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Can Benzoyl Peroxide Cause Acne to Worsen?
asked 2 years ago by Stephanie L. in Garland, TX
Latest answer by Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD
Question viewed 2,932 times
Tags: acne
Why does my acne get worse any time I use products that may contain Benzoyl peroxide?
I have struggled with acne for 4 years now, and I tried using random products recommended by friends and doctors, but any time the product contained Benzoyl peroxide, my acne worsened dramatically.
1 answer to Can Benzoyl Peroxide Cause Acne to Worsen?
+1
Allergic reaction? Irritation
Benzoyl Peroxides are excellent for treating acne. They kill the non-pathogenic, but troublesome bacteria, P. Acnes, in a clever way. As students of this kind of thing know, P. Acnes florishes in an anaerobic or micro-aerobic ( non-oxygen containing) environment. Through peroxidation, BP percolates tons of oxygen molecules, thus basically smothering the P. Acnes bacteria. Since this process does not utilize mechanisms such as blocking bacterial ribosomes, or damaging cell walls etc....
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Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD
Virginia Beach Dermatologist
Virginia Beach Dermatologist