by Janet Friedman

Benzoyl peroxide is a household name to those who suffer from acne. It is found in just about every acne product imaginable. The additive helps exfoliate the skin and also kills the bacteria that is responsible for acne. Most people are scared to dump the medication after they visit a dermatologist, who ends up prescribing them other topicals.

While it may not completely clear the skin alone, it sure does help the situation. So, many acne sufferers are convinced that it will help matters once they start their new treatment. After all, they are warned that they should expect an initial breakout after embarking on the new regimen. As some have unfortunately learned, mixing benozyl peroxide with the topical retinoids most often prescribed by dermatologists can have catastrophic effects when done incorrectly.

The topicals which your dermatologist prescribes to you, most notably retinoids, differ in function when compared to BP. There medications are designed to improve desquamation, a fancy word for skin shedding. This prevents pores from becoming clogged. The latter is more tailored towards eradicating acne bacteria. Both medications can constitute an effective regimen when used properly. It is a different story altogether when they are mixed.

Unpleasant symptoms often follow combining these two medications at once. Very dry skin is to be expected, and can trigger flakiness and bothersome itching. Rashes may also form as a result of the irritation. A moisturizer can often soothe the skin when these acne medications are accidentally combined. It should be your first resort. Treatment with moisturizer should be continued until the dryness and irritation subsides.

Your skin is best left alone in the days following the mix up. It needs to be given time to heal. Continuing with your acne regimen will only make matters worse by giving rise to irritation-related symptoms. Allow everything to return to normal and then carefully start using your topicals once again.

About the Author:
Learn about the best acne treatments such as the accutane isotretinoin acne treatment.

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