Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My skin is itchy after I apply the benzoyl peroxide. Is that normal?
A: Yes, a little itchiness is normal.
Q: My skin is burning and/or red after I apply the benzoyl peroxide. Is that normal?
A: I experience a very tolerable low level of what one might describe as "burning". Many people who begin my regimen report redness for the first couple of weeks, after which time the redness subsides. If your redness and burning is unacceptable, it may be a good idea to use less benzoyl peroxide cream at first, and up the dosage over a period of a couple of weeks. According to the Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine:
| "The most
common side effects of anti-acne drugs applied to the skin are slight
redness, dryness, peeling, and stinging, and a warm feeling to the skin.
These problems usually go away as the body adjusts to the drug and do
not require medical treatment. Other side effects should be brought
to a physician's
attention. Check with a physician as soon as possible if any of the
following side effects occur: 1. Blistering, crusting or swelling of the skin 2. Severe burning or redness of the skin 3. Darkening or lightening of the skin. (This effect will eventually go away after treatment with an anti-acne drug ends.) 4. Skin rash." |
Q: My skin is dry from the benzoyl peroxide. Nothing can make it non-dry, even a lot of moisturizer. What do I do?
A: Hopefully you are dry and clear. Now try gradually reducing the amount of benzoyl peroxide cream you use. Use as much as you need to to stay clear but reduce dryness. The Purpose Alpha Hydroxy Moisture Lotion works better at hydrating than the Dual Purpose variety, so if you have been on the regimen for a few weeks already, it may be a good time to try the Alpha Hydroxy moisturizer as well. Also, remember to use a 2.5% benzoyl peroxide solution. Anything more can overdry, and won't do you any more good.
Q: Can I use cosmetics? Which kind are best?
A: Here is a quote from the National Institute of Health:
| "People being treated for acne often need to change some of the cosmetics they use. All cosmetics, such as foundation, blush, eye shadow, and moisturizers, should be oil free. Patients may find it difficult to apply foundation evenly during the first few weeks of treatment because skin may be red or scaly, particularly with the use of topical tretinoin or benzoyl peroxide. Lip products that contain moisturizers may cause small, open and closed comedones to form. Hairstyling products that come in contact with the skin along the hairline can cause burning or stinging in people with acne. Products that are labeled as noncomedogenic (do not promote the formation of blemishes) should be used; in some people, however, even these products may cause acne." |
Q: How do I get rid of the red marks left after the blemish goes away?
A: Here is a quote from the American Academy of Dermatology and Roche Laboratories:
| "A red mark on the skin called an erythematous macule will fade in four to six months after an acne outbreak - but it may get temporarily redder when your skin gets hot or when you exercise. This red macule is not a scar, and is not permanent. In a dark skinned person, the macule may appear as a darker patch on the skin. This is not a scar, either." |
Q: The regimen worked, and I am clear now. Do I need to keep using the benzoyl peroxide?
A: Yes, benzoyl peroxide will prevent new outbreaks. There is no cure for acne, just ongoing treatment.
Q: I can't find the supplies in my area and I can't order through drugstore.com. What do I do?
A: Check out www.acne.org/outsideus.html
Q: Do you know if (brand X) product is as good as the Purpose, Neutrogena, or Gillette products you recommend?
A: For the most part, I don't know. From all the many products I have tried in my years fighting acne, the Purpose, Neutrogena, and Gillette products work best for me. From the reaction I've received from people who have tried my regimen, they seem to like the products as well. If you want other opinions, epinions.com has some interesting reviews to read. Also, I recently found a public rating of over-the-counter products at rateitall.com. If more people vote, it should be more accurate.
A: There are a few procedures that can be performed to help with acne scars. Check out the Acne Scar Treatment part of Acne.org for more info and links to where you can find a specialist. A person's skin must be free of active acne to take advantage of acne scar treatments.
Q: How old am I, when did I start getting acne, how severe was it, am I clear now?
A: I'm 29. I started getting acne at 12 or 13. It was severe at times in the past, but there were always people worse than me. I stay remarkably clear now.