Topical Retinoids and Benzoyl Peroxide Dangerous Combination
Benzoyl peroxide is a household name to those who suffer from acne. It is found in just about every acne product imaginable. The additive helps exfoliate the skin and also kills the bacteria that is responsible for acne. Most people are scared to dump the medication after they visit a dermatologist, who ends up prescribing them other topicals.
While in most cases benzoyl peroxide is not a complete cure, it does help bring about some improvement. Hence, people tend to be against the idea of removing it from their regimen. The dreaded initial breakout which occurs with prescription acne medications only adds to the reasons for sticking with BP. Unfortunately, many people learn the hard way that prescription medications and benzoyl peroxide can wreak havoc on your skin when used improperly.
Topical retinoids like Tretinoin and creams like benozyl peroxide serve two different purposes. The first is used to help the skin shed so that the pores can no longer become obstructed. The latter accomplishes what we mentioned earlier, but its main function is to eliminate acne bacteria. Now, these two are quite effective when used at separate times. When combined however, the benzoyl peroxide deactivates the tretinoin rendering your regimen ineffective.
People who have made the mistake of mixing these two medications, despite their physician?s warnings, have largely reported troublesome symptoms. A period of severely dehydrated skin is among the most common symptoms, leading to flakiness and itching. If you find that you have unintentionally used both products at once, a moisturizer should be your first instinctive treatment. It should help calm the irritation. Continue using it throughout the day to alleviate the dryness.
Your skin should not be bothered for at least a few days after having used the mixture of both medications. You will only cause more irritation by going about your regimen. Let your skin restore itself to its previous state and slowly begin using the topicals once again.