8 replies to this topic

[sadgeorgy]

I've read some positive reviews regarding ZAPZYT Maximum Strength 10% Benzoyl Peroxide for blackheads. Just wondering if anyone has any experiences to share, and how it compares to more expensive products like Mandelic acid, green cream, or Paula's BHA? Which one have you found to be more effective?

[JennaBabe]

I was always told that Benzoyl Peroxide won't do anything for blackheads. BP works by killing the bacteria that causes acne, but blackheads aren't caused by bacteria, they're caused by clogged pores, which BP doesn't do anything for. For blackheads you need an AHA or BHA like paula's choice. I use the Paula's Choice 2% BHA, as well as mandelic acid, and they both take care of my blackheads very well.

[willow569]

Its true that there are other products that are probably better at treating blackheads than BP. However, there is some evidence to suggested that stronger formulations of BP (e.g., 10%) may help somewhat, by causing peeling of the skin, and peeling within the pore. The peeling helps loosen the acne impactions and this may help reduce blackheads. Lower concentrations would probably do very little, since they do not induce enough peeling. So, you might be better off with either a combination of BP and another exfoliant (glycolic, mandelic are good options or possibly an OTC retinoid like Vivant's Derm A Gel). If you rarely get inflamed acne, you may just try one of the exfoliants instead of the BP.

[sadgeorgy]

Thanks guys, I thought Zapzyt was supposed to be a blackheads killer? This based on other threads I read here, plus the reviews here: http://www.acne.org/zapzyt-maximum-strengt.../159/page1.html

[willow569]

Thanks guys, I thought Zapzyt was supposed to be a blackheads killer? This based on other threads I read here, plus the reviews here: http://www.acne.org/zapzyt-maximum-strengt.../159/page1.html

The active ingredient in zapzyt is benzoyl peroxide, which, by itself, probably won't entirely get rid of blackheads (since there is minimal to no bacterial involvement with blackheads). BP mainly works on acne by killing acne bacteria. As I mentioned in my first post, zapzyt may help a little bit because it is a very strong BP, and strong BPs induce peeling of the skin which may help loosen and peel out the blackheads.

As far as the reviews - probably most of those reviewing it have inflamed acne and they are rating it for its ability to get rid of inflamed papules/pustules. You don't see many people reviewing it who are only using it to treat blackheads.

[AWA]

Sorry to interrupt in your thread, but how does blackheads looks like? Very curious, never heard the name before until now.

[antoniog]

They look like this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackhead

[sadgeorgy]

Just to update people, I've been using the Zapzyt product on my nose for about a week now, just in the morning after I've washed my face. Before this I've been using Vivant's mandelic acid. Surprisingly, I've experienced with little irritation, which I thought I would. But then again, my skin has always been quite tough. So how does it work against blackheads? Hard to say, but I'd say it does seem to help, maybe 30-40% compared to not using it. It seems to be about as effective as mandelic acid for me. I'll continue testing it out for a few more weeks. The only compelling reason to use this over mandelic acid is the much cheaper price, assuming the two end up working the same for me. I really dislike the smell of Zapzyt though- hard to describe, a weird chemical smell.

[willow569]

Just to update people, I've been using the Zapzyt product on my nose for about a week now, just in the morning after I've washed my face. Before this I've been using Vivant's mandelic acid. Surprisingly, I've experienced with little irritation, which I thought I would. But then again, my skin has always been quite tough. So how does it work against blackheads? Hard to say, but I'd say it does seem to help, maybe 30-40% compared to not using it. It seems to be about as effective as mandelic acid for me. I'll continue testing it out for a few more weeks. The only compelling reason to use this over mandelic acid is the much cheaper price, assuming the two end up working the same for me. I really dislike the smell of Zapzyt though- hard to describe, a weird chemical smell.

Strong BP's can cause the dead skin to peel, which can help loosen acne impactions, I would bet that the combo of BP + mandelic acid is going to work better than either product alone. The mandelic is a really good exfoliant and it probably helps the Bp penetrate the skin better.