How long does Benzoyl Peroxide make you purge?

Aug 16, 2015

Kayla E.

Hey girls, I started using BP almost a month ago to fix my skin, which I unintentionally gave acne by using bad skin products. My skin is now getting more blemishes than ever. Is this normal? Should I stop using it?

What are your recommendations on what I should do, other than asking my dermatologist? (I'm using Acne Free 10% Terminator BP)

Thanks so much!

Aug 16, 2015

Kayla E.

Oh yeah, I use it once a day, before bed.

Aug 16, 2015

Kitty K.

Owie 10%? Over 5% is just looking for skin irritation which in term can create more acne. Treat your skin with a lower %.. when you get acne your skins repair system and barrier tend to be very delicate so you have to try to work in its favor.
What other products are you using on your face?
I'd also ask your dermatologist if it's hormonal as well because that can be a factor to blemishes appearing nonstop.

Aug 16, 2015

Natalie A.

10%? Goodness! I use benzoyl peroxide that's around 2.5-3% only at night but that's not every night, just on pimples. I would stop using that 10% stuff because it's probably drying out your skin and giving you more pimples. I would get the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion or the EradiKate acne spot treatments because they are good for spot treating pimples. if you are going to continue with the 10%, use it very sparingly every other night just on pimples, not on skin that is unblemished. Once your skin is clear, I would ask your dermatologist for something like Adapalene that isn't as strong and helps maintain clear skin.

Aug 16, 2015

Isabel S.

I just ran out of proactiv and my mom got me a brand with 10% BP.. does anyone know the level in proactiv? is it 10% as well?

Aug 17, 2015

Kayla E.

Thanks Kitty and Natalie! Seeing my derm tomorrow :) going to see about toning down the percent! Right now my cleanser is Cerave hydrating cleanser and my toner is Dickinson's witch hazel toner, and I moisturizer with Cerave moisturizing lotion.

Aug 17, 2015

Kayla E.

Sorry Isabel, I don't know a lot about proactiv, but I'll let you know if I find out.

Aug 17, 2015

Roz X.

Whoah..I agree on pulling way back on the %, but that toner is actually causing irritation and seriously drying you out!
Good luck at the derm and here's a great aloe based toner. 
http://www.makeupalley.com/product/showreview.asp/ItemId=7039/Rose-Petal-Alcohol-Free-Witch-Hazel/Thayers/Toners

Aug 17, 2015

Roz X.

Ahhh, I linked you to the rose one. They make several formulas..including without fragrance.

Aug 17, 2015

Kayla E.

Thanks as always Rozberry! :) great suggestion!

Aug 17, 2015

Kayla E.

Went to the dermatologist, she said to drop everything and just cleanse/moisturize for a few weeks, then I can reintroduce my favorite products. She's going to give me two medicines, not sure which ones. Hopefully it'll work out! Thanks for your help, everyone, and if anyone is also going through this kind of thing, just ask and I'll keep you updated.

Aug 18, 2015

Roz X.

That's great to hear! Good luck and be sure to let us know an update. :)