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I think benzoyl peroxide ruined my face


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Last Friday I got a facial done at a place that really helped my acne the past 2 years. I hadn't gone in a while and when I went in last week, the esthetician even told me she feels my skin got a lot worse (not acne wise, but in terms of the skin's condition). She said my face was really dry and rough for some reason, a lot worse than what my face was like a year or so ago. Well truth is, the past year for some damned unknown reason, my face started suffering from episodes of bad rosacea like redness, although 2 doctors I went to claim it wasn't rosacea, but either 1) ezcema or 2) allergies. But when I went in to do my face last Friday, I wasn't currently having issues w/ the redness.

Well the standard routine of this place is that the first night after the facial, to apply this 10% benzoyl peroxide cream to red areas from the extraction (and to continue using this 3 step system the place always pushes you to use). So I applied the BP like so that very night. And then I did it as well the next night. However after that second night, I realized something wasn't right because my face was suddenly started getting itchy throughout the day and my cheeks were really red (I remembered how the esthetician kept making me feel bad by saying that my skin was really dry). I immediately stopped using the BP.

I'm really disappointed because my past experiences at this facial place have been really good - within exactly 7 days of getting a facial, all the redness and scars would disappear like magic and my complexion would be perfect (provided I use the 3 step products this place keeps pushing on to me). I followed through the exact same way this time, but something went wrong. I don't know if me using the BP for a second night caused this reaction.

It's been about 7 days already and the annoying redness hasn't subsided. The itchiness comes back on and off. I tried applying aloe vera gel to my entire face but the redness still comes back. I even tried applying 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide cream (prescribed to me by a dermatologist I went to a few months ago to help w/ my redness), but the redness still hasn't improved. I don't know what to do....I think using the BP on my face is what somehow threw everything out of wack and caused all this redness to come back. And I'm guessing the itchiness is saying that I had some bad reaction of a sort.

I've made an appointment with a supposedly very good dermatologist a way's from my home, but...it's freakin ridiculous - the dermatologist is scheduled full through the END OF SEPTEMBER. And I've been to nearly every dermatologist in my area and none of them have helped.

Anyone have any idea what I should do? I'm feeling so hopeless, self conscious, and antisocial. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

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Guest Frozy

Well, I'm no dermatologist. But the reason why your face is having a different reaction from a year ago is because your skin is in a different condition.

Also, your facial seems very harsh on your skin. 10% Benzoyl Peroxide? My prescription of BP was only .5% concentration when I got mine a few years ago. I think your skin got more sensitive because you haven't done it so long. And the redness is most likely irritation, or a minor allergic reaction. I would consider other exfoliating methods, preferably, natural ones. Have your eating patterns changed? Puberty? Also, I've read somewhere that daily cleansing is better than weekly, because they are less ravaging onto your skin.

My skin isn't god-like, it's actually mildly bad, but there is something as taking care of your skin too much.

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Guest amaritudo

Benzoyl peroxide is often used to treat acne but there are some people who are sensitive to BP...it might be that the facial opened your pores and your skin overreacted to the BP...

Did you have any problems with BP before? If you didn't have problems with it before it could result from a change in environment or diet or something that just happens (like how some people with cats for many years just suddenly become allergic to their cats...)

Most BP creams go from 5% to a maximum of 10% so it might be better to go from a lower concentration, see if your skin is reacting badly to it before going to a higher concentration.

Edit: reading some articles on the net suggest that you should go from lower ---> higher to build a tolerance to BP which would give better results.

Wiki:

It commonly causes initial dryness and sometimes irritation, although the skin develops tolerance after a week or so. A small percentage of people are much more sensitive to it and liable to suffer burning, itching, peeling and possibly swelling.
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Guest I_play_with_dolls

I remember I had a similar situation like this last year, my skin got really sensitive to the bp I was using and eventually it dried it out so mmuch that my skin got flakey, red, itchy, burned alittle, and in general very irritated. I stopped using the bp and it took my skin about two months for the redness to go completely away. All I could really reccomend right now is to refrain from using the bp for a while and moisturize. I think you might want lower the dose because 10% is pretty strong. I was using 5% and it still messed up my skin pretty badly.

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Yeah thanks everyone. I forgot to mention though that I can't even use any moisturizers right now...they all immediately have a slight stinging sensation when applied, and I feel anything I put on my face right now is aggravating the redness. -______-

And to those who have asked, actually I haven't used BP in a LONG time prior to this. I used BP and SA a lot on and off back in high school and never gained true results from them so I gave up on both of those ingredients. The last time prior to this (when I used BP) was December 2008, the last time I got a facial from the place. Yeah long time. Esh. But even when I used the stuff back then, I didn't have any redness or dryness like I'm experiencing this time.

As for change in diet, not really. I took a multivitamin and one zinc tablet daily (the zinc was to help maybe control acne), but not that summer has started, I've stopped (got lazy to be honest). But in terms of food, I'm just still eating the same, eating lots of fish, vegetables, fruit, getting good water, etc. As for puberty...I'm hoping it won't be factor since I'm turning 21 near the end of July. So...

I need this irritation to go away quick. A friend is having a birthday party in a little over a week and then my big 21 is near the end of the month...I don't want to spend it with a red face!

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Guest LoveStrangled

Have you tried applying Vaseline instead of moisturizers? I think Vasiline is probably the least chemical moisturizer ad safest there is.

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Guest tru__minute

BP is extremely rough on some skins =X whenever I use it, I make sure to only use it in the area that is needed.. and even so I notice that it literally sucks the moisture out of that area. Maybe after your skin is happier use more organic ingredients as opposed to chemicals. I know you said putting stuff on your face aggitates it, but have you tried freshly aloe? If it's available, put some in the fridge to cool it and rub some on the affected areas. it's quite soothing :)

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Guest lil_miss_kawaii

Hello !!

This sounds like my skin condition (s) ~ I had dermititis, eczema, acne, psoriasis etc and very senstive skin to high chemical products even though I had very oily skin too :(

Anyway ~ I would suggest diprobase or fucibet (low concetration) ~ Thats what I used for my acne and my eczema and it helped my skin SO MUCH ~

I am same age as you, and I used BP a lot when I was younger too, it only really helped with my blackheads and once I stopped using it my acne came back anyway ~ it made my skin even more sensitive too.

I would suggest diprobase as it is literally just a thick moisterizer for acne/very dry and sensitive skin ~ its thick and non-perfumed and almost no chemicals. I wouldnt suggest using branded ones like Vaseline or anything as they are commercial and, even though they are good, they wont be good for what you have.

Also, my diet didnt change either ~ just my skin is more sensitive now i am older...but my skin is super clear and my acne/other random skin conditions barely come back, my eczema sometimes because its summer and it flares up more in the summer ~ but everythng else is fine.

If you want yours to clear up quicker, use a gentle cleanser, cream based its good, pat dry, tone and moisterizer with a good thick moisterizer ~ it will help calm it down.

Also DO NOT exfoliate as that will make it worse and agrivate it !!

Hope this helps :)

~ LmK xx

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I had some small acne issues before and my skin could handle 5% BP but at 10%, I woke up the next morning with a REALLY red patch where I had applied it. You should definitely be using weaker concentrations or not using it at all if you skin reacts that badly to it. My redness went away after a day or two but it's different for everyone.

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Guest Rekidai

i dont know if this will help but my face gets red and irritated too! For me though and like i said i don't know if this might help, whenever i put moisturizer it stings, i just use coconut butter on my face :X i know alot of people said not to use it but i just take a little small size and apply it wherever its dry/red. :/ and than a couple of days its back to normal and not red anymore. But like i said im not sure if it will work!

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Guest I_broke_a_nail!

IMO, I don't think its an allergic reaction because why didn't you get that problem in your previous encounters? Then again, allergies could develop but usually, the reactions are gradual, in a stepwise sort of way.

I used to have the reaction as well when I was on Epiduo (which is Differin + benzoyl peroxide), where my was flaky, burning, itchy, and even the slightest wind killed me. So I read on an acne.org thread that you should moisturize 45 min-1 hour prior to using a retinol-based topical application. I know you're using benzoyl peroxide, not a retinol, but your reaction seems similar. The theory behind this is that the moisturizer sort of creates a protective barrier of some sort BEFORE applying the benzoyl peroxide. You still get the benefits of the medication, but by putting it on your bare skin directly might be the source of your irritation.

But if this gets worse, I would see your dermatologist. I have seen some sad stories on acne.org with benzoyl peroxide. Maybe its too strong for your skin.

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Guest phalken

I used to react that way with BP too-- I was only using 2.5%, but I would wake up with my cheeks reddish and extremely dry even though I normally have oily skin and it would sting when I put on lotion.

I experimented with different lotion though, and I think part of the problem was that I was still using my normal lotion (which is for oily skin and thus has no oil). It didn't hurt anymore after I started using lotion for dry skin every time I used BP. So like lil_miss_kawaii said up there, a thicker moisturizer can really help recover your skin.

Lately though I've been phasing out my use of BP too =/ Like for a lot of the people here, it seemed to hurt my skin more than help so. I only use BP now when I get especially bad hormonal breakouts, but normal days I just clean and moisturize. Using a peeling gel or mask every other week or so also helps keep my skin clear.

Hope your skin can recover soon =/

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Guest french toast

10% bp was probably way too strong on your skin. it's wise to use a low dose of bp in moderation instead of slabbing a lot on because it does irritate your skin and contributes to redness. it was especially a very bad idea to put the 10% bp on right after a facial because your skin is much more vulnerable/irritated after a facial, which is probably why you have the lasting redness. also, while i don't exactly know what kind of facial you're getting, imo, facials aren't necessary and may do worse to your skin in the long run (such as facials that involve steaming and extractions)

plus, if the place that you go to pushes you to use their 3 step-system products, it kind of sounds like they're just trying to sell.

i also used to suffer from really red skin so i tried real aloe vera (foliage) which i cooled in the fridge and it really helped the redness go away (plus, the cold feels really good on your skin). maybe you should try that since you're using a gel version of it, which is different.

you should check out Simple Skin Beauty by Ellen Marmur, she has really useful information on acne and redness. (and don't mind that it's directed towards women P:)

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Guest Littlofoott

Years ago Ill apply benzoyl peroxide every night before I went to sleep. My face would turn red , painful, dry and had a stingy feeling if moved. Not knowing then it was BP, I blamed it on the acne and dry skin. But then I ran out of the BP product and had to wait 2 weeks for a appointment with the Doctor to get a refill. During that 2 weeks of wait , I saw my face getting less red etc. Then i realized it was the medicine that irritated me. [ Dumb how we realize things when its too late] . From then on, I took the natural approach to clear my face. I dropped all products that weren't natural. I used Burts bee, Witch hazel ,aloe vera and did honey/veggie facials. Over time with the changes, I was free from all that I put my face in, with "medical enhanced products"

If you have any questions on the use of the products , feel free to pm me.

Be glad to help.

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Guest strawberrimonke513

Hi, I'm just gonna tell my story and then you can compare it with yours and then figure out our parallels.

My skin was fine until this May when I turned 21. Not to promote underage drinking, but I have drank often and heavily before. What I didn't know is that the "asian glow" means that you're allergic to some extent to alcohol. But the glow always faded within an hour for me. I also dyed my hair myself but I've had no trouble with that. So when in late may, all hell broke loose on my skin (itchy, completely inflamed, burning, even oozing), I was confused. I had mild exzema before this but never on my face so I went to the dermatologist. The dermatologist gave me some antibiotics and cortisol cream. It worked for a time, then got worse and I went back. He gave me some more with higher dosage and, again, it worked for a time and then got even more worse. I was getting desperate. It was to the point that I could not go outside even though it was summer because I looked like a monster with my face bright red and rough. So my mom took me to one of her church friends who was an allergist. The allergist explained to me ecxzema was actually chronic allergies of the skin. When the dermatologist was treating me, he was treating my skin but he was treating the cause of it and that was why it wouldn't get better. The true cause of it was my history of excema, an allergic reaction to hair dye, an allergic reation to alcohol, no sleep due to hardcore partying, and the weakening of my skin because I recently came back from an out-of-state school and New York had a lot more pollution. Usually I use cleansers, clinique lotion, and shiseido suncreen, and blush in the mornings and makeup removers, cleansers, and clinique lotion in the nights but the allergist explained that that the skin was "tired" and I needed to let it rest. aka STOP PUTTING STUFF ON THE SKIN.

What I recommend for you is to do some research on your dermatologist. Some dermatologists are cosmetic-oriented. I recommend you find a dermatologist that is pathology-oriented. What I mean is to find a dermatologists that specializes in exczema, psoriasis, etc. Don't mistake me, a lot of dermatologists have some pamphlets on these but it doesn't mean their pathology-oriented. To figure that out, u need to dig a little. The second option is just go to an allergist. If you're in the NYC area and want a recommendation, pm me.

If you really don't want to go to a specialist, go out and buyy 2 things: Dove soap and Eucerin Intensive Plus Repair Lotion. I know the Lotion is sticky but it really works. Use ONLY them night and day for 3 days and you should see results. If not, sorry, but you REALLY need to go to a specialist if you don't want this to become long-term. Also keep three things in mind: environment, diet, and activity. Keep the temperature around you cool,drink a lot of water and eat a lot of healthy foods, no instant noodles!, and don't exercise, that actually stimulates the redness more.

Sorry for writing so much. haha. I hope this helps a bit.. and I really really hope you feel better.

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Guest Marshmallagatha

It's true. Benzoyl peroxide ruins your skin. It actually worsens the skin condition, It might cure your acne but it makes your skin dry, scaley, and rough. Also, when you stop using it, acne may come back, so best thing to do is to see your doctor and see if they have anything else for your acne. If your acne is serious, try taking some pills or something, if it's not serious, use a topical treament; Zineryt solution is good, but overall, I really don't reccomend using chemically derived stuff because it can worsen the skin condition. Try and wash your face twice a day, use a cleanser that works for you and use an oil-free moisturiser and basically, just wait, your spots will go away :)

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Wow I didn't expect so many responses from people. Thanks so much everyone

Well from what I've gathered, some of you are advising that I try more natural approaches/organic products or to stop products all together. Well I've tried using natural stuff, like a routine of Cetaphil cleanser (although not natural, it's extremely gentle), witch hazel toner, and aloe vera gel, but I mean...nothing has SIGNIFICANTLY helped my skin, as in stopping acne and redness, etc.

As for not using any products, I actually tried this (many of you may know this as the caveman regimen that was posted over a year ago by EdwardCTV) after I got a facial done in December 2008 when fall quarter ended. I began to only cleanse with water in the morning, use only Japanese milk sunscreen on my face, and wash with Cetaphil at night. It worked a miracle for me and I had about 6 months of perfect clear skin. But yeah times change and IDK WTF happened.

Right now what I'm trying to do is use only water, Cetaphil cleanser, and wear only sunscreen (I haven't worn sunscreen for 2 weeks already due to having the facial then encountering this effin irritation/redness, and I'm growing insanely paranoid about sun damage). No moisturizers or lotions or that prescription cream I was given. Thing is I think the dryness has also died down a bit, so we'll see how things go by the end of this week.

If you really don't want to go to a specialist' date=' go out and buyy 2 things: Dove soap and Eucerin Intensive Plus Repair Lotion. I know the Lotion is sticky but it really works[/quote']

I'm not gonna try this immediately but it could be worth a shot in the future or in case things don't get better. Exactly what type of Dove bar soap are you talking about (since there are many different kinds now such as Original, the cucumber moisture one, etc)? And isn't bar soap in general a big no no for facial usage (can be too drying)? And also, I looked up that Eucerin Intensive Plus Repair Lotion and it's not targeted for facial skin usage. I'm not trying to prove you wrong or anything, but I'm just curious as to what you have to say.

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Guest PeaceOfCake

Have you tried applying a thin layer of extra virgin olive oil to your face overnight? It can help re-hydrate the skin and reduce redness. Also, instead of hot water use cold water to wash your face, since hot water can dry out your skin.

The most important thing, though, is to have a lot of patience since the damage from bp will take more than just a few days to recover from. :)

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