BP will it bleach the skin or not??
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free skin care · Fri May 19, 2006 5:39 pm

well i have been using the regimen from this site.. acne.org and my skin has improved dramatically.. I like how my skin looks.. BUt i hear that BP can bleach your skin? Will it make my complexion lighter? Whats long term use like? I have a light tan complexion (im latin) and was wondering if i have anything to worry about? I also heard that BP will speed the aging process of your skin.. Is this true?

free skin care · Fri May 19, 2006 7:52 pm

Well, from my experience I don't think BP will bleach your skin, but it will sure as heck bleach your towels, sheets, pillow cases, clothes, etc. Ugh, as you can prolly tell, I hate the stuff! As for whether or not it makes your skin age, I don't know about that. On the one hand, untreated acne is bad for your skin, because it leaves scars, etc, BUT BP is so drying, so I don't think it's all that good for skin either. I dunno...

free skin care · Fri May 19, 2006 9:36 pm

Hi there, as far as I know, BP can cause hypopigmentation(bleach your skin) or hyperpigmentation (darken your skin). And this is depending on waht type of skin you have. For people with medium to dark skin, BP might cause hyperpigmentation.

I found this on google for you:

"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."

So I guess, just use BP with care. Dont put it all over your face. Maybe jsut spot treat your acnes with it.

free skin care · Sat May 20, 2006 10:54 am

I stopped using products with BP at night because I was tired of seeing my towels and pillows bleached! Sad

That is kinda scary to think it could affect the pigmentation in your face! I think salycylic (sp?) acid is better for my skin anyway (at clearing out the pores).

free skin care · Sat May 20, 2006 10:59 am

well i use 2.5% concentration... and it doesn't irritate my skin.. But i wll use it as a spot instead of as a whole..

free skin care · Sat May 20, 2006 4:12 pm

I'm glad I read this. I usually use BP all over my face 1 night a week...just in case. I like to think it helps keep the zits away. These postings may make me rethink my BP routine...

Sat May 20, 2006 5:48 pm

BP has worked wonderfully at clearing my skin and has not dried it out at all, which puts me in the minority here. I've been using it for about 2 months and my dermatologist does plan to ween me from it in about a month because of the poor outcomes that can occur with long term use. I do also notice the bleached sheets/towels which is a pain. And my face does lose it's color quicker than the rest of me but I'm not sure if that's from the BP or the fact that I wash it 2 times a day and usually use a mask or exfoliator at night before the BP. I just use Jergens Natural Glow Face Moisturizer to help keep the color.

free skin care · Mon May 22, 2006 12:00 pm

I used BP for about 4 years and never experienced and facial bleaching but I have pale skin to start with. I stopped using it a month ago and do not plan on using it again. I too wonder whether BP accelerates the aging process and this is one of the reasons that I stopped using it.

If you read the package inserts that come with prescription BP (which BTW is not any stronger than the OTC stuff) it says that BP is a potent oxidizing agent!! I am just starting to use C serums and other antioxidants to prevent premature aging, why would I want to apply something that is going to cause oxidative damage to my face. I don't really think that the only thing that the BP is oxidizing is the bacteria on my face!!

BP is also an alkaline substance which can damage the skins protective barrier. I find BP to be highly irritating on my skin and there is evidence that uncontrolled irritation can lead to premature aging.

Everyone including dermatologists will tell you that BP if safe if used properly but the skeptic in me can no longer accept that statement. I just do not feel comfortable using BP anymore. I guess everyone has to decide for themselves whether the potental benefits of BP are worth the potential risks!

free skin care · Mon May 22, 2006 2:10 pm

well after reading the posts.. BP has worked well for my skin. It has kept my blemishes and pimples at bay and made my skin looked better. But now im not sure what to use instead that is just as affective but more safe to the skin.

I use the purpose gentle cleansers, then the cleansing cream by Dr.H and last used a moisturizer by Dr. H. I think its the rose day cream.

I now started to use it as a spot. Would this be ok you think for long term use?

free skin care · Mon May 22, 2006 2:18 pm

Well, it's like TheresaL says, you have to decide for yourself whether the benefits of having clear skin outweigh the potential drawbacks. If it really worries you, you might try exploring more natural alternatives. For example, you could try a treatment with tea tree oil or ylang ylang oil. PSF has a balancing oil that contains both, and Decleor has a line of ylang ylang-infused products. Also, it's expensive, but I've heard of people getting good results using PSF's O2 serum as a BP replacement. I've been using it myself for only a few days so I can't comment on it in detail, but so far it really does seem to help keep my skin clear. Another BP-free option is Juice Beauty's blemish serum. I like this one because it has natural ingredients and it's powerful but it doesn't dry my skin. HTH!!

free skin care · Mon May 22, 2006 2:21 pm

mixCD I actually still use 5% BP as a spot treatment but only for what seems like a really large pimple forming (which means I rarely use it). Once I run out of the BP I probably will look for something else for this purpose.

I started a post about alternatives to BP a little while back. Here is a link to the thread:

http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=12157&highlight=benzoyl+peroxide

manslayerliz I have been considering using the PS02 serum for this purpose. Let us know how it works for you after you have been using it for a while. BTW, I have noticed that we seem to have an interest in alot of the same products Smile

free skin care · Tue May 23, 2006 7:59 am

I've noticed the exact same thing, Theresa! Very Happy

I'll let you know about the O2 serum after I've been using it a little longer, but so far I really love it!

free skin care · Thu Jun 01, 2006 4:14 pm

now just wondering Proactiv Solution has BP in it will it have the same issues??

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