5 replies to this topic

[DaveBens]

So I've been using BP for almost three years. My skin is mostly clear, though not to the degree that Dan says will result from following the regimen to a T, which I do. I supposed I'm satisfied with my skin's current state, but I've been doing some reading on the possible long-term effects of BP, and it's kind of got me thinking.

There's no shortage of coverage of possible connections between BP and skin cancer, amid various other worries. There have only been questions since the 90's.. between then and now, that's not nearly enough time to prove BP is safe. People around here that push for it's safety seem to like to say that the FDA says it's safe, but I've read in numerous places that the FDA classifies BP as Category 3, or uncertain, which is very different. And there's no denying that the FDA is arcane - just look the ingredients in sunscreens sold in the U.S.

Just thinking long-term, what if we all wind up with some major cancer or other issue in years to come from slathering this free-radical generating chemical on our faces every day? I want to quit using BP, I really do. But I'm afraid if I discontinue it my skin will get really bad. I can't tell if BP does anything for me or not - maybe if I quit things would stay pretty much the same, maybe not. Anybody else in the same boat as me here?

[nomit]

Unfortunately, this seems to be the case with almost every drug on the market. They just haven't been around long enough for us to conclusively assert their safety. That's not to say every drug - least of those applied topically - will cause permanent or accumulating damage to tissue. Benzoyl peroxide (BP), for instance, although inappropriate for those with inherently dry or sensitive skin, has no discernible mechanism of action or pharmacology that could in any way be carcinogenic or damaging in the long-term. Though you're right in looking to studies examining the effects of medications after multiple decades, that's not the only way drugs are deemed safe: their activities within the body, if understood (as is the case with BP), are just as critical in evaluating a drug's safety (as are studies criticizing their safety).

If you're truly concerned, you can pursue a more "natural" alternative (as in, diet and herbal supplements). Be wary of what you read, though, and apply the same criticism and awareness you demonstrated here to these approaches; there's a lot of information on the internet, and not all of it is true or well-intentioned.

[AKL]

BP has been around since...about 1930, I think. The safety classification was changed to category 1 (safe and effective), almost 2 years ago. All these websites claiming it's a category 3 topical were all too keen to post that when the FDA announced it. Now, almost 2 years after the classification was changed to 1, they still haven't corrected it. I wonder why...

You can of course try quitting BP. If that's your intention, then don't stop cold turkey. Build off slowly, so you'll be able to monitor what happens and it won't take you back to square one if things don't go as planned.

[DaveBens]

Alright, thanks for the point on the more recent decision, wasn't aware of that one. I of course don't want to quit BP; certainly, it's a nuisance to have to apply twice a day, and I can't be positive it's still doing things for me, but I'd like to avoid the possibility of breakouts after quitting if possible. All the same, can we be sure the FDA's ruling is trustworthy? It's just always struck me as risky to put a considerable application of peroxide on your face twice a day; are there really no effects apart from the oxygenation of the skin and killing of the bacteria present? Just seems like there would be a better solution.

[AKL]

I can imagine it's a nuisance. You could of course try to use less in the morning, so it won't take you as long to do your regimen. See how that goes for a week or 2. And continue to reduce the amount until you only apply it once a day, etc. As far as I know, the only side effects (apart from the short-term side effects like dryness, redness, irritation, etc.) are that it reduces plasma levels of vitamins (A, C and E, if I'm not mistaken), and increased sensitivity to sunlight.

I don't know if you can be sure about the FDA, since I'm not American, but from what I see here they're doing an awful job when it comes to food and supplements. I can tell you their decision to change BP's classification was based on scientific studies, though.

Obviously, if you're worried about using BP long-term and looking for another topical solution, there are other options: azelaic acid, niacinamide gel, silicol gel, tea tree oil, to name just a few. Whether or not they do their jobs as well as BP, I think that varies from person to person. And imo, having a look at your diet never hurts.

[Lola Burns]

I'm always reading that there is a POSSIBLITY that there is a link between bp and skin care, but maybe that's just because it makes skin more sensitive to the sun. I've also read that using sun screen and not reapplying it after an hour or so is actually worse than using sunscreen at all. There seems to be little compelling evidence that bp actually causes cancer.

My concern is free radical damage. I'm getting to an age where crows feet, frown lines, smile lines and worry lines are probably not in the distant future, they're right around the corner.