Benzoyl peroxide is a household name to those who suffer from acne. It is found in just about every acne product imaginable. The additive helps exfoliate the skin and also kills the bacteria that is responsible for acne. Most people are scared to dump the medication after they visit a dermatologist, who ends up prescribing them other topicals.

While it may not completely clear the skin alone, it sure does help the situation. So, many acne sufferers are convinced that it will help matters once they start their new treatment. After all, they are warned that they should expect an initial breakout after embarking on the new regimen. As some have unfortunately learned, mixing benozyl peroxide with the topical retinoids most often prescribed by dermatologists can have catastrophic effects when done 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.

Your skin should not be bothered for at least a few days after having used the mixture of both medications. You will only cause more irritation by going about your regimen. Let your skin restore itself to its previous state and slowly begin using the topicals once again.

This entry was posted on Sunday, October 11th, 2009 at 2:41 am and is filed under Acne. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.