Skin Lightening Myth: Benzoyl Peroxide Leads To Acne Marks

Photo Credit: MyHealthGuardian

It's pivotal for me to put out this statement first: Benzoyl peroxide is a very effective acne treatment. There is no doubt that it can treat all types of acne (whiteheads, cystic etc.) in a rapid amount of time.

I need to state this because I know a lot of people use benzoyl peroxide and it is one of the only ingredients that help with their acne. Honestly if something is working for you - stick with it.

That's my little disclaimer for this post.

Now onto the real reason why I am blogging about this. I've mentioned a few times on Bright Skin Forum, in comments and in messages that benzoyl peroxide is not something I usually recommend. I'm not against using it entirely (hence why I made the disclaimer) it's good to exhaust other treatments like salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acids, or rx retinoids to treat acne first. Why? Simply because they are just better for your skin.

Benzoyl Peroxide is a pro-oxidant. The total opposite of an anti-oxidant (vitamin c). It is anti-bacterial and actually works at removing acne through its oxidative properties.

The problem is, since it is a pro-oxidant it attracts free radical damage. Free radicals can trigger excess melanin production and accelerate the aging process of the skin. The cellular damage caused by free radicals often times are directly related to hyperpigmentation and acne marks.

Acne marks in particular. Many people who use benzoyl peroxide leave-on treatments like Proactiv find that it clears up their acne but leaves them with mottled skin texture and acne marks (and acne scars). The acne marks from BP usage can be red or dark (I wrote more extensively on the difference between the two in How To Treat Acne Marks). They tend to be very stubborn to treat because if you are continuing to use benzoyl peroxide, you are prolonging their existence.

The entire acne healing process is slowed down with BP usage. It is directly linked to the free radical drawing elements of the peroxide.

Some people argue that using topical antioxidants in your regimen can offset the effects, and that is true to an extent. As long as they are not used at the same time (so benzoyl peroxide used underneath a vitamin c serum is useless. They cancel each other out).

All the studies and evidence regarding the oxidative/damaging properties of BP center on leave-on products. Benzoyl Peroxide based cleansers slip off the radar since they are not present on the skin for a long period of time. Their act is instantaneous bacteria killing. Once rinsed off, it shouldn't interfere with anything unless the cleanser leaves behind a film or residue which is a problem in itself since cleansers like this lead to clogged pores anyway.

There was a time where people thought benzoyl peroxide can lighten or bleach out the skin. The reason being since it is very similar to hydrogen peroxide in nature, it can cause an instant whitening effect. Also people connected it with the fact that BP can bleach out hair and clothes.

There is no skin bleaching or skin whitening effect of benzoyl peroxide.

So, the myth on whether it contributes to acne marks is true. The skin lightening element is not.

Still I want to end this off by saying, if you are using BP and it works for you - just wear sunscreen to protect your skin. I'm not anti-BP, I'm just stating a drawback that it has.

The net is filled with resources and published studies proving the oxidative/free radical pooling aspects of benzoyl peroxide. Here is just one.