PanOxyl Wash before or after shaving?

Which PanOxyl Wash are you using?

PanOxyl Acne Creamy Wash contains 4% benzoyl peroxide, Acne Foaming Wash contains 10% benzoyl peroxide, and Acne Gel Wash contains 2% salicylic acid. The benzoyl peroxide precautions below apply to the Creamy and Foaming washes. PanOxyl Adapalene Gel 0.1% is a separate acne treatment applied after gently cleaning and drying the skin, not a wash. Check the product name before borrowing directions from another PanOxyl tube.345

How to fit PanOxyl into your shave

1. 1Soften the hair first. Shave near the end of a shower, or hold a warm, damp washcloth against the area. Softer hairs are less likely to curve into the skin and cause bumps.
2. 2Cleanse before shaving. Follow your PanOxyl bottle's directions, rinse the wash off completely, and avoid your eyes, lips and mouth. General benzoyl peroxide wash instructions use a small amount on wet skin for 1 to 2 minutes, but your product's directions take priority.
3. 3Apply moisturizing shaving cream. PanOxyl Wash is an acne cleanser, not shaving cream, despite sharing sink space with the razor.
4. 4Shave in the direction your hair grows. Shaving against the grain causes irritation.
5. 5Rinse the shaving cream off with warm water, then place a cool, damp washcloth on the shaved area. Use a soothing aftershave formulated to reduce razor bumps and irritation.

Should you wash with PanOxyl again afterwards?

Do not add a second benzoyl peroxide wash just because you have finished shaving. Using more than directed does not make acne treatment work faster and increases the risk of side effects. A soothing aftershave and an acne wash have different jobs, so sharing a bathroom does not make them interchangeable colleagues. If shaving leaves cuts or grazes, keep benzoyl peroxide off those areas.12

What if your skin gets dry or irritated?

If you are new to benzoyl peroxide, start with the lowest percentage. Between PanOxyl's two benzoyl peroxide washes, that means the 4% Creamy Wash rather than the 10% Foaming Wash. The Creamy Wash has a gentler formulation with ingredients that help combat dryness. Reduce use if irritation develops. Dryness, peeling, redness and hot, itchy or painful skin are possible side effects; ask a pharmacist or doctor if symptoms bother you or persist.24

Does shaving change how often you use PanOxyl?

Keep to your bottle's directions rather than adding a wash for every shave. PanOxyl washes can be used morning or evening; choose a routine you tolerate. Use moisturizer daily and wear sunscreen. For benzoyl peroxide washes, rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a white towel because benzoyl peroxide can bleach fabrics and hair. Expect acne improvement over weeks, not one shave: benzoyl peroxide usually starts working within 4 weeks. Seek advice if acne worsens or has not improved after 12 weeks.24

When to get advice

Ask your clinician before adding PanOxyl alongside prescription acne medication, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid adding a scrub: combining PanOxyl with scrubs or other topical acne treatments can increase irritation and dryness. Seek emergency help for trouble breathing or swelling of the throat or tongue. If razor bumps continue despite changing your shaving habits, see a dermatologist. Replace disposable razors after 5 to 7 shaves and store them somewhere dry; clean electric razors every 5 to 7 shaves.246