Does benzoyl peroxide bleach skin?

Why might your skin look different?

Benzoyl peroxide reduces acne causing bacteria. Treating acne helps prevent the dark marks that breakouts leave behind, but that is not the same as bleaching your natural skin colour. Those marks are called hyperpigmentation, meaning increased skin colour. Inflammation can also leave lighter patches, called hypopigmentation. Pale patches have several possible causes, so their appearance alone does not tell you what caused them. Pigment changes caused by inflammation or infection usually resolve over weeks to months after the underlying problem clears.134

How can you reduce irritation?

Start with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, especially if you are concerned about irritation on darker skin. Higher concentrations can cause dryness and flaking that worsen acne. If 2.5% irritates your skin, try using it every other day. Gradual introduction is also useful at the start of treatment. Wash gently with your fingertips and pat dry rather than scrubbing. Strong soaps, scrubbing and squeezing spots can worsen acne; peeling is not a reason to help the process along with more friction.13

How do you apply it?

1. 1Wash your hands before applying benzoyl peroxide.
2. 2For a leave on gel, gently clean and dry your skin, then apply a thin layer to the affected area.
3. 3For a wash, wet the affected area, wash with a small amount for 1 to 2 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.
4. 4Wash your hands afterwards.

Benzoyl peroxide is usually used once or twice daily; follow your product's leaflet. Some products are only for the face, while others also suit the back and chest. It usually starts working within four weeks. Speak to a pharmacist or GP if acne worsens or has not improved after 12 weeks.5

Does benzoyl peroxide bleach clothes?

Yes. Clothes, sheets, pillowcases and towels can all lose colour, giving an acne treatment a surprisingly large household remit. Keep benzoyl peroxide off fabrics and hair. A gel wash is rinsed off, but that does not make contact with clothing harmless: bleaching of hair and fabrics is listed for both Acnecide 5% gel and wash.12

When should you get help?

Dryness, peeling, redness and hot, itchy or painful skin are common side effects. Redness can be harder to see on brown or black skin. Use less often if irritated, and seek advice if symptoms persist or bother you. Stop using it and get emergency help for throat or tongue swelling or difficulty breathing. See a GP for deep, painful spots, scarring or acne that is not improving.56

Keep benzoyl peroxide away from eyes, mouth, cuts and infected skin. Use sunscreen because treatment increases sensitivity to sunlight. Check with a pharmacist or doctor before combining it with other acne medicines. During pregnancy or breastfeeding, check that your treatment is suitable; breastfeeding babies must not contact treated skin.235

Store benzoyl peroxide according to the manufacturer's instructions at room temperature or cooler. Replace products every 10 to 12 weeks and discard them after exposure to temperatures above 78°F.7