Benzoyl peroxide for rosacea

Why does the formula matter?

Conventional benzoyl peroxide can cause stinging, burning and itching in people with rosacea. Microencapsulation encloses benzoyl peroxide in tiny silica capsules that release it gradually, which is unusually elaborate packaging even for skincare. Epsolay is a prescription cream. Ask your prescriber about the encapsulated formulation rather than substituting an acne wash or gel.13

Which rosacea signs does it treat?

Epsolay treats inflammatory bumps in adults, often called papulopustular rosacea. Persistent facial redness and visible blood vessels need their own treatment decisions: options include medicines that temporarily narrow blood vessels and laser or light treatments. If redness without bumps is your main concern, ask about treatment aimed at redness rather than choosing benzoyl peroxide.24

How much improvement should you expect?

For topical rosacea medicines generally, slight improvement can appear after 3 or 4 weeks; a noticeable difference usually takes 2 to 3 months. With encapsulated benzoyl peroxide 5%, about 48% of participants were clear or almost clear at 12 weeks, compared with about 25% using the cream base without benzoyl peroxide. Those participants had moderate to severe rosacea with inflammatory bumps. Benefits were seen both below age 65 and at age 65 or older.25

Rosacea is a chronic condition that can return. Encapsulated benzoyl peroxide has also been used for up to 52 weeks, with a similar tolerability profile during longer treatment. Decisions about continuing or pausing treatment belong in your follow up plan, rather than being based on one good skin day.3

How to apply Epsolay

1. 1Before first use, prime the pump until cream appears.
2. 2On clean, dry skin, apply a pea sized amount in a thin layer to each facial area being treated: forehead, chin, nose and each cheek. Apply once daily and avoid the eyes, lips and mouth.
3. 3Wash your hands after application.

Use a gentle cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen alongside treatment, giving the routine a supporting cast rather than another audition for the lead. Choose a tinted sunscreen with broad spectrum protection, SPF 30 or higher and water resistance. Minimize sunlight and avoid tanning beds. Epsolay can bleach hair and colored fabric; discard unused cream 60 days after first use.246

When should you stop?

Dryness, redness, scaling, itching and burning can occur. Apply moisturizer; stop Epsolay and contact your prescriber if irritation does not improve. Stop at the first sign of sunburn. Do not apply it to cuts, scrapes, eczema or sunburned skin. Do not use it after a previous allergic reaction to benzoyl peroxide or its components. Stop immediately and seek urgent medical help for a serious allergic reaction.4

If pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss Epsolay with your prescriber. Exposure of the baby is not expected, but pregnancy studies in animals and human milk data are unavailable. Safety and effectiveness for children are not established.4

What if benzoyl peroxide is not suitable?

Other prescription treatments for rosacea bumps include azelaic acid, ivermectin and metronidazole. Treatment can involve more than one medicine. A prescription cream is chosen for its role in your treatment plan.1

Store benzoyl peroxide products as their packaging directs and keep them away from heat. Benzoyl peroxide can break down into benzene, especially at high temperatures or during prolonged storage. If this concerns you, ask your dermatologist about another treatment rather than replacing Epsolay with an acne product.7