How can I treat my face after I burnt it with Benzoyl Peroxide?

Question

I have mild acne. I had been using tea tree cream which was keeping the acne under control, but was not making it dissappear. My pharmacist recommended that I use Benzoyl Peroxide (the strong one - number ten) once a day. I used it Tuesday night and on Wednesday my spots were worse. So last night (Wednesday) I decided to put a bit more on my face before going to bed. This morning I woke up with my face red were I put the cream and it feels burnt. I couldn't go to school. What can I do to calm the redness down for now? and what will I do about using Benzoyl Peroxide in the future?
All answer appreciated.
Tanx.

Answer 1

Use anything to treat burns and sunburns. You should avoid to put Benzoyl Peroxide in the areas where you were burnt, they are probably very sensitive. Also if you can, try and use it only every other day and moisturise your skin morning and evenings the rest of the time. Finally I recommend you use a milder one, the 5% works really well on mild acne.

Answer 2

I actually recommend either using a lower percentage and tapering to every other day or every third day. If you still experience irritation, you may be part of the 5-10% of the population that is overly sensitive or allergic to Benzoyl Peroxide.

I got a fruit acid peel, then I noticed that my skin had brought up some white bumps to the surface. When I went on dermatological sites to look for advice on how to fix the problem, many sites recommended applying a topical retinoid or retinol to the areas to help fix the texture of the bumpy skin and encourage natural exfoliation. However, my retinoid gel had 2.5% benzoyl peroxide in, and after 2 days of applying to my face, my face is burnt, irritated and cracked. I can't wash my face with warm water and my face is itchy during the day.

I've read on a medical journal that 5-10% of people are actually sensitive to Benzoyl Peroxide, either allergic or have adverse reactions to it, and will experience irritation, burning, bumps or worse, no matter the dosage.

I would back off anything with Benzoyl Peroxide in, and try to stick with things with AHA, or Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids - like Glycolic and Lactic Acid to help with your acne, and even then, sparingly. Tea Tree Oil and Salycilic Acid will work well, but they take longer than BP. They are gentler to your skin and healthier for skin in the long run, however. Don't expect any overnight miracles.

Do not use harsh scrubs or any granule type exfoliants, as this will worsen the condition of your skin while it is inflamed, and will damage your skin when it is back to normal. Stick with AHAs in products to help you exfoliate without damaging your skin. Or just use a muslin cleansing cloth a couple times a week.

Stay out of the sun, stick with mild cleansers, wear sunblock of at least 30SPF and reapply every few hours for max efficacy. Also, a change in diet may help with mild acne. I went vegetarian and stopped eating too much processed food and animal by products (dairy, eggs) and noticed that the fewer hormones I consumed actually helped me clear my skin up. The bonus of eating more veggies and fruits in your diet, other than the obvious health benefits factor, is that many veggies and fruits actually are anti-inflammatory and anti-aging, so you may notice your skin clearing up and looking brighter and more youthful over time.

Good luck!!!

Try this YouTuber for skin care advice: www.youtube.com/cloudyapples

Answer 3

Ooh, That really sounds like it hurts. Try some aloe vera. You can get it at the drug store relieve some of the burned feeling and some of the redness. Try to keep out of the sun for a bit and follow they prescription as prescribed as far as the benzoyl peroxide. Maybe a 10 was too much.

It really sounds like you have sensitive skin. Is it possible to go to a dermatologist and find something that will work with your skin type rather than going to the pharmacist? It will cost you more, but you may need some treatment that will be tailored to your skin type and body chemistry.

Answer 4

Let me start by saying I am a licensed esthetician... schooled in the art of skin care. Benzoyl per. is too harsh for skin!! Yes maybe every other day using it can help to kill bacteria and germs.. but obviously its too harsh for your skin. With acneic skin you would think that drying it out would stop the problem but really if you overdo it , your skin will only get worse from the irritation. If you overdry your skin (which alcohol and peroxide do) .. it reacts by trying to replace the natural oil that was lost...only making the problem worse! Try a deep cleanser in the morning... maybe a oil obsorbing powder or sheets to control oil during the day... a cleanser and toner at night and a treatment cream all over for overnight. Overwashing is bad... oatmeal is a great cleanser for acneic skin. Also try clay masks twice a week to tighten pores and bring vibrance back. Moisturizer is always crucial no matter what type of skin you have... especially ones with shea or cocoa butter.. they help calm irritation and fade scars at the same time. Email me for any further recommendations=)

Answer 5

Benzoyl Peroxide Burn

Answer 6

I wouldnt use Benzoyl Peroxide in the future, I would go to the Doctors and get them to take a look they may give you somthing else for your acen and for the burns you have now.

Answer 7

Aqueous cream from your local chemist. it's a perfume free emmoliant, it was all I used (after the dressings were removed) on 2nd degree burns on my arms, face and back... I have healed with no visible scarring or redness. Use plenty and often.

Also... you can use aqueous cream as a cleanser, just rub it in, then wash of with warm water, it cleans skin without any detergent or perfume to irritate it.

It'l lanolin free too, read the instructions. If you talk to your pharmacist they will know what's best, they are VERY well trained and under rated professionals.

Answer 8

you poor thing,

It might be worth going to a specialist or you could go to a beauty parlour type place where they specialise in skin treatments and advice..i would go for one that uses organic products. if you go while it is still red and sore then they can advise you better. Your skin is probably sensitve as well so be careful about the products you use (that is why a natural organic may be better for you) Look in the yellow pages for a place near you and phone them to book an appointment. There is an oil called .. bio oil that people use to fade scars (lots of women use it for stretch marks) but then putting oil on you skin may encourage spots. I hope you feel better soon

Answer 9

Only think I can think of is lotion and time and no more benzol peroxide. My acne was cured by lots of sun on my face ( I went to basic in Texas) and anti bacterial soap. Try using anti bacterial soap, if you can goto Texas in the summer for about 2 months the acne won't survive.

Answer 10

first: STOP USING THE PEROXIDE unless you want your face to fall off (ok that was a joke by the way) but if your having this reaction dont use it
and
second: aloe vera works wonders on my burnt skin
and
third: go back to what you know