Should benzoyl peroxide be used morning or night?

How do you choose a time?

For a plain benzoyl peroxide product, choosing either morning or evening is general guidance, not a reason to change the prescribed schedule. Benzoyl peroxide is usually used once or twice daily. If your doctor or product label directs twice daily use, morning and evening is a practical way to space applications. If you use it in the morning, apply sunscreen afterwards. Evening use does not remove the need for daytime sun protection.12

Read the packet for your particular product, because benzoyl peroxide is a product ingredient, not a complete instruction manual. A plain gel, a wash and a prescription combination containing another medicine can have different directions.2

How should you apply it?

For a gel that stays on your skin:

1. 1Wash your hands, then gently clean and dry your skin.
2. 2Apply a thin layer across the affected area, following the amount and frequency on your label.
3. 3Wash your hands afterwards.
4. 4If you are going outside, apply sunscreen after the treatment.

Check whether your product is a gel or a gel wash before using it, because the word gel has been given two jobs. For a benzoyl peroxide gel wash, wash your hands, wet the affected skin, wash with a small amount for 1 to 2 minutes, then rinse and pat dry. Wash your hands afterwards.2

What if daily use dries your skin?

Start with the lowest strength available. Dryness, redness and peeling can occur. For example, CVS Health's 10% Acne Treatment Gel directs users to start once daily and reduce use to once daily or every other day if bothersome dryness or peeling develops. Its label excludes people with very sensitive skin or sensitivity to benzoyl peroxide. Stop using the product and ask a doctor if irritation becomes severe.12

Use a water based or noncomedogenic moisturizer, meaning one intended not to clog pores. Stop using a moisturizer that makes your acne worse. If acne medicines irritate your skin, use smaller amounts, reduce application to every other or third day while your skin adjusts, and wait 10 to 15 minutes after washing before applying them. Clean gently rather than scrubbing, and avoid rubbing alcohol or very drying toners.3

Can you use it with another acne treatment?

Other acne medicines can add to dryness and irritation. Only combine benzoyl peroxide with another acne treatment if your pharmacist or doctor has approved it. Moving one product to the morning and another to the evening is not a substitute for checking the combination.14

When should you expect results or get help?

Benzoyl peroxide usually starts working within 4 weeks. Get advice if acne worsens or has not improved after 12 weeks. Seek help sooner for painful acne, scarring or emotional distress. Get emergency help for a swollen throat or tongue or difficulty breathing.34

Benzoyl peroxide can usually be used during pregnancy, but check with your doctor. If breastfeeding, check with a pharmacist or doctor first and avoid applying it to your breasts.4

Where should you keep the tube?

Benzoyl peroxide can break down into benzene, especially with heat or prolonged storage. Follow the package's storage instructions, generally keeping it at room temperature or cooler. Replace benzoyl peroxide products every 10 to 12 weeks and discard products exposed to temperatures above 78°F.56