Rhonda Allison's Blog - Your Skin Connection
The Power of Benzoyl Peroxide for Acne
Posted by Rhonda Allison on 07-14-2010
Acne is one of the most common skin challenges in the U.S., and it’s not just limited to teenagers. In fact it impacts all ages, races and genders. Nearly 60 million Americans have active acne and 20 million are at risk of developing scar tissue as a result. What’s your defense?
One effective defense is benzoyl peroxide (BPO), a chemical in the organic peroxide family that has been used in acne treatment formulas for more than 80 years. It works as a bleaching and peeling agent and is antimicrobial, increasing cell turnover, reducing the bacterial count, clearing up existing acne and preventing future breakouts.
Benzoyl Peroxide is white or off-white needle shaped water-soluble crystalline powder that offers the following benefits for blemished and impure skin:
- It peels skin similar to salicylic or resorcinol reducing blockages.
- It kills the bacterium Porpionibacterium acnes (P.acnes)
- It has inflammatory properties reducing pain and discomfort associated with many lesions.
- It is a bleaching agent and oxidizes pigment that has discolored from inflamed breakouts.
- It eliminates fatty acids/oils in the skin.
The Science
Peroxide is a compound that has an oxygen-oxygen bond. That is, it has two oxygen atoms bound together. Look at the structural formula at the top of the page. The molecule is symmetrical, with two identical parts joined at their oxygen atoms with an oxygen-oxygen bond.
Familiar peroxide is hydrogen peroxide. It has two oxygen atoms bound together, and each of those atoms in turn is bound to a hydrogen atom.
Peroxides make good bleaches. The oxygen atoms combine with dyes to make the dyes colorless. This process (called oxidation) can kill germs
Cautions When Using BPO
Although this ingredient is considered safe and has no known risks or side affects that are long-term, use and balance are important.
- Over-use may cause skin sensitivity and irritation – always have acne clients use Epidermal Growth Factor in any daily program.
- Continual use may cause free radicals that contribute to degradation of skin. The solution is monitored use, spot treating and applying an antioxidant serum to skin.
While benzoyl peroxide is extremely beneficial, you also have to be aware of the other ingredients typically combined with it in most blemish control formulas.
Knowing What to Look For
Many cosmeceutical formulas use parabens as preservatives, and for their bactericidal and fungicidal properties – making them common in acne treatment solutions. These however, can cause skin irritation, contact dermatitis and Rosacea, not to mention the link to certain types of cancer.
Additionally, in many cases acne has been known to become resistant or immune to some BPO preparations, rendering the acne-fighting solution useless. This is where ingredient levels and formula combinations become important.
Our new Blemish Complex (BPO Rx) is a paraben-free benzoyl peroxide formula that fights bacteria, calms, hydrates and works as an anti-inflammatory. This balance is essential to acne control. Four key ingredients make up this advanced formula:
- Benzoyl Peroxide – When applied to affected areas, this ingredient releases oxygen deep inside clogged pores to breakdown the skin and sebum. It heals, prevents incidents of scarring, and diminishes P. acnes (propionibacterium acnes) bacteria – the bacteria linked to acne, and degradation of skin and proteins.
- Allantoin – Derived from fresh plant roots, this is a keratolytic agent that increases hydration in the extracellular matrix and enhances the desquamation of dead cells in the top layers. It increases cell proliferation, promotes wound healing and supports smooth, moisturized skin. It also soothes, protects and acts as an anti-inflammatory.
- Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) – This gel-like, natural substance improves skin hydration, and aids in wound healing and inflammation. It contains carbohydrate polymers and antiseptic agents to boost immunity and accelerate the healing process.
- Acrylate Crosspolymer – A film-forming agent that leaves a pliable and continuous protective shield on the skin. It produces a water-binding property that leaves the skin moisturized and smooth.
The balance of these four ingredients is supportive to blemish control and proper skin health. Our recently released Blemish Complex - BPO Rx is a super-charged power blast of antibacterial support that not only clears skin, but also nourishes it. It combines the necessary soothing and calming qualities, with the right balance of bacteria fighting and sebum reducing support. To learn more, download our white paper in the Science Behind RA .
Rhonda Allison
Comments
Posted by Anonymous on 07-14-2010
Rhonda,
I should know this but when and why would you use Benzol Peroxide instead of Salicylic Acid? Does a certain type of skin tolerate one better than the other?
Kris
Posted by Dariya Arman-Mann on 07-14-2010
First of all I am really glad that this product came back to where it belongs - in the hands of aestheticians (and clients) because it is a great tool in our war against acne. Thank you Rhonda! I have any number of clients bug me as to why we did not have any BPO in our line any more.
Kris has a very valid question and years ago, I think I struggled with the same. I think to really answer the question you would have to understand the primary function of each. Salicylic acid, a derivative of the wintergreen which is also a component of aspirin, is primarily an anti-inflammatory ingredient. It also exfoliates and removes toxic waste related to sebum in the follicles which contribute to pustular acne. Benzoyl Peroxide on the other hand is primarily an anti-bacterial agent and does exfoliate as well. However, it is much more aggressive than salicylic acid and can over dry the skin.
Some acne sufferers do better with one over the other and yet, in my experience when I had someone use salicylic acid on a nightly basis all over their face and spot treat with benzoyl peroxide, they had great results too. The rule of thumb is to use salicylic acid on sensitive, reactive skin and spot treat with benzoyl peroxide if additional support is needed. A good candidate for benzoyl peroxide would be one with very oily skin that is not sensitive or reactive, has stubborn lesions and needs the anti-bacterial support. Sometimes, you may have to try salicyclic, retinol and or benzoyl peroxide alternatively or in conjunction with one another to figure out what combination works for the client.
-Dariya Arman-Mann
Posted by Suz Cline on 07-15-2010
Thanks Dariya, that is great information and also really good treatment tips for the new Blemish Complex BPO rx!
Posted by kmarcey on 07-16-2010
Thank you Dariya for the articulate response. If Rhonda's not available, I am coming to you with my questions.
Kris Marcey
Posted by rallison on 07-18-2010
I could not have said it as well! Thanks for your comments and Dariya thanks for the response on this. You are absolutely right BPO is primarily an anti-bacterial and salicylic is an analgesic exfoliant - each having some similar properties and they work well together. I should put an addendum to the blog and include your comment Dariya!