Benzoyl Peroxide Use with Retinoids

Benzoyl peroxide is synonymous with "table salt" or "furniture spray" to someone who has at one point suffered from acne. It is as recognized as any household item. This chemical constitutes at least part of most acne products currently on the market. What it does is simple - it helps the skin shed dead cells and also fights off the bacteria responsible for the disorder. Many people see modest to good results with this product, so they are often hesitant to abandon it when prescribed more powerful medications by their dermatologist.

Although benzoyl peroxide doesn't typically clear more mild forms of acne, it can help drastically improve the frequency and severity of breakouts. So, there seems to be little sense in abandoning it in pursuit of a new treatment. The promise of an initial breakout period with prescription medications makes benzoyl peroxide seem indispensable. Unfortunately, using your prescription medications with this over the counter treatment can prove hazardous when conducted incorrectly.

Topical retinoids like Tretinoin and creams like benozyl peroxide serve two different purposes. The first is used to help the skin shed so that the pores can no longer become obstructed. The latter accomplishes what we mentioned earlier, but its main function is to eliminate acne bacteria. Now, these two are quite effective when used at separate times. When combined however, the benzoyl peroxide deactivates the tretinoin rendering your regimen ineffective.

Unpleasant symptoms often follow combining these two medications at once. Very dry skin is to be expected, and can trigger flakiness and bothersome itching. Rashes may also form as a result of the irritation. A moisturizer can often soothe the skin when these acne medications are accidentally combined. It should be your first resort. Treatment with moisturizer should be continued until the dryness and irritation subsides.

Evidently, it is not a good idea to tamper with your skin in the days after your accidental mix up so that you allow it to heal. Adding more irritation into the equation by using either the benzoyl peroxide to tretinoin will render the situation more unbearable. Instead, let everything return to normal and then slowly ease back into your usual acne treatment routine.

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Tags: Acne, benzoyl peroxide, blemishes, dermatologist, doctor, health, pimples, retin-a, skin care, Skin Care, zits

October 03 2009 | Acne | No Comments »