From Tips and Steps
Benzoyl peroxide is the active ingredient in several topical acne treatments. They may be available with or without a prescription depending on dosage. The most commonly reported adverse side effects of benzoyl peroxide are skin irritations such as itching, redness, and peeling.[1][2] Other risks include allegries and increased sensitivity.[2] Benzoyl peroxide should be avoided by pregnant or nursing women.[2] These steps will help minimize the likelihood and severity of benzoyl peroxide's side effects.
Steps
- Consult a physician before starting to use benzoyl peroxide. Discuss your health history including allergies and other prescription or non-prescription medicines that might adversely interact with benzoyl peroxide. Some benzoyl peroxide products contain perfumes that might cause an allergic reaction in patients not allergic to benzoyl peroxide itself.
- Use the smallest dose that you find to be effective. Apply no more than four times daily.
- Limit sun exposure. Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps. Use sunscreen when outdoors.[2]
- Do not use if pregnant or nursing.
- Do not use in combination with other skin products that include peeling agents, hair irritants, lime, spices, alcohol, or that are drying or abrasive.[3]
- Flush the affected area with water if you get benzoyl peroxide in your eyes, mouth, or broken skin.
- Remain in communication with your doctor. You might need to adjust the dosage or discontinue using the product if you have severe side effects or if the treatment seems ineffective.
Warnings
- Some will claim that because the FDA does not regulate supplements as strictly as pharmaceuticals such as benzoyl peroxide, natural supplements are safer or even completely without side effects. Companies such as ClearPores[4] are careful to neither mention side effects or claim the absence of any side effects since the FTC has prosecuted similar companies for making demonstrably false claims about the safety of their products.[5] However, most of their marketing is done by affiliates who often are not as careful about following these FTC guidelines.[6][7][8][9][10] Such claims are quite easily shown to be false since the all-natural ingredients are listed and have been studied by independent researchers. They include licorice root which causes high blood pressure and low blood potassium levels,[11] dandelion root which causes skin allergies and eczema on skin contact,[12] and turmeric which aggravates gallbladder problems and is unsafe during pregnancy.[13] People considering any acne remedies should consult a pharmacist, not an internet marketer.
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