Escape the Benzoyl Peroxide Trap Part I

Many acne sufferers face a common problem. It is the unending circle of breakouts, acne remedies, dry skin and then more breakouts. In my experience, this is the most common reason people with acne eventually turn from OTC products to more expensive specialty acne treatment systems like Proactiv. They are looking for an answer to their acne that does not simply cause another problem, like overly dry and itchy skin. For many people with acne this is what I call "the benzoyl peroxide trap."

Benzoyl peroxide is a very effective acne treatment for all but extreme cases of cystic acne or roseaca; but, it can also be very drying to all but the oiliest of skins.* Most acne sufferers are simply plagued by acne vulgaris, a surface condition that is treatable with topical remedies. The most common over the counter remedies contain a 5 to 10% concentration of the active ingredient benzoyl peroxide.

Benzoyl peroxide works well in the correct concentration. Unfortunately, modern consumers have a "maximum strength" mentality. We don't want 325mg of aspirin when we can get 500mg for just a few cents more. We never consider the fact that 325mg will cure our headache just as well, just as quickly and do it more safely. This is so prevalent that in many cases you cannot find regular strength products on the shelves anymore. They simply do not sell; therefore, they are not profitable and some companies just don't make them.

When it comes to acne, we all want it gone as quickly as possible, so we buy maximum strength products. The problem with this is that in most cases it is overkill. Why swat a fly with a flyswatter when it will be just as dead if we use a sledgehammer? Because the sledgehammer will do some pretty significant damage to the table the fly landed on. Similarly, when we use too strong a concentration of benzoyl peroxide, we may get rid of the zit quickly, but the rest of the skin suffers. Thus, the benzoyl peroxide trap. We have acne, we treat the acne with maximum strength product, the pimples clear up, then the skin dries out and becomes uncomfortable, we stop using the acne product, and the pimples come back. It's an endless circle, unless . . .