Should you find yourself in a position where you need to consider using benzoyl peroxide wash, and you’ve never used it before – the chances are you have a lot of questions. The trouble is that amongst the facts, there are more than one or two mistruths that people like to share with each other.
That’s why we put this article together, so you get a definitive answer on what’s right and what’s not quite so correct. So, let’s get stuck in, shall we?
Contents
- 1 Common Myth #1 About Benzoyl Peroxide Wash – It Only Works On Severe Acne
- 2 Myth #2 – It Permanently Thins the Skin
- 3 Myth #3 – BP Washes Can Only Be Used For a Short While
- 4 Myth #4 – Benzoyl Peroxide Discolors the Skin
- 5 Myth #5 – It Makes Your Acne Worse to Begin With
- 6 Myth #6 – You Can’t Go Out In The Sun When Using It
- 7 Myth #7 – You Always Get Major Peeling Using BP Washes
- 8 Myth #8 – BP Washes Are Only For Teenagers
Common Myth #1 About Benzoyl Peroxide Wash – It Only Works On Severe Acne
Benzoyl peroxide wash works on all types of acne. It comes in different strengths from 2.5% up to 10%, but there’s no such thing as a type of acne that BP wash can’t help with.
Myth #2 – It Permanently Thins the Skin
While BP washes might cause irritation at the outset, there’s no truth to the idea that they thin the skin. Perhaps topical steroids might do when used for long enough, but not BP washes.
Myth #3 – BP Washes Can Only Be Used For a Short While
Again, this couldn’t be further from the truth. BP washes are designed to offer ongoing support for acne-prone skin, and it takes several weeks to see proper results, so the only way to get what you’re looking for is to use them long-term.
Myth #4 – Benzoyl Peroxide Discolors the Skin
It would be true to say that you shouldn’t get BP wash on your towels, as it will bleach them. However, it has no such effect on your skin, so you can file this one under ‘absolutely false’.
Myth #5 – It Makes Your Acne Worse to Begin With
It’s understandable why people think this one is true, as there is often a ‘purge’ that occurs in the first week or two. However, this is not your acne getting worse. It’s actually a natural part of the process of clearing out existing breakouts and those that are forming under the skin.
Myth #6 – You Can’t Go Out In The Sun When Using It
You could experience a little light sensitivity when using benzoyl peroxide products – that much is true. However, simply applying good sunscreen is all you need to counteract this problem rather than shutting yourself away indoors.
Myth #7 – You Always Get Major Peeling Using BP Washes
Most people do get a bit of a reaction when first using benzoyl peroxide, but it’s a huge exaggeration to say that it’s severe every time. Those who experience a major reaction usually have this issue simply because they’ve chosen a strength that’s too much for their skin.
Myth #8 – BP Washes Are Only For Teenagers
Lots of teenagers use BP washes for their acne, basically because lots of teenagers get acne at some point. However, they’re not just limited to this group of people. Anyone at any age can enjoy their benefits and get the clear skin they’re looking for.
Don’t Listen to Everything People Tell You About Benzoyl Peroxide Wash
People like to give you their wisdom on all types of things, but as with any subject, you shouldn’t listen to everything you hear. As we’ve seen here, there are some horror stories in circulation that just aren’t true. Sure, there’s a little droplet of truth to some of them, but rarely are they 100% on the money.
So, before you dismiss using a product like this out of hand because of something you’ve heard, do a little research of your own. You might just find that you’ve been given some bad information.
