- Benzoyl peroxide: medicine used to treat acne - NHS

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Benzoyl peroxide

1. About benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is used to treat acne. It works as an antiseptic to reduce the number of germs (bacteria) on the surface of your skin.

It comes as a gel or face wash containing 5% benzoyl peroxide. This is available to buy from pharmacies under the brand name Acnecide.

Benzoyl peroxide is sometimes mixed with potassium hydroxyquinoline sulfate. This is an "antimicrobial" ingredient that kills micro-organisms on your skin. It's sold in pharmacies as Quinoderm cream.

Some benzoyl peroxide products are available on prescription only. This is because they contain other active ingredients such as antibiotics or retinoids (exfoliants).

Many popular skincare brands also make products that contain benzoyl peroxide, but at a lower strength. These are available to buy in pharmacies, supermarkets and shops. Brands include Clean & Clear, Neutrogena and Clearasil.

2. Key facts

• Benzoyl peroxide 5% takes around 4 weeks to start working.
• You'll usually use it 1 or 2 times a day.
• The most common side effect is skin irritation. It is better to use it less often at benzac ou solugel, then build up as your skin gets used to it.
• Pharmacy brands include Acnecide 5% gel and Acnecide Wash 5%.
• Benzoyl peroxide is also an ingredient in Duac Once Daily (with clindamycin, an antibiotic) and Epiduo gel (with adapalene, a retinoid).

3. Who can and cannot use benzoyl peroxide

Most adults and children over 12 years old can use benzoyl peroxide.

Benzoyl peroxide is not suitable for some people.

To make sure benzoyl peroxide is safe for you, tell your doctor before using this medicine if you:

• are allergic to benzoyl peroxide or other medicines.
• have damaged or broken skin where you need to use the treatment.
• have very bad acne with nodules (large, hard lumps that build up beneath the surface of the skin and can be painful) or cysts (large, pus-filled lumps that look similar to boils). These need to be treated by a doctor to avoid scarring.

4. How and when to use it

Benzoyl peroxide is for use on your skin only.

Always wash your hands before and after using this medicine.

If your skin becomes dry or starts peeling, try using benzoyl peroxide less often. Put it on once a day or once every 2 days, until your skin gets used to it.

Benzoyl peroxide can bleach or discolour your hair, as well as clothes, towels and bedding. Keep it away from hair and coloured fabrics.

How to use benzoyl peroxide 5% gel

1. Wash the affected area with a mild skin cleanser and water.
2. Gently pat your skin dry.
3. Put a thin layer of gel on all the affected areas. If your whole face has acne, use a strip of gel (2.5cm long) each time.

You'll usually use the gel once or twice a day. If you have sensitive skin, use the gel once a day, before going to bed.

Try to avoid strong sunlight while using benzoyl peroxide gel. Use an oil-free sunscreen, or a moisturiser or foundation with added SPF30. In stronger sunlight, use SPF30 or above. Ask a pharmacist to help you pick a sunscreen that's right for your skin type.

How to use benzoyl peroxide 5% wash

1. Wet the area you want to treat.
2. Place a small amount of the product onto your hands.
3. Smooth it onto the affected area.
4. Keep the wash on your skin for no more than 1 to 2 minutes.
5. Rinse your face thoroughly with water.
6. Gently pat your skin dry.

You'll usually use the wash 1 or 2 times a day.

How long will I use it for?

It depends on how quickly your condition improves.

Benzoyl peroxide will usually start to work within 4 weeks, but once your acne is under control you may want to keep using it to stop your acne coming back.

What if I forget to use it?

It does not matter if you forget to use benzoyl peroxide.

When you remember, start using it again once or twice a day in the same way as before.

What if I use too much?

If you use too much benzoyl peroxide, your skin may become irritated. Wash off as much as you can and wait for the irritation to go away.

When your skin has calmed down again, you can start using benzoyl peroxide again. Be careful to follow the instructions on the package.

Important: Important

Keep benzoyl peroxide away from your eyes. If you get the gel or wash in your eyes, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water for a few minutes or until it stops stinging.

7. Pregnancy and breastfeeding

It's usually safe to use benzoyl peroxide during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Benzoyl peroxide and breastfeeding

Although it's generally OK to use benzoyl peroxide when you're breastfeeding, do not use it on your chest area and wash your hands before touching your baby. This is so your baby does not come into contact with it.

Important: Important

Tell a pharmacist or doctor if you're trying to get pregnant, already pregnant or breastfeeding

8. Cautions with other medicines

Some products and medicines can irritate your skin if you use them while you're treating your skin with benzoyl peroxide gel or wash.

Do not use benzoyl peroxide with any other medicines that may have drying or irritating effects on your skin. These include alcohol-based skincare products. Always check the ingredients on the label and choose products for sensitive skin.

Do not use other benzoyl peroxide products or other acne medicines (such as isotretinoin), unless your doctor or pharmacist says it's OK. It may cause your skin to become very sore.

Mixing benzoyl peroxide with herbal remedies and supplements

There's very little information about taking herbal remedies and supplements while using benzoyl peroxide.

Important: Important

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

9. Common questions