Benzoyl peroxide is another topical treatment that can be purchased
without a doctor’s prescription. In fact, it is the main ingredient in
most over-the-counter acne preparations. Used to treat mild inflammatory
acne, benzoyl peroxide is available in different strengths.
It is often used with products that contain salicylic acid by patients
who have both comedones and mildly inflamed pustules.
Benzoyl peroxide is an oxidizing agent, meaning it releases oxygen.
The bacteria that cause acne can only exist in an oxygen-free
environment, such as a clogged hair follicle. When benzoyl peroxide
penetrates hair follicles and releases oxygen, acne-causing
bacteria are killed.
This not only relieves existing infection but also
stops new pustules from forming. A young woman describes her
experience with benzoyl peroxide: “After two and a half weeks I
was clearer than I had been since before puberty. . . . Using this benzoyl
peroxide . . . has really changed the way I feel about myself
and my ability to take on the world.”
