What does benzoyl peroxide friendly mean?

What should a friendly product actually do?

Benzoyl peroxide treats acne, but it can also dry and irritate skin. A daily moisturizer can help your skin tolerate treatment. For skin prone to acne, look for a moisturizer described as oil free, noncomedogenic, meaning unlikely to clog pores, or "won't clog pores." Those descriptions mean the moisturizer is unlikely to cause acne; they are not instructions for combining medicines. A moisturizer's useful role is helping prevent dryness and irritation, even if "friendly" makes the bottle sound available for coffee.2

For a cleanser or another routine product, the practical question is whether it adds irritation. Avoid abrasive cleansers, products containing alcohol that dry the skin, and other drying cosmetics unless your doctor directs otherwise. Judge the product by its directions and how it fits your treatment, rather than treating "friendly" as the entire instruction manual.34

Can you combine it with other acne treatments?

Only combine benzoyl peroxide with other acne treatments when your doctor or pharmacist has told you to. Treatments to check include adapalene, tretinoin, isotretinoin, salicylic acid, sulfur and topical antibiotics. Some prescribed products already combine benzoyl peroxide with another medicine, such as adapalene or clindamycin. A prescribed combination is different from independently stacking separate treatments. Tell your clinician about prescription and nonprescription medicines before adding another acne product.345

How do you use a compatible routine?

1. 1Check your treatment's label first. Before first use, apply a small amount to one or two small affected areas for three days. If there is no reaction or discomfort, continue as directed.
2. 2Start with the lowest strength and once daily, following the package or prescription directions. Benzoyl peroxide is commonly used once or twice daily; use prescription treatment at the same time each day.
3. 3For a gel left on the skin, wash your hands, gently clean and dry the affected skin, and apply a thin layer. Wash your hands afterwards.
4. 4For a gel wash, wet the affected area, wash with a small amount for one to two minutes, then rinse and pat dry. Follow your particular product's directions.
5. 5Use moisturizer daily when skin feels dry. Applying moisturizer after washing helps trap water in the skin; leave on benzoyl peroxide still needs clean, dry skin before application.
6. 6Use sunscreen and limit sun exposure because benzoyl peroxide increases sun sensitivity. Keep the medicine away from hair and fabrics because it can bleach them.

What should you expect, and when should you stop?

Benzoyl peroxide generally takes about four to six weeks to show effects. Contact your doctor if acne has not improved by then, or sooner if it worsens. Mild dryness or peeling can improve with less frequent use; ask a pharmacist or doctor about symptoms that persist or bother you. More medicine does not work faster.135

Get prompt medical advice for burning, blistering or swelling of treated skin. Stop using benzoyl peroxide and get urgent medical help for hives, throat tightness, difficulty breathing, faintness, or swelling of the eyes, face, lips or tongue.3

Do not apply benzoyl peroxide to infected or broken skin. Discuss sensitive skin or other skin conditions with your clinician before use. Check with a doctor during pregnancy and with a pharmacist or doctor before breastfeeding use; avoid applying it to the breasts while breastfeeding.45

Store benzoyl peroxide according to its package instructions. Heat and prolonged storage can cause it to break down into benzene. The American Academy of Dermatology advises replacing products every 10 to 12 weeks and discarding products exposed to temperatures above 78 degrees Fahrenheit.6