Benzoyl Peroxide is known as a common fighter of dreaded acne, and found in products like Proactiv acne treatments. Yet the stuff is also used a bleaching agent in the food industry and a catalyst in the plastics industry! As an acne treatment Benzoyl Peroxide is a “strong oxidator that kills bacteria by generating oxygen free radicals.” The effects of Benzoyl Peroxide are consequently similar to that of sun damage. It directly affects keratin, a protein that builds the outermost layer of skin, therefore generating those nasty free radicals.

For most people Benzoyl Peroxide will remove the outer layer of dead skin and cause the epidermis to degenerate. Like continuous unprotected sun exposure, Benzoyl Peroxide causes the skin to redden, which is from “oxidative stress”, or free radicals, on the skin. Free radicals damage skin structure and cellular DNA which is what causes the skin to age prematurely! How much skin damage and premature aging occurs depends on how frequently and how long one used Benzoyl Peroxide as well as how much is applied. Benzoyl Peroxide in large doses can also cause toxic dermatitis. Red and brown marks, which occur when acne is healing, can actually take longer to disappear when using Benzoyl Peroxide. This is because free radicals disrupt and slow the healing process. Ew.

Heal the skin naturally using products that contain tea tree oil; however the best way to rid the skin of acne is from the inside out. Drink plenty of water, eat lots of fruit and veggies, and avoid dairy, sugar, and white flour!

*Photo courtesy of www.skintreatmentguide.com

“You can’t buy class.” –Anne Perry