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Wed Apr 05, 2006 10:46 am  |
Someone mentioned in a not-so-current post here....I can’t find it again now...that they suspected Benvoyl Peroxide (BP) exacerbated their hyperpigmentation (hp) problem. My BP use began about 10 years ago as did my hp, so this caught my attention. I began searching yesterday for more info....and found contradictory advice/warnings regarding the link of the two. Some sites, the more technical “drug info.” type, advice ~
“..people with medium to dark skin who use benzoyl peroxide on a regular basis may also experience an increase in the hyperpigmentation caused by acne infections.”
“Acne medications that can have a drying effect on the skin, such as benzoyl peroxide, should only be used under the supervision of a dermatologist as these medications may irritate the skin and prolong post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in some cases. Benzoyl peroxide can also decolorize skin.”
While there are vastly more general acne help sites that advice using BP but make no mention of hyperpigmentation...even when advice is given specifically regarding hyperpigmentation issues related to acne...Benzoyl Peroxide is still MOST often recommended. Example (from a Dermotologist)~
“One of the best ways to treat hyperpigmentation from acne is to actually treat the acne. Use of mild benzoyl peroxide, glycolic or other alpha hydroxy acids, or salicylic acid helps to prevent blemishes. PIH will not occur if the acne is prevented.”
Benzoyl Peroxide has been the most effective treatment for healing my blemishes, and I’ve relied on it....whether dabbing on Clearsil at night, a cosmetic tinted solution during the day or my prescription Triaz Gel from the Doctor. When I complained to a Derm. that my zits (and I’m so lucky, I’ve rarely had more than one at a time) were leaving dark spots that were not fading ~ to the point that they are more a problem than the zit ever was~ he said it was due to ageing. I’m not saying that couldn’t be a factor...but I think EVERYONE using BP should know the risks and the connection to hyperpigmentation. BP is the main ingredient in many acne treatments including ProActive. During my online search, buried, I found tips for avoiding hp with BP use...guidelines that I’ve never read before in all my Benzoyl Peroxide use. Though now my dark spots are issues in and of themselves.
Reason #1001 I'm thankful for finding this forum. Hope this helps someone else. |
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Cyndi K.blonde/green/medium-fair/39My super hero power is the ability to be dry and shiny simultaneously. |
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Wed Apr 05, 2006 4:54 pm |
| hm... i am really confused now. I thought BP actually bleach your skin. |
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Thu Apr 06, 2006 5:01 am |
It stains (bleaches) cloth / clothing...not skin.
There’s a lot about Benzoyl Peroxide I didn’t know and I think I’m in the majority....such as~
the same precautions used for Retin-A / Tretinoin go for Benzoid Peroxide,
major free radical producer,
should not be used with PABA sunscreens,
hyperpigmentation and loss of pigmentation can be side-effects,
should not be used with hydroquinone,
should not be used w/ Retin-A / Tretinion,
can lengthen the time a red or brown blemish scar heals,
in 1995 the FDA changed the category of BP from safe to safety uncertain
I don’t think the way PB is marketed (tinted and clear drying creams for the day) -to teens especially- in every US drugstore matches the significant cautions and guidelines that should be used. I think if prolonged pigmentation scaring is occurring then BP use should be closely scrutinized by the consumer.
LOTS of people use BP casually...I hope posting this helps someone else...but I will get off the soapbox.  |
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Cyndi K.blonde/green/medium-fair/39My super hero power is the ability to be dry and shiny simultaneously. |
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Thu Apr 06, 2006 6:36 am |
| I used BP for only a few months and have 2 spots on my face where it actually bleached my skin. It's interesting that it states you either get "hyperpigmentation or loss of pigmentation." Basically, the opposite of each other. |
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Oily skin,dry in winter; nonstop breakouts-some hormonal; ethnic skintone-golden tan; mid 30's |
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Thu Apr 06, 2006 8:54 am |
Fairlyfair: I found this link on google. It basically says that the hyperpigmentation is more common for ppl with darker skin. So maybe the hypo pigmentation is for pl with fair skin?
What do you use now for pimples? |
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Arch
New Member
 
Joined: 09 Apr 2006
Posts: 2
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Sun Apr 09, 2006 6:35 pm |
I've used BP in the past (Proactice Solution) for about 5 years around 1996-2001 because it was effective in dealing with my moderate acne. But I didn't like how sensitive it made my skin in regards to post-acne hyperpigmention.
I have a light olive complexion and noticed that while on Proactive my face was noticeabley darker than my neck. I assumed it was just the chemicals "burning" my skin that gave it a darker tone. But it was probably the AHA and BP in the system that made my skin more sensitive to UV exposure as well. |
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Sun Apr 09, 2006 6:39 pm |
I also used Clearsil with BP... I just threw it away after reading this... I'm sticking with BHAs instead  |
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31, Combination normal-dry skin, loves CSRx, PSF, A'kin, Decleor, ACV, Jojoba oil! |
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Sun Apr 09, 2006 10:12 pm |
I tatally agree...whenever i use BP regularly....my face looks angry red(not to mention itchy and touchy) and post-acne spots stick around forever and even retin-a dont seem to fade it.....as soon as i stop BP everything seems to calm down in a couple of days...and since i get hormonal acne mostly, they are not much help on that front either  ....anyways you live and learn! |
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mouseyear666
New Member
Joined: 30 Mar 2006
Posts: 7
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Mon Apr 10, 2006 7:51 pm |
| i have been using bp on my skin for about 13 years in one form or another and i too have noticed that my skin has a red look compared to my neck. lately i've realized that all the chemicals i've put on my face have totally toasted it. my face has a disconcerting tolerance for extremely hot water, and i read that it (BP) causes cancer in rats. i've been on proactiv for about 3 yrs and i'm looking to just start making my own cleanser, toner, moisturizer and mask because i'm afraid of what this stuff is doing to me...and proactiv is probably the most inocuous product i'v used so far... |
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