Skin Care Tip: Benzoyl peroxide for acne

I have had great luck with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide for mild to moderate adult acne. It enabled me to stop using retinoid products, which have not been studied for long-term safety. It kills bacteria and bacteria don't tend to become resistant to it, so it can work for a long time.

Avoid using a 10% concentration benzoyl peroxide product - it aggravates the skin, causing excess redness and peeling, which in turn makes the skin react by producing even more sebum so your breakouts can get worse (or even if they don't, you have red, peeling skin that is very sensitive to the sun).

Also, when using benzoyl peroxide, wash your face with something very mild like Cetaphil. Avoid washes with salicylic acid or other products that will overdry and irritate your skin, making your acne worse as your skin reacts by producing more sebum.