Panoxyl's generic name, benzoyl peroxide, is the world's most popular dermatologist-recommended anti-acne ingredient! It has been used for many decades to treat a variety of skin conditions, including acne!
So let’s take a deep dive into understanding how it works and how you can use it to help treat your acne. Continue reading to find out:
- How do you use Panoxyl Face Wash?
- How does PanOxyl work?
- How to use Panoxyl Foaming Acne Wash
-
Possible Benefits of Benzoyl Peroxide
How often do I need to use Panoxyl Face Wash? - And much more!
How does PanOxyl work?
PanOxyl or Benzoyl peroxide breaks down into two compounds: benzoic acid and hydrogen peroxide.
- Hydrogen peroxide: Acne bacteria are killed by hydrogen peroxide.
- Benzoic acid: Benzoic acid's exact effects on clearing acne are still unknown.
Source: Acne.org
The best part is that benzoic acid works! But researchers are still unsure about how benzoic acid works to reduce acne.
Scientists are still confused about how benzoyl peroxide's ability clears acne. Is it because of hydrogen peroxide or benzoic acid?
Hydrogen peroxide is known for its bacteria-killing properties. But the effects of benzoic acid on the skin are still unknown.
One thing we know for sure is that benzoic acid's chemical structure is like that of salicylic acid.
Salicylic acid is another common topical acne medication that is somewhat effective at clearing acne.
That is why scientists think that benzoic acid may be like salicylic acid by:
- The process of exfoliating the skin
- Inflammation reduction
- Unclog clogged pores
- Bacterial reduction
Related: How to Make a Hydrating Serum at Home
How to use Panoxyl Foaming Acne Wash
For the first week or two, start with a pea-sized amount and wash your face every other day. If your skin feels alright, increase the frequency of washing every night, but if it becomes too dry or red, reduce the use to every other night or four times per week.
Step 1: Beware! It stains.
PanOxyl will stain any colored towels or clothing that it comes into contact with.
That’s why you need to make sure that you dry your face with a white towel and wear an old t-shirt. You could also use something that you don't mind staining it.
Step 2: Start small and slow.
Allow your skin to adjust. For the first week or two, start with a pea-sized amount and wash your face with it every other day (only at night).
Step 3: Moisturize
Always make sure to moisturize your face after using the product!
Step 4: Increasing Dose
If your skin feels alright after a week or two, gently increase the frequency of washing with it every night. If your skin becomes too dry or red, reduce the use of your facewash to every other night, or four times per week.
Caution:
The face wash could cause irritation.
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth, on your lips, or on any areas of broken skin.
If this happens, thoroughly rinse the area with water. After using this product, thoroughly wash your hands.
Possible Benefits of Benzoyl Peroxide:
Fun fact, benzoic acid and salicylic acid have similar chemical structures!
This is why scientists believe that benzoic acid might have similar effects to salicylic acid.
So, let's look at some possible benefits of using benzoyl peroxide. We do this by exploring the known effects of salicylic acid:
- Exfoliating the skin: Skin exfoliation is the process of shedding dead skin cells from the skin with the help of a chemical. In this case, the chemical helping us shed old skin would be salicylic acid.
This helps in the unclogging of pores and the clearing of acne.
Salicylic acid encourages skin exfoliation. This can aid in the unclogging of pores and the clearing of acne.
- Reducing inflammation: Acne is a disease that involves inflammation. This inflammation is present throughout the time that your acne bump - called a lesion - forms.
Salicylic acid can help prevent the formation of new acne lesions. It can also help treat existing acne lesions.
It does so by reducing inflammation.
Source: Acne.org
- Reducing skin oil (sebum): Sebum is your skin's natural oil. When sebum gets trapped in a clogged pore, acne is born. Salicylic acid works by reducing sebum production.
Salicylic acid mixes easily with oils. So, it is able to completely dissolve in sebum, which helps unclog pores.
- Reducing bacteria: Salicylic acid has antibacterial properties. This means that salicylic acid can kill bacteria!
Salicylic acid clears acne by reducing the amount of bacteria inside the pore.
How often do I need to use Panoxyl Face Wash?
Be sure to read the instructions on the packaging or follow your doctor’s prescription.
The general rule for using the liquid face wash is once or twice a day.
Be sure to read the instructions on the packaging or follow your doctor’s prescription.
If you miss an application, don’t worry and apply the drug as soon as possible.
If it is almost time for your next application, skip the missed dose. Continue with your normal skin care routine.
Do not apply more frequently than what your doctor prescribed to you.
What if I use a Panoxyl cream, foam or lotion?
Once or twice a day, apply a cream, foam, lotion, or gel to the affected area as directed.
Before applying each dose, wash and pat dry the acne-prone area with a gentle cleanser.
Apply a small amount of medicine to the affected area and rub it in .
Some products may need rinsing after use for a period of time.
Be sure to check the product label to see if your medication requires rinsing.
Can using Panoxyl cause purging?
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson gives us the following definition. ‘Skin purging' is what happens when our skin reacts with a substance that increases skin cell turnover rate.
This means that more skin sheds and newer and younger skin cells replace our skin cells. This process usually happens a lot quicker during skin purging.
Because of the way panoxyl reacts, it’s normal to experience purging. You can experience purging in the first four-six weeks of using a new product.
There are many other skin care ingredients that could also cause skin purging.
So again, make sure to scan the labels if you’re dealing with an unexpected breakout.
A purging breakout caused by benzoyl peroxide should last four to six weeks.
You should not stop using the skincare product that is triggering the purging.
Continue using the product and be sure to do things that keep your skin healthy like:
- Limiting your sun exposure
- Drinking plenty of water, and
- Following a skincare routine tailored to your skin.
- Don't forget the importance of proper nutrition.
Keep in mind
Most purging episodes do not last for more than a month. If you are ever worried about your skin condition or the purging has gone on too long, consult with your doctor!
They might talk to you about switching to a different anti-acne treatment. They might also consider lowering the percentage of benzoyl peroxide used.
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