8 replies to this topic

[janis808]

Benzoyl Peroxide Cautions: Benzoyl peroxide (BP) generates free radicals in the skin. Its effect is similar to unprotected sun exposure. The redness of the skin (erythema), caused by sun exposure and BP, is the result of free radicals (oxidative stress) upon the skin. Repeated sun exposure or BP use generates free radicals that damage the skin's structure and cellular DNA, resulting in premature aging of the skin. The extent of the damage and aging from BP is determined by the concentration of BP, the frequency of application and the duration of its use.

Because BP generates free radicals it interferes with and slows the healing process. The red and brown marks that are a part of the acne healing process may last weeks longer when BP is a regular part of the daily regimen.

BP has been linked to cancer for a number of years and many research journal entries state "benzoyl peroxide is a free radical-generating skin tumor promoting agent." Performing a word search of the words "benzoyl peroxide cancer" in PubMed in the National Library of Medicine produces 102 articles from medical publications dealing with research aspects of BP and cancer. About two-thirds of the research supports linkage between BP and skin cancer.

"In 1995 the FDA changed benzoyl peroxide from a Category I (safe) to a Category III (safety is uncertain) ingredient and stated this action (56 FR 37622) was based on new information that raised a safety concern regarding benzoyl peroxide as a tumor promoter in mice..." Additionally the FDA charged manufacturers with the responsibility of providing this information to consumers so they could make educated decisions. A more complete FDA statement is at the bottom of this page, for your reference.

Use of benzoyl peroxide to control or maintain the control of acne may involve side effects and risks that should be considered as you make decisions on acne treatment. Skintactix has given particular attention to providing effective treatment with no side effects and no benzoyl peroxide.


more info at http://www.skintactix.com/acne_tips.htm

[Revolution]

Sorry to burst your bubble again but that website is completely biased.

[19yochickfightingacne4toolong]

Even if this were all true, how long would it take of BP use in order to become at risk?

Personally, once my acne becomes very mild or completely gone, I wont be using BP anyways...and I figure that could be in a few months....

I'm just hoping that this study is implied for people who use BP frequently for a number of years...oppose to a few months *crossing fingers*

[zaslusvantz]

Skin is natural, simple.

BP is a chemical compound.

Natural + Chemical compound = organic breakdown.

Time and time again that is shown.

HOWEVER...

If you follow this.. "Too much of anything is not soo good." Than you should be safe.

With BP, don't deny that fact that is has some damaging qualities.
Drying : Causes premature aging
(counteracted by a good lotion)

proof: prolonged scaring.

Be moderate with it. Remember that Dan has been using it and his looks great! His skin does not look super aged at all.

[gentlesoul]

You really should consult people like me, who've been using it for 25 years. I have no wrinkles or creases, my skin is soft, and the only visible damage to it is from pih. I have used it once daily, all these years, except for brief interludes trying other meds unsuccessfully. Like everything else in life, the use of bp is a tradeoff. If you're worried about premature ageing, protect yourself from and blame the sun, pollutants, etc. And I have only been using a moisturizer for the past ten years, so that's the first 25 years of my life without it. I have mentioned this numerous times before, I cannot see the point of using bp twice a day, when used generously at night. But I suppose each person is different.

[englishmuppet]

You really should consult people like me, who've been using it for 25 years.  I have no wrinkles or creases, my skin is soft, and the only visible damage to it is from pih. I have used it once daily, all these years, except for brief interludes trying other meds unsuccessfully.  Like everything else in life, the use of bp is a tradeoff.  If you're worried about premature ageing, protect yourself from and blame the sun, pollutants, etc.  And I have only been using a moisturizer for the past ten years, so that's the first 25 years of my life without it.  I have mentioned this numerous times before, I  cannot see the point of using bp twice a day, when used generously at night.  But I suppose each person is different.

And it's kind of silly :S What's the point in preserving skin that is full of acne? Lol. I'd rather age faster than keep the spots thank you...

[Rhino]

And it's kind of silly :S What's the point in preserving skin that is full of acne? Lol. I'd rather age faster than keep the spots thank you...

Personally, I'd rather just deal with acne while it lasts then have it age my skin for good... I used the regimen and BP gel for about 2 months, and started getting fine lines in my skin. I did some research on acne.org, and saw Dan had addressed the problem, saying just use more moisturizer (skin renewal w/ SPF15), so I did. I went on for a few more days, and those lines turned into wrinkles in my skin...

Yeah, it's been weeks now. Tried everything. I'm 17, and I have wrinkles on my forehead and more "baggy" skin around where I smile. That's a lot worse than having acne, in my opinion... At least acne is "normal" for someone of my age.

If BP works for you, then great, but if you start getting lines in your skin I urge anyone who reads this to STOP immediately before it's too late. Let the lines at least go away before going back on BP. Better to have acne for a few more days than to be wrinkled forever...

Personally, I won't be using BP again except maybe once in a while for an occasional spot treatment...

[aghareeb]

I also experienced some fine lined and wrinkling, but I noticed that as my skin adjusted, they went away.

I think it was probably bacause my skin was a bit swollen, and therefore had an altered texture.

Looks just fine now.

[BPgal]

Yeah, I've heard the BP oxidation before, and I think it's BS.

I'm over 50 with adult acne I'll never outgrow. I've used BP for YEARS, even, until very recently, 10% BP (I'm back to Dan's 2.5% BP gel; it's just gentler on the skin), and my skin looks 10 years younger. So much for the theory that BP ages the skin, is toxic, etc. I'm my own guinea pig, and I don't believe it.

Of course I always use an SPF 15 or higher moisturizer loaded with antioxidants (like Origins Have a Nice Day cream) in the a.m., and a high quality moisturizer in the p.m. Still, with all the BP I've used over the years, surely I'd have seen some damage by now if it truly is oxidative. I think it's improved the quality of my skin and it's the only thing that keeps away acne.

Remember, these particular websites that bash BP have their own agenda, as well.