Can I use PanOxyl on my face and body?

Which PanOxyl should I use?

Both washes are intended for face and body, so 'body wash' does not have to become another shopping category. Benzoyl peroxide reduces acne causing bacteria and helps with spots and blocked pores. For combination skin, with oily areas and dry areas, PanOxyl suggests using the 4% Creamy Wash only on oily areas after a gentle cleanser. You do not need to treat dry cheeks just because you are treating an oily forehead.123

PanOxyl sells cleansers, treatments and moisturizers, so the brand name is not a set of directions. The instructions below are for the US 10% Foaming Wash; check your own package for other products.34

How do I wash my face and body with it?

1. 1Wash your hands and wet the acne affected area.
2. 2Apply the wash and gently massage for 1 to 2 minutes. Do not scrub.
3. 3Rinse thoroughly, pat dry and wash your hands again.
4. 4Follow with moisturizer. If going outdoors, apply sunscreen to exposed skin.

Start the 10% wash once daily, morning or evening. Its label allows a gradual increase to two or three applications daily if needed, but reduce use to once daily or every other day if dryness or peeling becomes bothersome. Using more benzoyl peroxide will not make it work faster.13

General back acne guidance allows some benzoyl peroxide washes to sit for 2 to 5 minutes because back skin is thicker than facial skin. For PanOxyl 10%, follow its specific 1 to 2 minute directions rather than extending contact time yourself.16

What else belongs in the routine?

Choose gentle, fragrance free body skincare and a moisturizer marked noncomedogenic, meaning it will not clog pores. For exposed skin, use broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Shower and change out of sweaty clothing after exercise; skip loofahs, abrasive scrubs and back brushes, which can worsen acne.567

If you already use prescription acne medicine or another acne treatment, check with your pharmacist or prescriber before adding PanOxyl. Benzoyl peroxide can be part of a combined treatment plan, including alongside a topical antibiotic, but combining acne medicines can increase dryness and irritation.137

Who should be careful?

Do not use the 10% Foaming Wash on very sensitive skin or if you are sensitive to benzoyl peroxide. Avoid infected or broken skin, eyes, lips and mouth. Keep the wash away from hair and dyed fabrics because it can bleach them. Ask a health professional before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding; if approved during breastfeeding, avoid applying it to your breasts.13

Stop and ask a doctor if irritation becomes severe. Get advice for side effects that persist or bother you. Seek emergency help for difficulty breathing or a swollen throat or tongue, which can signal a serious allergic reaction.13

How long until I see a difference?

Benzoyl peroxide generally starts working within four weeks. Back acne can take six to eight weeks to show improvement and three to four months to clear. Seek help if back acne has not changed after six to eight weeks, or acne elsewhere has not improved after 12 weeks. Deep, painful spots or scarring need medical assessment sooner. Bumps that resemble acne can be another condition, so an uncertain diagnosis also deserves assessment.3567