How to use benzoyl peroxide spot treatment

How do you apply it?

1. 1Test first. Apply a small amount to one or two small treatment areas for three days. Continue if there is no reaction or discomfort.
2. 2Wash the affected skin and gently pat dry with a towel.
3. 3Apply a small amount and rub gently. Keep the medicine out of your eyes, nose and mouth.
4. 4Follow the label's frequency. Do not apply extra doses or double a missed dose.

For an occasional pimple, a dab directly on the spot is a practical option. If acne repeatedly affects the same area, benzoyl peroxide can be applied across the affected skin rather than only individual pimples. A spot treatment suits an occasional breakout, but ongoing breakouts need a maintenance plan rather than a permanent job for a product called "spot treatment".23

How do you use benzoyl peroxide 10% spot treatment?

Use the same small amount approach and follow the specific product's directions. Do not start with 10% simply because the number is higher. Benzoyl peroxide spot treatments come in concentrations from 2.5% to 10%, and higher concentrations are more likely to cause dryness and irritation. For particularly sensitive skin, 2.5% is a starting option. Lower concentrations and wash formulations are less irritating, so a lower strength is worth considering if a stronger spot treatment is difficult to tolerate.1234

What belongs in the rest of your routine?

Wash gently once or twice daily and after exercise. Avoid scrubbing, repeated washing, rubbing alcohol and drying toners. Use a water based or noncomedogenic moisturizer, meaning one intended not to clog pores. Stop using any product that makes your acne worse. Use sunscreen regularly; for exposed skin outdoors, choose broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher. Keep benzoyl peroxide away from colored fabrics because it can bleach them.56

Before layering cosmetics, lotions, other skin medicines or a bandage directly over the treated area, check with your doctor.1

What if your skin gets dry or irritated?

Dryness is a common side effect. Repeated applications to the same spot can dry or irritate skin. For mild irritation, use less and reduce application to every other or third day until your skin adjusts. Waiting 10 to 15 minutes after washing before applying acne medicine can also help. Do not pick or squeeze the pimple: doing so can cause infection, scarring and slower healing.245

Get immediate medical help for burning, blistering, redness, swelling or a rash. Stop using benzoyl peroxide and seek urgent help for hives, itching, throat tightness, breathing difficulty, faintness or swelling of the eyes, face, lips or tongue. Tell your doctor if milder side effects are severe or persistent.1

Discuss pregnancy, breastfeeding, allergies and other medicines with your doctor or pharmacist. Children under 12 need a doctor's advice before use.1

How quickly will it work?

There is no instant fix for a pimple, even if the tube looks suitably urgent. Most pimples last three to seven days, while deeper ones can last weeks. Benzoyl peroxide treatment can take four to six weeks to show effects; call your doctor if acne has not improved then. Seek help sooner for deep, painful acne, worsening breakouts or scarring.12456

Where should you keep it?

Follow the package storage instructions and keep benzoyl peroxide at room temperature or cooler. Heat and long storage can cause benzoyl peroxide to break down into benzene. If benzene exposure concerns you, replace the product every 10 to 12 weeks and discard products exposed to temperatures above 78°F.7