My benzoyl peroxide cream has left me with dry, flaky skin, what do I do?

Question

Part of my face is so red, dry, and super flakey. What can I do to exfoliate it, or get rid of it? I have put some moisturizer on it, but it hasn't helped much.

Answer 1

DO NOT EXFOLIATE. i repeat: DO NOT EXFOLIATE. the reason your skin is dried out is because of the benzoyl peroxide. not because it needs exfoliated. if you exfoliate, you will be scrubbing your skin into misery. did you read the directions on the box lady? it will warn you that peroxide dries you out. it probably also says, if excessive dryness occurs, decrease use. if irritation still persists, cease use of the product and consult your physician. my advice, only put the peroxide on the blemishes or in small areas that really require it. use a SMALL amount. this stuff isn't meant to be slathered on. a TINY bit is all that is necessary. more is NOT better in this case. if the skin remains dry, STOP using the product. if your skin is a real problem, go see a dermatologist. don't be dumb and keep using walmart crap on it. i say this from years of personal experience and visits to a good derm.

Answer 2

A hydro cortisone cream like Cortaid might help reduce the irritation & flakiness.

You can also try a facial mask of plain yogurt (2-4 tablespoons) for 5-10 minutes to help exfoliate and calm your skin.

Limit the use of the benzoyl peroxide cream and wash with a mild cleanser like Cetaphil or Dove for Sensitive skin until your skin heals.

Continue the use of a oil-free, gel moisturizer to protect against the winter wind.

If your skin does not start to improve in about 2 days, contact a dermatologist.

Answer 3

You should use a better moisturizer, something that is more hydrating than the one you have been using. For one that is less expensive Alba Organics makes a good sea kelp moisturizer, mid price Clinque makes a good one and Chanel moisturizers are fabulous but they are more pricey, about forty to fifty dollars each. Use a gentle exfoliator becuase you don't want to irritate the skin further by using a very strong one. Dont use the cream that made your skin do this until it is not dry anymore, after it is better cut down your usage to half as often as you were using it, that will give your skin a chance to get used to the medicine in the cream. If your problem persists I would suggest seeing a dermatoligist.

Answer 4

if this is the kind they prescribe to you the best thing to do is to be sure to only use it as prescribed (most oftens it's two times a day) and second.. do not use any other harsh abrasive cleaners. only use mild soap and water to clean your face with. and do not exfoliate..

you really need to read all the directions that came with this product..b/c they really do make good sense.

find a good moisturizing soap w/o dyes and whatnot. i personally suggest an oatmeal soap or even something like dove.

second, find a good moisturizer with vitamin e and made specifically for the face. plaster that on at night and put it on several times during the day.
if you are new to the product it will take some time. my face hurt so bad b/c of the dryness and peeling that i couldn't go out unconvered in the wind..the dryness goes away after a week or so of continuous use.. your skin will generally still be drier than before, but not as intensely.
i went from using it twice a day to just once..and it's doing it's job, w/o all the horrible peeling and drying. again, it says in your instructions to decrease use if it gets too bad.. so give your skin a bit of time to adjust and then rate how often you need to use it.
however, if it persists stop use and go back to the dr that prescribed it to you.

Answer 5

The benzoyl dried your face out so much. I have very oily skin and what I ended up doing was using the Clinique 3 step program. The best oil control is that Dramatically Differene Gel. Currently your skin is dried out and need moisture. I would go to the Dermatologist. They can help you get back to healthy skin then help you control the oil. I would not use the Proactiv Solutions Program. It makes your skin dry and its rather expensive.

Answer 6

you should stop using it or at least minimize your usage to maybe once a week or less. your skin must be sensitive to the benzoyl peroxide, so you definitely don't want to use it every day. also, avoid too much sun exposure after using it and wear a facial moisturizer with SPF of less than 15. don't exfoliate though! your skin is already too sensitive that exfoliating will only further irritate your skin.

Answer 7

It is doing its job if your skin is dry. The purpose of benzoyl peroxide is to dry the skin of oils. If it is too dry, use less or try diluting it with water. I actually wet my whole face when I use it. I leave my face wet and then apply it. It works for me! I wouldn't waste your time and money on a dermatologist. Ask a good pharmacist for free! Many people underestimate the knowledge of pharmacists!

Answer 8

this is a subject i know all to well.

i have had bad reactions to benzoly proxide on many occasions. and you know, what works best for me is nothing but a moisturizer.

however if you want to wash with something, follow this process, it works!!!

1. let your face calm down....don't wash it with anything but water for about 1-2 days or until redness goes away.

2. once redness has decreased/went away, try using what you were only ALOT less. example: instead of 2 times a day, 1 time, or once every other day.

this should work. sometimes your skin does that until it is use to the product. it depends on the person, but like i said, you may be better off with nothing, i am.

Answer 9

Well u have a couple options:
1.Use cetaphil moisturiser of oil of olay moisturiser.
2.Discontinue the use of benzoyl peroxide and find a different acne medicine that will be more geantle on your skin.
3. You could use a soap called purpose. I use it on my skin and it works wonderfully.

Answer 10

you should stop using it 1st but if you must use it try using it on alternate day. let your skin rest. try use a hydrating mask twice a wk (use those that is water base type) it will help to reduce the flakiness .i don't think you should exfoliate it yet as your skin is red that mean it is sensitive. and yes continue using moisturiser (liquid or gel type will be good). drink more water too!
hope it helps>>>>