Skin Irritation and Benzoyl Peroxide Treatment :(?
Hi guys!
I usually stick to washing my face twice a day with a cleanser containing 2% salicylic acid. Even though it was pretty effective at removing oil, makeup, and such - I wasn't completely satisfied with its acne fighting potential so I wanted to try and find a better regimen for my skin.
So, Last night I bought/applied Cetaphil Acne Principles gel with 5% benzoyl peroxide... but woke up to my skin being very red and somewhat itchy!
Could I be experiencing an allergic reaction? Should I stop using it right away or try using a little bit every other day instead of every night?
- I used the gel with a cleanser so yes, my face was wet when I applied it.
- I normally used St. Ives Apricot Scrub before switching to Cetaphil.
I guess I might try only using the Cetaphil Cleanser (came with the gel) until the burn is healed.. and then maybe apply a diluted proportion of the gel later on..
How do I know it's allergic reaction and not just a common side effect of the harsh chemical in the gel?
October 12th, 2010 - 04:56
Your face is not used to the treatment. Since you’ve been using a different kind of skin treatment and then all of a sudden switching to a different one your skin will react to redness, burning, itching, drying, and peeling. It isn’t good. I’d suggest you’d stop right away. Then wait a few days and re-try but only use on treatment. Don’t use them back and forth, it will just make your skin irritated.
October 12th, 2010 - 04:56
Why not dilute it 50/50 with water to start using it–and be sure you put it on a wet face.
Such a rapid change could cause an irritation or allergic reaction. Ease into it and see if that helps.