Should a benzoyl peroxide wash be used before a regular cleanser?

A wash and a gel have different directions

Check which form you have. A benzoyl peroxide cleansing liquid or bar washes the affected area and is rinsed off. A benzoyl peroxide lotion, cream or gel is applied after washing and gently drying the skin. The instruction to cleanse first applies to those products, not automatically to a benzoyl peroxide wash.2

How to use a benzoyl peroxide wash

1. 1Read the package or prescription directions before starting, including any instructions about contact time.
2. 2Wet the affected skin and apply the wash with your fingertips.
3. 3Massage gently without scrubbing. Keep the wash out of your eyes, nose and mouth.
4. 4Rinse thoroughly with water, then gently pat dry with a clean towel.

Do not treat a wash like a mask. Acne face wash does not need to stay on for a long time to contribute to treatment; follow your particular product's directions rather than inventing a longer contact time. Extra scrubbing can irritate skin and make acne worse.34

How often should you use it?

Benzoyl peroxide is usually used once or twice daily, starting once daily to check your skin's reaction. Follow your label or prescription rather than automatically using the medicated wash at every cleanse. General acne cleansing guidance is to wash morning and night; if you use benzoyl peroxide at only one of those washes, a gentle regular cleanser can serve at the other.234

Remove makeup at the end of the day, and choose skincare and makeup labelled noncomedogenic, meaning they will not clog pores. Removing makeup is a separate job, not an audition for the largest number of cleansers. Neither makeup removal nor acne treatment calls for scrubbing your skin.5

What if your skin gets dry?

Benzoyl peroxide products come in strengths from 2.5% to 10%. Starting with 2.5% helps limit irritation; higher concentrations can cause dryness and flaking. If a 2.5% product irritates your skin, using it every other day is an option. For sensitive skin, creamy cleanser formulas tend to provide more hydration than foaming or gel formulas.36

Avoid abrasive cleansers, alcohol based products and other products that dry the skin. Do not add another acne product to the same area unless your clinician tells you to use both. Benzoyl peroxide can be part of a prescribed combination, including with a topical antibiotic to reduce antibiotic resistance, but that is a treatment plan rather than a reason to stack medicated cleansers.17

What should you expect?

Benzoyl peroxide treats mild to moderate acne by reducing acne causing bacteria. Effects can take 4 to 6 weeks; acne treatment plans generally take at least 6 to 8 weeks before fewer breakouts appear. Contact your doctor if acne has not improved after 4 to 6 weeks, or sooner if it worsens. Deep, painful spots or scarring also need medical attention.247

When should you stop or get help?

Report severe or persistent dryness, peeling or stinging to your doctor. Get immediate medical advice for burning, blistering, rash or swelling. Stop using benzoyl peroxide and seek urgent help for hives, throat tightness, difficulty breathing, faintness or swelling of the face, lips or tongue.2

Before starting, tell your clinician if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, breastfeeding, have sensitive or damaged skin, or use other medicines. Protect treated skin from the sun with sunscreen and clothing. Keep the wash away from coloured fabrics because benzoyl peroxide can bleach them.12