Are there any acne-fighting body washes that use Benzoyl Peroxide instead of Salicylic Acid?
I’m pregnant аnd Salicylic Acid іѕ a nο-nο. Bυt аll thе over-thе-counter acne body washes lіkе Neutrogena hаνе Salicylic Acid. Benzoyl Peroxide іѕ ok tο υѕе, bυt I саn’t find a body wash whеrе thаt іѕ thе main ingredient. Cаn anyone advise οn something thаt іѕ safe tο υѕе?
Proactiv line of anti-acne products uses benzoyl peroxide as one of the main active ingredients. I imagine if you check out pretty much any anti-acne products at your local pharmacy, you will find it contains peroxide. They do make anti-acne body washes… try Noxema, Clean & Clear, Phisoderm or Brevoxyl.
Here is what you need to know about benzoyl peroxide, though, before you go putting it all over your body:
"Benzoyl peroxide is effective in the treatment of most forms of acne. It is typically placed over the affected areas in gel or cream form, in concentrations of 2.5% increasing through the usually effective 5% to up to 10%. Research suggests that 5 and 10% concentrations are NOT significantly more effective than 2.5% and 2.5% is usually better tolerated. It commonly causes initial dryness and sometimes irritation, although skin tolerance usually occurs 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. It is sensible to apply the lowest concentration and build up as appropriate. Once tolerance is achieved, increasing the quantity or concentration a second time and gaining tolerance at a higher level usually gives better subsequent acne clearance. Benzoyl peroxide works as a peeling agent, increasing skin turnover and clearing pores, thus reducing the bacterial count there as well as directly as an antibacterial. It is also used in bleaching products, and will lighten hair and fabrics." (from Wikipedia)
Not to mention it makes you more sensitive to sunlight and can increase your risk for sun damage and burning, so use it cautiously. If you are thinking of using it to treat body acne, I suggest you buy a spot treatment gel instead and apply it to those areas affected rather than bathing in it. If you do decide to bath with a peroxide wash, be careful to avoid areas where you have mucus membranes (mouth, eyes, genitals, etc) and areas with open cuts.
i think its called oxy. double check the ingredients. i think proactiv does too