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Benzoyl
Peroxide
One of the most commonly used
ingredients, Benzoyl Peroxide can be very effective in treating mild cases
of non-inflammatory acne. It’s safe for children as well as adults, and may
combined with other topical or oral treatments.
Benzoyl Peroxide - HOW IT WORKS
Benzoyl peroxide works by destroying P. acnes, the bacteria that causes the
condition acne. It acts as an antiseptic and oxidizing agent, reducing the
number of comedones, or blocked pores. It may be 2–3 weeks before you begin
to see improvement.
NOTE: While benzoyl peroxide kills existing P. acnes, it does not increase
your body’s natural resistance to bacteria. So even when your breakouts
begin to disappear, you should keep treating acne-prone areas. Why? This
course of acne treatment kills bacteria, but it does not affect sebum
production or the rate at which you shed your dead skin cells. If you stop
using it, the bacteria — and your acne — will return.
Benzoyl Peroxide - WHERE TO GET IT
Benzoyl peroxide is available in a wide range of gels, creams, lotions and
cleansers in non-prescription concentrations of 2.5%, 5% and 10%. It is also
available in presciption medications such as BenzaClin®, Benzamycin®, and
Duac™. As with any product, read the label carefully and follow the
instructions for proper use.
Benzoyl Peroxide - COMMON SIDE EFFECTS
Dryness: The most common side effect, dryness is usually mild. If the skin
is visibly scaly, apply a light oil-free moisturizer.
NOTE: If you experience dryness, irritation or dermatitis and are using a 5%
or 10% solution of benzoyl peroxide, you may want to give your skin some
time to heal — then try a lower concentration.
Irritation: If you experience mild irritation, try decreasing the frequency
of use. If irritation is severe or persists even with infrequent
application, discontinue use.
Dermatitis: Contact dermatitis (red, dry, itchy skin) can be due to
irritation or allergy. Discontinue use immediately and treat with a mild
topical steroid, such as hydrocortisone cream (available in most
drugstores).
Allergy: 1–2% of the population experiences a mild allergic reaction to
benzoyl peroxide. This is usually characterized by itching and redness.
Bleaching of clothing: Benzoyl peroxide can bleach clothing and linens; make
sure your skin is completely dry before touching any cloth.
Best Skin Diet for Healthy Skin
“You are what you eat.”
Does it sound familiar? You probably have heard of it. And yes, it is true.
What you eat affects how well you are and how you look- today and for the
years to come.
Balanced diet is needed for optimal health and well- being; as well as
having a healthy skin. However, balanced diet is primarily set to prevent
malnutrition and vitamin/ mineral deficiencies.
The aim of this article is to provide tips that will help you achieve the
skin you have always longed for.
Choose foods rich in vitamin A. Naturally occurring vitamin A or retinol is
commonly found in fish oils, dairy products and liver. Vitamin A found in
plants is called beta-carotene and is commonly found in yellow/ orange
fruits and vegetables like carrot and cantaloupe. This is essential for the
maintenance and healing of epithelial tissues, with skin being the largest
expanse of epithelial tissues we have. This diet includes plenty of dark
orange (carrots, sweet potatoes, winter squash) and dark green (broccoli,
spinach, kale) vegetables -- all of which are high in vitamin A.
Choose foods with plenty of B vitamins like B-2 and B-3. These foods convert
calories into energy for metabolism and are components of enzymes that
maintain normal skin function. The best sources for these are green leafy
vegetables, lean meats, eggs, avocados, fish, brewer’s yeast, whole grains
and peanuts.
Vitamin C for collagen maintenance. Best sources are citrus fruits and
juices, slow cantaloupe, strawberries, tomato sweet peppers and green peas.
Vitamin E to protect your cells against free radicals. This is a powerful
antioxidant that helps slow the aging of skin cells and promote healthy
skin. A powerful antioxidant, it protects your cells against the effects of
free radicals, which are potentially damaging by-products of the body’s
metabolism. Foods rich in vitamin E include almonds, hazelnuts, sunflower
seeds, broccoli, wheat germ, peanuts and vegetable oils.
Zinc is for boosting the immune system and promoting optimum health. Zinc
can be found in eggs, seafood, turkey, pork, whole grains, nuts and
mushrooms. This trace mineral helps maintain collagen and elastin fibers
that give skin its firmness, helping to prevent sagging and wrinkles. It
also links together amino acids that are needed for the formation of
collagen -- essential in wound healing.
Selenium is a mineral antioxidant that will help minimized the damage of
ultraviolet lights. Researches show that it might even aid in skin cancer
prevention. Good sources of selenium include tuna, wheat germ, sesame seeds,
nuts, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, mushroom and whole grains.
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