Benzoyl Peroxide – The Pimple Killer
Nowadays, we are flooded with products that claim to prevent and remove pimples. There are creams and washes and the different types of ”pimple killers” will go on and on. But one thing is most likely in common in all these products and that is Benzoyl Peroxide. If you check out the ingredients of those products, you would most probably see Benzoyl Peroxide as part of the equation. And naturally that would lead us to the question, what is Benzoyl Peroxide and how effective is it in our battle against pimples? Let us dig a little bit deeper to find out.
First and foremost we have to know what it is. According to Wikipedia, Benzoyl Peroxide is “…an organic compound in the organic peroxide family. It consists of two benzoyl groups joined by a peroxide group.” At least that is how it is defined in chemistry terms. But in layman’s terms, they are just compounds or “stuff” that we need to combat pimples and acne, how? Well, when the said compound comes in contact with skin, it breaks down into benzoic acid and oxygen.
Now, the bacteria responsible for our acne and pimple problems are called propion bacteria and they cannot live in an oxygen-rich environment. Do you see where I am getting at? Yes, the bacteria are killed when it comes into contact with the oxygen released by the compound thus reducing the number of skin breakouts.
Additionaly, Benzoyl Peroxide can also help rid of excess dead skin thus making sure that our pores are not blocked (and you know what a blocked pore can cause don’t you…). In other words, this compound is really effective in preventing pimple and acne breakouts.
Using acne products with this compound should be common sense.
But sometimes common sense is not common so we will outline here a basic step by step how to on using Benzoyl Peroxide to treat pimples.
If this is your first time to use acne products, then you might want to start out mild. Find an acne product with a solution of 2.5% in strength. Once your skin adapts to this new compound you may try out stronger solutions later. When you have chosen your product, clean your face and dry it. Then apply the compound with an amount the size of a quarter to all affected areas of the skin.
Leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes then rinse off with water and use a clean towel to dry your face. Repeat this daily. However, in the instance that the compound causes skin irritation, stop using it immediately and see a dermatologist.
Do you have pimples? Are you addicted to popping pimples? Want to know if is okay or not? Find out by going to the Popping Pimples Blog.
