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Back to Medicines A to Z. 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. 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.
To make sure benzoyl peroxide is safe for you, tell your doctor before using this medicine if you:. 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.
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 SPF In stronger sunlight, use SPF30 or above. Ask a pharmacist to help you pick a sunscreen that's right for your skin type.
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. When you remember, start using it again once or twice a day in the same way as before. 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.
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. Like all medicines, benzoyl peroxide can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. These common side effects happen in more than 1 in 10 people.
Talk to a doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or do not go away:. These serious side effects are rare and happen in less than 1 in 1, people. Stop using benzoyl peroxide if:. If your symptoms do not get better within a couple of days or if they get worse at any time, contact a doctor straight away. In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction anaphylaxis to benzoyl peroxide.
You could be having a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital. These are not all the side effects of benzoyl peroxide. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.
You can report any suspected side effects to the UK Safety Scheme. It's usually safe to use benzoyl peroxide during pregnancy and while 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. Tell a pharmacist or doctor if you're trying to get pregnant, already pregnant or breastfeeding.
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. There's very little information about taking herbal remedies and supplements while using benzoyl peroxide.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements. It also helps to unclog pores by removing dead skin to prevent blockages. This treats existing acne and may help prevent new spots. It can take up to 2 to 4 months for the treatment to have its full effect. Speak to a doctor if your skin does not improve with benzoyl peroxide, or if acne is making you feel very unhappy.
They may recommend antibiotics or stronger creams. These treatments are only available on prescription. It is generally OK to use Benzoyl peroxide for a long time, as long as you do not have any serious side effects. When you stop using benzoyl peroxide you may find that acne comes back. You may want to keep using it to keep acne under control. You may find that using it less often, such as once every other day, is enough to control acne.
Benzoyl peroxide is usually one of the first treatments recommended for mild to moderate acne. However, there are other types of acne creams, lotions and gels available to buy from a pharmacy. These have different active ingredients including:. Azelaic acid cream — attacks the bacteria on your skin.
It also reduces the growth of hard skin cells which block your pores and can cause spots. Glycolic acid or lactic acid — helps remove dead skin cells and reduce inflammation. It improves the appearance of acne scars and makes pores look smaller. Sulphur or sulfur — removes dead skin cells that cog pores and helps remove excess oil.
It is usually combined with other active ingredients. There is no evidence that eating chocolate or greasy foods causes spots. However, eating a healthy, balanced diet is recommended because it's good for your heart and your health in general. No, it will not affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill and emergency contraception.
There's no clear evidence that using benzoyl peroxide will affect male or female fertility. Page last reviewed: 6 September Next review due: 6 September Benzoyl peroxide On this page About benzoyl peroxide Key facts Who can and cannot use benzoyl peroxide How and when to use it Side effects How to cope with side effects Pregnancy and breastfeeding Cautions with other medicines Common questions.
About benzoyl peroxide Benzoyl peroxide is used to treat acne. 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 first, then build up as your skin gets used to it.
Benzoyl peroxide is also an ingredient in Duac Once Daily with clindamycin, an antibiotic and Epiduo gel with adapalene, a retinoid. 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. These need to be treated by a doctor to avoid scarring.
Benzoyl peroxide is for use on your skin only. Always wash your hands before and after using this medicine. Gently pat your skin dry. Put a thin layer of gel on all the affected areas. If your whole face has acne, use a strip of gel 2. Place a small amount of the product onto your hands.
Smooth it onto the affected area. Keep the wash on your skin for no more than 1 to 2 minutes. Rinse your face thoroughly with water. 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.
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