How to apply benzoyl peroxide

How to apply it, step by step

These steps are for a cream, gel or lotion that stays on your skin. If you have a benzoyl peroxide wash, follow its label for washing and rinsing rather than treating it like a cream.14

1. 1Wash your hands, then gently cleanse your skin and remove makeup. Use your fingertips rather than scrubbing.
2. 2Rinse well and gently blot dry with a clean towel. If acne medicines irritate your skin, wait 10 to 15 minutes after washing before applying them.
3. 3Gently spread a thin layer over the area you are treating. For prevention, cover the skin where breakouts recur, not just today's visible spots.
4. 4Keep benzoyl peroxide out of your eyes. If it gets into them, rinse with plenty of cool tap water.
5. 5Wash your hands after application, unless your hands are the area being treated.

The basic application routine is wash, dry and apply, which is a modest workload for something with a name this long.2

How much benzoyl peroxide should you apply?

Use enough to make a thin film, not a thick coating. General guidance for acne medicines uses a pea sized amount to cover the face, particularly when reducing the amount because of irritation. Follow your own product's amount instructions. For a single occasional pimple, use a small dab rather than repeatedly adding more to the same spot, which can dry or irritate the skin.34

How often should you use it?

Follow the label's schedule and use prescribed benzoyl peroxide at the same time each day. Do not apply it more often than directed. If an over the counter acne medicine irritates your skin, general guidance is to use a smaller amount every other or third day until your skin adjusts. Ask your prescriber before changing a prescribed routine. If you miss an application, skip it when the next one is nearly due; do not double up.14

What else belongs in the routine?

Use a water based moisturizer or one marked noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores, to help with dryness from acne medicines. A cleanser and moisturizer still have jobs in the routine; benzoyl peroxide has not been appointed bathroom management. Stop using a moisturizer if you notice it worsens your breakouts.4

Benzoyl peroxide can increase sun sensitivity. Use sunscreen and protective clothing outdoors, and avoid tanning beds. Keep the medication away from clothing and fabrics because it can bleach them.1

Avoid abrasive cleansers, drying alcohol products and adding other acne treatments to the same area without advice. Benzoyl peroxide can be combined with retinoids or antibiotics in a planned treatment routine. Using it alongside acne antibiotics helps prevent antibiotic resistance, where bacteria become less responsive to treatment.15

Which strength should you choose?

Benzoyl peroxide products come in concentrations from 2.5% to 10%. Choose a lower concentration if your skin is sensitive. Benzoyl peroxide treats mild to moderate acne and reduces the bacteria involved in acne.135

When should you expect results or get help?

A spot treatment is not an instant fix. Regular acne treatment commonly takes two to three months to clear breakouts. Seek medical help sooner for deep, painful spots, scarring, worsening acne or acne affecting your mental health.2346

Report persistent or bothersome redness and dryness. Stop applying benzoyl peroxide and seek prompt medical advice for burning, crusting, significant peeling or an allergic reaction such as hives or swelling. Before starting, discuss pregnancy, breastfeeding, damaged skin, skin sensitivity or previous allergies with your clinician.1