Benzoyl peroxide: it might sound like a term from freshman chemistry, but I can almost guarantee that you have used it before. It may even
be lurking in your medicine cabinet as you read this post.
"BPO " is an
ingredient in many—forget that, in most—anti-acne
facial cleansers. So why the hype? What is it about Benzoyl peroxide that earns its prominence in the skincare world?
First, it promotes "skin turnover." By making your
surface skin peel, Benzoyl peroxide allows new cells to replace the old ones. Additionally,
it reduces bacteria counts, specifically the propionibacterium varieties, which
are responsible for acne flare-ups.
Ready to go stock up? Not so fast. Just because BPO
is the current "go-to" ingredient doesn't mean it is without risks.
For starters, that "turn-over" process can be quiet irritating,
especially if you already have sensitive skin. It also increases sun-damage
susceptibility and can raise your risk of hyper-pigmentation—those dreaded
"brown spots." But the biggest problem with BPO
is tolerance. After about a week of use, your skin becomes acclimated; you'll
soon need higher doses of BPO to match that
initial efficacy.
Ok—so maybe tolerance isn't quite the "biggest"
problem. Some studies link extended BPO usage
with increased risk of skin cancer. However, many medical professionals
privilege its acne-fighting benefits over this danger.
Our perspective?
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