Tips for Treating Acne with Benzoyl Peroxide

If you have acne, chances are you have used benzoyl peroxide at some point. Benzoyl peroxide is found in many acne treatment products, both prescription and over-the-counter. Get the most out of your benzoyl peroxide treatment by following these simple tips.
1. Use a Moisturizer
Benzoyl peroxide will dry your skin. If you have super oily skin, you might actually welcome this drying -- no more oily shine. But many people find benzoyl peroxide leaves the skin uncomfortably dry and flaky. To counteract this, use a noncomedogenic moisturizer after cleansing. Just a dab is enough to keep your skin smooth
2. Keep Away From Clothing, Towels, and Hair

Benzoyl peroxide acts like bleach, and will discolor everything it touches. Many people learn this the hard way, after ruining countless towels. Thoroughly rinse off benzoyl peroxide cleansers. Let benzoyl peroxide creams and lotions dry completely before dressing, or lying on your pillow at night. And always wash your hands well after using any benzoyl peroxide treatment.

If you have darker hair, you'll also want to keep benzoyl peroxide away from your hairline. Regular exposure can bleach your hair too.
3. Always Wear Sunscreen
Benzoyl peroxide can cause photosensitivity, or sensitivity to the sun. So during use you will be more prone to sun burn and sun damage. Too much sun time and you may find yourself with a nasty burn. And yes, you'll want to stay out of tanning beds as well.
Wear an oil-free sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 everyday. You'll protect yourself from skin cancer and premature aging. Today's sunscreens don't have much in common with the thick, smelly lotions of the past. Plenty of light, nongreasy sunscreens are available.
Don't like the thought of applying a separate sunscreen? Many moisturizers have SPF 15 or more. You can moisturize and get your sun protection in just one step..
4. Don't Use Benzoyl Peroxide with Other Acne Medications
Everyone wants their skin to clear up quickly, but layering on several different treatment products won't speed the process. It can cause severe redness, drying, peeling and flaking. Don't use benzoyl peroxide with other acne medications unless your doctor has recommended you do so.
In some cases, layering your medications can thwart your acne treatment. When applied at the same time, benzoyl peroxide essentially de-activates Retin-A (tretinoin). Probably not the result you're looking for. So again, whenever you're in doubt, ask your doctor first.

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Home Remedies for Acne

Home remedies for acne are needed as we are exposed to so many harsh chemicals. Many people are beginning to wonder if the products that contain these substances are in fact as good for us as the advertising claims. Various skin conditions, such as adult acne, are increasingly recognized as symptoms of an imbalance in the way we live, leading many people to begin their search for a natural acne treatment that includes healthy eating and regular exercise. But for those of us whose skin requires a little further help,  are there any natural acne treatments available that can help us improve our skin?
A well balanced diet, accompanied by some regular light exercise, are the first tools to help us bring our body back into balance, and are thus two of the best natural acne remedies around. While things like poor diet do not directly cause acne, taking care of our general health provides our bodies with the tools it needs to fight back against conditions like these, making general health optimization possibly the best acne cure of all. It makes sense to take steps to free your body from having to deal with the pressures of modern living, such as stress and other toxic factors. Healthy eating and relaxation will lead to a definite improvement in your health, and as a result, in the appearance of your skin.

Home Remedies for acne in your kitchen

If your body needs a little extra help in your natural acne treatment, there are various products sitting in your kitchen right now that are simple home remedies for acne. Some acne sufferers have found that the application of natural lemon juice to their skin has helped, while others have found that oatmeal makes a great natural facial cleanser. If you prefer to treat your skin with a pre-prepared product, look for one that contains natural oils, as these work in harmony with your skin. Tea Tree oil, for example, is a wonderful astringent that can speed the healing process of a pimple, while vitamin E helps in the healing of scars. Some patients have found that ingesting certain of the food in their kitchen aggravates their skin, so it makes sense to make a list of these foods and avoid them when you can. Work in harmony with the natural products around you and you will find that a home remedies for acne can be more gently effective than anything you might buy in a drug store.

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