When it comes to acne, the adolescent variety, known as acne vulgaris, tends to dominate the discussion and even the market when it comes to products. But as adults’ acne becomes more common, it’s beginning to garner more attention and media coverage —specifically with regard to its emotional complications.
Did you know that 40 percent of adults experience acne? While teenage acne usually lasts between five and ten years and goes away in one’s early 20s, adult acne is a chronic condition that can remain for decades. Adult acne, in some cases, is hormonal acne. You can find out if your acne is of the hormonal variety by getting a simple blood test at your dermatologist’s office.
Another thing to note: While it may look similar, adult skin actually requires a different approach than teen skin. Acne is treated with many ingredients from Salicylic Acid to Retinoids to Benzoyl Peroxide. There are benefits to each of these active ingredients. The latter —Benzoyl Peroxide —helps immensely with adult acne.
“As practicing dermatologists, product developers and women, we understand the emotional, physical and scientific aspects of acne,” says Dr. Katie Rodan, Co-Founder of Rodan + Fields. “Working side-by-side with our team of scientists and innovators we’ve pioneered many skincare firsts, and we’re thrilled to have discovered a game-changing way to treat acne for teens,” says Dr. Kathy Fields, Co-Founder of Rodan + Fields.
In this post, learn how Benzoyl Peroxide works and why dermatologists believe it’s the most recommended and trusted ingredient for treating acne.
The Science of Skincare: The Physiology of Acne
First, let’s talk about the physiology of acne. How does acne work?
Clogged pores can lead to acne. They are the result of dead skin cells that get trapped in your skin instead of being shed. Pores are the tiny openings in your skin that release both oil and sweat. When your pores are clogged, this can result in blackheads, whiteheads and/or acne.
Rodan + Fields’ testing shows that it’s the lack of oxygen in blocked pores that prompts acne bacteria, called C. acnes, to get out of whack. This causes an inflammatory response—also known as a zit.
Each pore in your skin is its own microbiome, or environment, with natural bacteria that keeps your skin in balance. When hormonal changes cause your skin to produce a thick sticky oil, it clogs up your pores, blocking oxygen’s way in. The once healthy C acne bacteria in the pore, now starved for oxygen, becomes angry. This also causes inflammation, which leads to acne.
What is Benzoyl Peroxide and How Does it Work?
Benzoyl Peroxide is an antimicrobial ingredient used in acne medications to treat mild to moderate acne. It may be used in combination with other acne treatments. When applied to the skin, this ingredient works by reducing the amount of acne-causing bacteria. Benzoyl Peroxide provides similar results to antibiotics, but includes fewer side effects, according to research. You can’t get resistant to Benzoyl Peroxide, but you can build resistance to antibiotics over time.
Forms and Concentrations of Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl Peroxide comes in two forms: crystals and liquid.
Crystals
The most common Benzoyl Peroxide form is crystals. However, the size of the Benzoyl Peroxide molecule when it’s in crystal form makes it difficult to penetrate past the skin’s biofilm and into the pores. This is why Benzoyl Peroxide can be irritating to the skin.
Liquid
Rodan + Fields created the first super oxygenated liquid Benzoyl Peroxide, which it refers to as proprietary its BPO2 technology. BPO2 technology is featured in the SPOTLESS Regimen. This liquid form of Benzoyl Peroxide gets through the skin’s stubborn biofilms, helping to bring the microbiome inside the pores back to balance and effectively combat the entire acne cycle.
Benzoyl Acne Treatments and Routines
SPOTLESS Regimen
A two-step system, SPOTLESS delivers results from Day 1 and makes it easy for those who use it to be consistent and achieve even better results over time.
Step 1: Clear your skin using the SPOTLESS Daily Acne Wash on your face. This cleanser gently exfoliates for a refreshing deep clean to help eliminate breakouts. It features a high dosage of Benzoyl Peroxide (5%) to combat acne.
Step 2: Control + Prevent breakouts using SPOTLESS Acne Clearing Treatment. The dual action BPO2Technology uses an oxygen-boosting matrix to dissolve Benzoyl Peroxide into a liquid so it can spread easily into pores and onto the skin’s surface. Combined with Glycerin to help soothe and calm dry, irritated skin, the Regimen works to combat the acne cycle to deliver a visibly even-toned, bright complexion. The fast-acting formula treats the acne under the surface to prevent it from forming, resulting in clear, smooth, healthy-looking skin and the confidence that comes with it.
UNBLEMISH Regimen
This range was designed specifically for adult acne. The UNBLEMISH Regimen features breakthrough formulas with Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid to clear current blemishes, help prevent clogged pores and reduce visible redness caused by acne—all while preventing new breakouts. Skin-nourishing ingredients help soothe, condition and brighten adult acne-prone skin, while physical and chemical exfoliators help enhance skin’s natural cell renewal to address the visible signs of aging. This multi-tasking approach will leave adults with acne looking and feeling clearly confident.
Tip: Wear White When You Use Benzoyl Peroxide
Why? Benzoyl Peroxide will bleach your clothes and sheets —specifically your pillowcase. It can even create bleach marks on the towel you use to dry your face post-face wash. When using Benzoyl Peroxide, it’s a good idea to sleep in a white shirt, use a white pillowcase, and dry your face with a white towel to be safe after application. Put away your dark towels and sheets for the moment.
Tip: Avoid Scarring
Picking at your skin and popping pimples is tempting but please try to avoid it. Popping pimples can lead to acne scars. If you do have a blemish, leave it alone and treat it with the recommended products with Benzoyl Peroxide. Let them do their job and keep up with your skincare regimen to help maintain your healthy, clear skin.
