A 45-year-old member asked:
how long will it take benzoyl peroxide to work?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
A Verified Doctoranswered
A US doctor answeredLearn more
Up to 2 months: Acne can be a very frustrating condition. Most over the counter and prescription medications don't work to clear up the spots you have. They start working from day 1 to prevent new pimples. However, it can take up to 8 weeks for pimples to form, and some under the surface of your skin may still pop up in that 8 week period. Be patient! don't stop your acne medications and you will see results.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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A 34-year-old member asked:
What are some contraindications for benzoyl peroxide?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Christopher Crosbyanswered
Dermatology 16 years experience
Very Few: Topical benzoyl peroxide is usually prescribed for the treatment of acne. When used as directed, it is a safe medication. The only real contradiction is any known allergies to the drug or the other chemicals and preservatives in the product.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
Is there any difference among the OTC benzoyl peroxide lotions or creams (prices can vary a lot)?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Joseph Easternanswered
Dermatology 44 years experience
Very little.: Gel preparations tend to be more drying than cream preparations (some people want a drying effect, others do not), but the active ingredient is the same. Some have a lower concentration of BP (for the face), and others a higher one (for chest and back). Those are pretty much the only differences.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Paying out of pocket so want to know if I should buy Proactiv OTC or use benzoyl peroxide from rx?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Joseph Easternanswered
Dermatology 44 years experience
Rx.: Proactiv is a "one size fits all" product. If you happen to be the "size" that it fits, it will work; otherwise it won't. Prescription products are chosen by dermatologists specifically for the type of acne that you have, so you are much more likely to get products that work the first time around.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
How can I lessen the side effects of benzoyl peroxide?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Morris Westfriedanswered
Dermatology 46 years experience
Moistrizer: Apply moisturizer first and if necessary decrease frequency of application to every other day. Short contact time with wash rather than cream will still work and be less irritating.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
How to apply benzac (benzoyl peroxide)?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
A Verified Doctoranswered
A US doctor answeredLearn more
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated Jan 21, 2018
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