PanOxyl 4% vs 10% for sensitive skin

What is different between the two washes?

Humectants help hold moisture, while emollients soften skin. PanOxyl describes the 4% wash as gentle enough for everyday use, but benzoyl peroxide can still cause dryness, peeling and irritation. The choice is between a creamy wash and a foaming wash, not between a serious acne treatment and its understudy.12

If you are new to benzoyl peroxide, a 2.5% product is another option: general dermatology advice favours that starting strength to reduce dryness, irritation and burning. Choosing PanOxyl 4% over 10% applies the same lower strength principle; it does not make 4% the lowest available concentration.3

How should you start using PanOxyl?

1. 1Test a small amount on one or two small areas you want to treat for three days. If there is no reaction or discomfort, proceed with the package directions.
2. 2Start once daily to see how your skin reacts. Use it for one daily cleanse rather than automatically using it morning and night.
3. 3Wet the affected skin, wash as directed on your PanOxyl pack, then rinse and pat dry. These are washes, not creams to leave on.
4. 4Moisturize after cleansing. For combination skin, choose an oil free or noncomedogenic moisturizer, meaning one formulated not to clog pores.

General benzoyl peroxide gel wash instructions use a contact time of one to two minutes. Follow your PanOxyl pack for the product's exact instructions rather than substituting that general timing.14

If your face has oily areas and dry cheeks, PanOxyl suggests using a gentle cleanser across the face and the 4% wash only on the oily areas. You do not need to expose every dry patch to an acne wash.5

What should you avoid while starting?

Avoid abrasive cleansers, alcohol containing products and products that dry the skin. If you already use prescription acne medicine, ask your prescriber before adding PanOxyl. Benzoyl peroxide can be combined with retinoids or antibiotics in a planned treatment, but adding treatments yourself can increase irritation.1346

Keep the wash away from eyes and mouth, and do not apply it to infected or broken skin. Use sunscreen and limit sun exposure. Benzoyl peroxide can bleach hair and fabrics.14

When should you expect results or reconsider 4%?

Benzoyl peroxide is especially useful for mild pimples. General acne treatment timelines are four to eight weeks for fewer breakouts and around 16 weeks for clearing. Give a tolerated treatment six to eight weeks without adding another acne product. Persistent acne calls for reassessing treatment, not automatically moving to 10%. Different types of acne need different treatment.36

When should you reduce use, stop or get help?

• For mild dryness or peeling, use the wash less often. Ask a pharmacist or doctor if side effects persist or bother you.
• Stop and seek prompt medical advice for burning, blistering, marked redness, swelling or a rash.
• Stop and get emergency help for throat tightness, difficulty breathing, faintness, hives or swelling of the face, lips or tongue.
• See a dermatologist for deep, painful pimples, scarring, dark marks after acne clears or inadequate improvement after weeks of treatment.
• If pregnant or trying to conceive, check with a dermatologist before treating acne yourself. Benzoyl peroxide can usually be used during pregnancy, but check first.
• If breastfeeding, check with a pharmacist or doctor and avoid applying benzoyl peroxide to the breasts. For children under 12, speak to a doctor before use.