Cosmelan and Benzoyl Peroxide 5% Face Wash - is it safe to combine treatments?

Question

I'm about to do a Cosmelan peel soon to reduce the appearance of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation caused by years of acne. I do not have active acne any more, but this is purely thanks to a Benzoyl Peroxide face wash I am using; if I stop using it, the acne will come back. Is it possible to continue using the 5% Benzoyl Peroxide face wash in conjuction with Cosmelan? Thanks in advance for your input.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hello,We are glad you asked because this is not a good  combination to use.  The ingredient, hydroquinone, in your Cosmelan (the bleaching ingredient) does not interact well with Benzoyl Peroxide (BP) and will create an orange tint to the skin.  In addition, BP is too strong to use concurrently with Cosmelan and should only be re-introduced once you have no redness/peeling with the Cosmelan treatment plan.  Several years ago, we stopped using Cosmelan in favor of our own compounded hydroquinone product.  We found this to be far less expensive, less irritating, easier to use, more effective, and did not provoke any social downtime that we were observing with Cosmelan.  The below link offers more feedback on how to address brown acne blemishes.  Keep your treatment plan simple and specific to the condition.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist for skin care recommendations and treatment for hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation needs a combination approach to get improvement with Cosmelan, lasers, Aerolase, microneedling/prp, skin lightening, peels, and skin care. Sun protection is essential. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Anteneh Roba, MD · Answer

Cosmelan and benzoyl peroxide should not be used together. Cosmelan is a stand alone treatment. If used together they can cause irritation, redness of the skin. Hold off on the acne treatment until you are done with Cosmelan. You might try LED treatment instead of Benzoyl peroxide which helps reduce the P acne bacteria.

Cosmelan and Benzoyl Peroxide 5% Face Wash - is it safe to combine treatments?

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