My skin is burning and/or red after I apply the benzoyl peroxide. Is that normal?
A:
I experience a very tolerable low level of what one might describe as "burning".
Many people who begin the Regimen report redness for the first couple of
weeks, after which time the redness subsides. If you start the Regimen too
quickly and you have sensitive skin, you should expect redness/dryness,
sometimes severe. If you are new to benzoyl peroxide, it is a good idea
to use just a light coating of benzoyl peroxide at first, and up the
dosage over a period of a couple of weeks. According to the Gale Encyclopedia
of Medicine:
"The most
common side effects of anti-acne drugs applied to the skin are slight
redness, dryness, peeling, and stinging, and a warm feeling to the skin.
These problems usually go away as the body adjusts to the drug and do
not require medical treatment. Other side effects should be brought
to a physician's
attention. Check with a physician as soon as possible if any of the
following side effects occur:
Blistering, crusting or swelling of the skin.
Severe burning or redness of the skin.
Darkening or lightening of the skin. (This effect will eventually
go away after treatment with an anti-acne drug ends.)
When I apply the moisturizer it burns/stings. What should I do?
A:
Some people may experience light burning or stinging when they are new to the Regimen. The skin
may be sensitive from the benzoyl peroxide and this may cause an uncomfortable sensation when the
moisturizer is applied. This usually goes away within a week or so as the skin adjusts to the new
products. If it doesn't, you may want to try a different moisturizer. See our
recommended products page. Also, be sure you did not start
out with one of the AHA moisturizers. If you are going to use one of them, it's usually best to
wait at least a month before doing so. The glycolic acid and lactic acid in them may create a
brief sting or burning sensation to the skin.
My skin looks absolutely terrible. It is peeling off, red, and I am miserable. What do I do?
A:
You are either allergic
to benzoyl peroxide, or you started too fast. 1-3% of people are allergic
to benzoyl peroxide and experience swelling and/or crusting. If your skin
swells up, discontinue use immediately. Most likely if you are experiencing
severe dryness/redness, you simply started too fast. It takes a few
days to a few weeks for your skin to become acquainted with benzoyl
peroxide, and the redness/dryness should subside with time. Using a non-overdrying liquid cleanser can help preven thtis dryness as well. If you really
can't stand the dryness, stop the Regimen completely, give your skin a few days to
recover, and begin again with a much smaller dosage, only ramping up the
dosage as you feel comfortable. But remember, you eventually need to use
A LOT of benzoyl peroxide to achieve total clearing.
My skin is dry from the benzoyl peroxide. Nothing can make it non-dry, even a lot of moisturizer. What do I do?
A:
Hopefully you are dry and clear. Now try gradually reducing the amount
of benzoyl peroxide cream you use. Use as much as you need to to stay clear
but reduce dryness. Adding jojoba oil to your moisturizer or switching to an AHA moisturizer can help as well.
Here is a quote from the National Institute of Health:
"People being
treated for acne often need to change some of the cosmetics they use.
All cosmetics, such as foundation, blush, eye shadow, and moisturizers,
should be oil free. Patients may find it difficult to apply foundation
evenly during the first few weeks of treatment because skin may be red
or scaly, particularly with the use of topical tretinoin or benzoyl
peroxide. Lip products that contain moisturizers may cause small, open
and closed comedones to form. Hairstyling products that come in contact
with the skin along the hairline can cause burning or stinging in people
with acne. Products that are labeled as non-comedogenic (do not promote
the formation of blemishes) should be used; in some people, however,
even these products may cause acne."
I suggest discontinuing the use of make-up until you get completely clear. Then you can add in one product at a time and see how it affects you. For more discussion on make-up, see the make-up
help message boards.
How do I get rid of the red marks left after the blemish goes away?
A:
You can visit the red marks message board for discussion and suggestions, but before you do, please read the biggest mistakes page. Try your best to avoid adding in products and new methods until you're completely clear of active acne. The most important goal regarding red marks is to prevent future acne and thus prevent future red marks from forming in the first place. Here is a quote from the American Academy of Dermatology and Roche Laboratories regarding red marks:
"A red mark
on the skin called an erythematous macule will fade in four to six months
after an acne outbreak - but it may get temporarily redder when your
skin gets hot or when you exercise. This red macule is not a scar, and
is not permanent. In a dark skinned person, the macule may appear as
a darker patch on the skin. This is not a scar, either."
Benzoyl peroxide is said to be comedolytic which means it breaks down clogged pores. However, there is no miracle product that I know of that can quickly get rid of a full fledged pimple once it has established itself on your skin. That said, benzoyl peroxide can clear up acne faster than would be possible without benzoyl peroxide and does a brilliant job at preventing future acne. For even better spot treatment results, alpha hydroxy acid can be administered.
No, it does not cause wrinkles; however, some people experience wrinkling around the eyes due to applying benzoyl peroxide too closely to that area. This wrinkling is due to dryness and is not permanent. Avoid the eye area with benzoyl peroxide. It is also important to avoid the eye area with moisturizer that is applied over the benzoyl peroxide. This is because the moisturizer can mix with the benzoyl peroxide and bring the benzoyl peroxide with it. On a personal note, the lower half of my face, which is where I've been using benzoyl peroxide for 20 years, looks better than where I haven't. See this link for a pic of my skin after 20 years of benzoyl peroxide.
My skin is extremely oily? Do I need to moisturize?
A:
We always recommend people who are new to the Regimen go ahead and moisturize at least once daily from the very beginning since it can take a week or two for the dryness to set in. If you find your oiliness unbearable, consider buying oil absorbing cloths from the drugstore. You can use them to very gently dab away excess oil. Some members have reported that the brown paper towels in many school bathrooms do a good job with this as well.
If you have been on the Regimen a month or longer and are tolerating the generous amount of benzoyl peroxide without dryness and flaking, then it is up to you if you want to continue to use a moisturizer.
Also keep in mind that if you spend time outdoors you should consider a sunscreen product during the day.
Do you know if (Brand X) product is as good as the products you recommend?
A:
For the most part, I don't know. From all the many products I have tried
in my years fighting acne, these products work best for me. From the reaction
I've received from people who have tried my regimen, they seem to like the
products as well. Check out the ratings pages
for people's opinions on a slew of other products.
Have you ever tried B5? If so, what was your experience like?
A:
I did try megadosing on B5 because many people on the boards seemed to be trying it and I wanted to experience it with them. I took the 10 grams a day as suggested. My skin became more oily, not less. I also broke out with a bunch of small bumps all around my nose where the oiliness increased the most. Finally, I had a very odd and disturbing side effect which was that I had a hard time keeping my head up. I always felt like I wanted to lean my head against a pillow and my neck felt too weak to hold my head up straight. It was worrisome so I stopped the B5 after two or three weeks.
There has only ever been the one study done on B5 back in the 1990s. Unless many other studies show positive results I will not begin to recommend B5 to people.
Can I use skin lightening products while on the Regimen?
A:
Do not use products with the active ingredient Hydroquinone.
Hydroquinone topical should not be used with benzoyl peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, or other peroxide products. A temporary darkening of the skin may occur.
For the full story on Hydroquinone read here.
Please see the paragraph under "What other drugs will affect Hydroquinone topical?" for the full explanation.
What is the difference between a tinted and vanishing formula benzoyl peroxide?
A:
Cream based benzoyl peroxide sometimes comes in a tinted formula. Tinted formulas do not vanish, but rather leave a foundation type look which
helps to mask acne. I have not tried a tinted formula because I do not
wish to appear that I am wearing make-up. Most people on the message boards
seem to prefer vanishing formulas. I recommend following their lead, doing the Regimen precisely
as outlined until you are clear. After that point it is safe to add in one
variable at a time, like switching to the tinted formula.
Why wait between washing and BP and between BP and moisturizer?
A:
This is the result of many years of trial and error. I found this is how the Regimen works best. Your skin may be slightly different and you may be able to wait a shorter time, but please follow the Regimen this way until you are completely clear. Then you can safely change one variable at a time.
Acne anywhere on the body, whether it be face, neck, back, or chest, responds
well to benzoyl peroxide. The only problem is that benzoyl peroxide tends
to bleach dyed fabric. A body regimen which uses benzoyl peroxide requires the user to wear a lot of white.
Because the back and chest are such large areas, you may want a larger tube
of benzoyl peroxide. Check out DanielKern.com
for information about the less expensive 4oz. economy sized benzoyl peroxide gel.
I exercise during the day and sweat. Should I wash afterward? And
what's up with the white residue on my face when I exercise?
A:
Sebaceous glands (where acne is formed) and sweat glands are separate
parts of your skin which do not touch. Sweating should theoretically not
affect acne since acne is formed in the sebaceous follicle, and
sweat will not enter this area. Sweating does not warrant a third washing.
If you want to wash after a workout, try to plan your workout before your
morning or evening regimen.
You may notice that
if you sweat within a few hours after you do the Regimen that your face can turn milky white in the places where you did the Regimen.
This is normal, but annoying and is mostly caused by using a cream based benzoyl peroxide. Either switch to a gel
based benzoyl peroxide, or feel free to lightly dab your face with a
towel to get rid of the residue.
I am going to be swimming during the day. Should I do a third Regimen
application afterward?
A:
I don't know because I am not a swimmer. The consensus on the message boards
seems to be that swimming does not adversely affect acne and a third routine
is not warranted. A member of this site wrote me and asked that I also add that your skin may become very dry after a swim, so although you may not need to apply bp again, be sure to bring a moisturizer along.
Can I use the Regimen with the prescriptions I am currently taking?
A:
You will need to ask your doctor this question. Some doctors do prescribe
benzoyl peroxide with other acne medications, but it is important that you
not experiment on your own.
Can I use the Regimen in conjunction with additional products or over-the-counter medications?
A:
Do not do this until you are completely clear and have been that way for
some time. Once you are completely clear, it is okay to add in one variable
at a time. However, if you begin the Regimen and are adding in other variables
from the get go, you will have no way of judging whether the Regimen works
for you. See the biggest mistakes page for more.
This is probably a bad idea. The majority of medical books I scoured for acne medication
information specifically warn against the combination of salicylic acid
with benzoyl peroxide, calling it "overly irritating". Several
people on the Regimen have noted this.
This warning is echoed when combining
benzoyl peroxide with several other acne medications as well,
resorcinol and sulfur to name two. Remember, irritation aggravates breakouts.
Choose a cleanser and moisturizer that are free of acne medications for
best results.
I can't get a 2.5% benzoyl peroxide. Can I use a higher concentration?
A:
2.5% is best. However, anything up to 5% should most likely be fine, albeit
more drying and no more effective. Avoid 10% preparations which will over dry.
One exception when dealing with pimples on the back. The skin in this area is tough and may withstand
10% nicely. If you can find a 10% much cheaper, you may want to try
it on the back. It will not be more effective than a 2.5% solution, but
may save you money.
So why not simply use
less of a 10% solution? Through trial and error I have found this does not
work. I do not know exactly why using more of a 2.5% solution works better.
My guess would be that when you use more of the product, there is more available
to be absorbed into the skin.
When starting the Regimen it is important to make sure you have adequate moisture, so it is probably a good idea to moisturize twice a day. After a few weeks, moisturizing at night is optional. I do not moisturize at night. However, keep in mind that I use The Acne.org Cleanser which is very gentle and doesn't dry, and I use a fantastic moisturizer. If you only have access to a bar cleanser or a not-so-great moisturizer, you may need to moisturize twice a day.
The moisturizer is balling up with the BP. What's going on?
A:
This is normal when using a cream based benzoyl peroxide. Using a gel
will eliminate the problem. If using a cream, just slough off remnants with
your fingers. After you have been on the Regimen for a few weeks, you can
switch to an alpha hydroxy moisturizer. You will find that it works much
better with the cream based BP without "balling up".
I recommend using a two blade razor. Single blade razors tend to pull at the hair and lend themselves to nicks, and three or four blade razors irritate badly. Blade shaving with a two blade razor is also far less irritating than any electric razor. By far my favorite two blade razor is the Gillette Sensor Excel. I have tried almost every razor out there, and this one is unparalleled in its gentleness. If you can't find the Sensor Excel, try a disposable two blade razor such as the Gillette Good News. Once you've got your razor, I recommend using a generous amount of lather from your cleanser as shaving cream. If you must use a separate shaving cream, make sure it is non-comedogenic. Try shaving in the shower or immediately afterward so your skin is thoroughly moistened and prepared. While shaving, use gentle yet confident strokes, always going with the grain. This means for most people going down on most of the face and up on the bottom half of the neck.
One final note: shaving daily is less irritating than waiting a few days between shaves. The longer you wait, the more irritating shaving becomes. I recommend shaving daily.
Click here for a more detailed page regarding shaving.
Do not do this until you are completely clear and have been that way for some time. Once you are
completely clear, it is okay to add in one variable at a time. However, if you begin the Regimen
and are adding in other variables from the get go, you will have no way of judging whether the
Regimen works for you. See the biggest mistakes page
for more.
My most recent bottle of benzoyl peroxide looks/feels/smells different than the last one. Why is that?
A:
We assay every batch and carefully make sure it's uniform.
Temperature can change the viscosity of the gel which can affect the way it appears. Also, the newer the batch is, sometimes the stronger the initial scent will be.
The Regimen is not working for me. What's going on?
A:
A few things to consider:
Do you have severe
acne with spots of 5mm or more across? In that case, a topical regimen may
not be enough. You may want to consider seeing your doctor and
possibly inquire about Accutane.
What products are
you using? You want to make sure you are using the recommended
products or products which are very similar, which means avoiding other
products which contain acne medications like salicylic
acid. You want to make sure you are not adding in or taking away any
products as well. This includes cosmetics.
Very often people
think they are following the Regimen but are not. For instance, they are
scrubbing too hard, or not using enough benzoyl peroxide. Make sure to watch
the videos a few times to really
nail it. Then print out the Regimen
and take it into the bathroom with you. There is also a checklist
for this purpose.
Initial breakouts
could be coincidence or acne that was already developing when you started
the Regimen. Also, many people take a while to see results. Give the regimen
2 full months of concentrated effort, following everything precisely before
judging your response. Some people take even longer to achieve total clearing.
If you are still not improving at the three month point, and you have been doing
the Regimen exactly as outlined since day one, it's time to look into other
options.
Did you recently
get exposed to an unusual amount of sunlight? Skin often breaks out in the
weeks following sun exposure. You will have to wait through this period
and hope for the best. In the future, try to avoid sun exposure on acne prone areas of your skin and be sure
to wear an spf moisturizer during the day.
As time wears on,
people tend to start using less benzoyl peroxide and may start being less
patient in application. If you initially got clear from the Regimen and
have started breaking out again, remind yourself to use plenty of benzoyl
peroxide and very gently and patiently apply it.
A quote from "Acne and Rosacea: Third Completely Revised and Updated
Edition", 2000:
"Following
application to the skin, benzoyl peroxide is rapidly metabolized to
benzoic acid, a harmless chemical. Extensive use in human beings has
failed to demonstrate absorption. The drug is eminently safe."
A quote from The British Journal of Dermatology, 1990:
"So far no
skin malignancies after the clinical use of benzoyl peroxide has been
reported. A possible relationship between the use of the compound and
the occurrence of malignant melanoma has been looked at in two case-control
studies, both with negative results...However, since the average latent
period for skin carcinogenesis is of the order of 15-25 years, this
requires further follow-up...Thus, the question of carcinogenic potential
of benzoyl peroxide is as yet not fully answered, but at the present
time it seems likely that this compound is safe to use."
A quote from Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 1995:
"Topical benzoyl
peroxide has been used in the treatment of acne for over 30 years, with
no reports of adverse effects that could be related to skin carcinogenesis.
Two case-control epidemiological studies have found a lack of association
between the specific use of benzoyl peroxide and skin cancer. In addition
to these findings in humans, 23 carcinogenicity studies in rodents with
benzoyl peroxide, including 16 employing topical application, have yielded
negative results. An increase in skin carcinomas was reported in 1 study
in which benzoyl peroxide in acetone was applied to the skin of SENCAR
mice for a 1-year period; however, this study did not employ adequate
control groups to fully understand the unusual findings, and the results
were inconsistent with those of 6 other similar studies."
Will my skin become resistant to the beneficial effect of BP?
A:
Propionibacterium Acnes (P. Acnes), the bacteria in acne lesions, can not survive in the presence
of oxygen. BP creates oxygen. Therefore, it is physically impossible for
this bacteria to develop a resistance. If the Regimen works at first, it
should always work.
What can I do to help prevent BP from bleaching my stuff?
A:
The fact that BP bleaches fabric is in my opinion its biggest drawback. Sometimes there's not a lot you can do about it. However, these tips may help:
Wash and dry hands thoroughly after handling benzoyl peroxide.
Do not rub sweat from your face on your clothing.
Put your clothes on first, then apply BP. If you apply BP first and then put on your clothes, hold your shirt neck holes open wide while pulling them so they don't touch the face. Do the same when removing your shirts.
Use white towels.
Wear a white t-shirt under clothing if you are treating your back/chest with bp.
Dab sweat off with a clean dry towel to avoid run-off onto clothing.
Take your shirt off before washing your face in the sink so the wash water doesn't get splashed onto your shirt by accident.
When washing at the sink, if you have a carpeted bathroom, place a towel under your feet to catch any drips that may fall while you are washing.
Use white pillowcases and sheets. In a pinch, an old t-shirt can also be used as a pillowcase.
Proactiv is on the right track, but some major flaws seem to prevent it
from delivering on its promises to many people. In my opinion, the cleanser they
include is overly irritating. Furthermore, they tell you to wash for one
to two minutes which adds to the irritation. The benzoyl peroxide they provide
is 2.5% which is a good call. However, they recommend a "thin layer".
For dramatic clearing, one needs to use a generous amount of benzoyl peroxide
after a few weeks of slowly ramping up the dosage. When you do use a generous
amount of Proactiv's benzoyl peroxide lotion, its scent will tend to nauseate.
It will prove cheaper
and more beneficial to buy an over-the-counter gentle cleanser, an unscented
2.5% benzoyl peroxide medication, and an oil-free moisturizer. However,
if you currently own Proactiv Solution products, don't throw out the benzoyl peroxide
lotion. If you can handle the smell, it should work fine. Just be generous
with it. I would not recommend using their cleanser. The toner they include
is probably fine to use, but is unnecessary.
Will lifting weights make me break out? What about my protein shake?
A:
There is no research on this topic, but I have a theory. First of all, no,
I don't think lifting weights makes you break out. In fact, exercise keeps
the body in top shape and helps the mind deal with stress. I think the benefits
of weight training far outweigh the risks. I weight train a couple of times a week and
am able to stay clear. However, if someone
goes on a weight gaining diet along with their weight training, and he/she
suddenly adds excess calories to his/her diet, the excess caloric intake
can increase testosterone levels in the body. Theoretically increased testosterone
levels can aggravate acne. So if you find yourself breaking out during or after a "bulking" cycle, this may be the cause.
Hey Dan, you're 34 years old. Haven't you grown out of acne by now, Regimen or no Regimen?
A:
Unfortunately, no. I started the Regimen at the age of about 24. Every year
or so I stop the Regimen to see what will happen. The result? Breakouts,
and within days. My family genetics see breakouts occurring into the 40s
and 50s. The issue of when a person develops acne or grows out of acne is
highly personalized, and one that science still does not understand. Babies
and even senior citizens must sometimes cope with acne.
Binder, R.L., A.L. Kraus, R.A. LeBoeuf, I.C. Munro,J.C. Orr, G.M. Williams. "Benzoyl Peroxide: An Integrated Human Safety Assessment for Carcinogenicity." Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology 21.1 (1995): 87-107. Abstract. PubMed. 15 Apr. 2002 link.
Comite, H., A.M. Kligman, O.H. Mills Jr., and P. Pochi. "Comparing 2.5%, 5%, and 10% Benzoyl Peroxide on Inflammatory Acne Vulgaris." International Journal of Dermatology 25.10 (1986): 664-7. Abstract. PubMed. 15 Apr. 2002 link.
Lindelof, B., S. Linden, and P. Sparen. "Is Benzoyl Peroxide Carcinogenic?" The British Journal of Dermatology 123.1 (1990): 129-30.
"Questions and Answers About Acne." National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Jan. 2006. National Institutes of Health. 2001. link.
Ross-Flanigan, Nancy. "Anti Acne Drugs." Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine 1999. Find Articles. Look Smart. 2001 link.
954 users online
Home
