer is given the appropriate strength to their particular needs. It is aimed at helping people with mild to moderate acne, and comes in three strengths. These are 3.5% benzoyl peroxide, 5.5% benzoyl peroxide, and 8.5% benzoyl peroxide.

The difference in this treatment as compared to regular benzoyl peroxide solutions, is that it is a time release product. The method designed by SkinMedica, NeoBenz Micro's developer, uses very small 'sponges', called microsponges. These hold the active ingredient, in this case benzoyl peroxide, to be slowly released throughout the day. It means that though acne is kept in contact with benzoyl peroxide for the whole day, only small amounts of it are released onto the skin. These amounts are enough to be effective but far less irritating.

The side effects that this benzoyl peroxide acne treatment aims at reducing are rashes, skin soreness, and irritation. Aside from the unpleasant feeling these effects create, they unfortunately also reduce the effectiveness of benzoyl peroxide in clearing acne.

NeoBenz Micro is one example of a new trend in the pharmaceutical industry. It aims at taking existing products and developing new ways to package and deliver the active ingredients, thus effectively modernizing many treatments. The emphasis in the past had been more research oriented - finding new and more powerful treatments rather than fine tuning existing ones that were proven to work.

Other examples of this phenomena include converting treatments into sprays, with the effect of increasing absorption and convenience. MedPharm, a research contracting firm, is turning one eczema treatment and two acne treatments into sprays. These are still in the development stage, however.