Is benzoyl peroxide the answer to our summer scent woes?
When it comes to tackling summer skin problems, there are some that are particularly high on the list of priorities, the question of excess perspiration, for one and benzoyl peroxide. Warm temperatures and more time outside = warmer body, more sweat and therefore a more intense body odor. For some, the problem ends with a good deodorant and linen clothes. For others, excessive sweating poses a greater challenge. What seems to be the reason why people on social networks are shaving on benzoyl peroxide, an over -the -counter ingredient traditionally used to treat acne.
But does it work? We asked Aesthetic Doctor and founder of Iluminate Skin Clinics, Dr. Sophie Shotter, to set the record straight.
What is benzoyl peroxide?
“Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) is a topical topical anti -microbial and keratolytic agent with a well -established prescription force, mainly used in acne treatment,” said Dr. Shotter. Keratolytic is a substance that helps break down the upper layers of the skin, withdraw dead cells from the skin, unclog pores and reduce the formation of comedors (the technical name of black dots).
“He is known to kill the Cutibacterium acnes Bacteria, a key engine of inflammatory acne, ”explains Dr. Shotter. In addition to reducing redness and swelling. In some cases, it can be used to treat light folliculitis, when the hair follicles become ignited and small bumps filled with pus form.
Can benzoyl peroxide help reduce body odors caused by perspiration?
The main print of using a face washing with benzoyl peroxide is not to eliminate perspiration, it is a vital part of the body excretion system, but for Nix the smell of sweat, something that Shotter says, in some cases, really checks.
“The use of benzoyl peroxide on sweat areas such as armpits, chest or lower back can make sense in specific contexts, but not for excess sweating itself,” she clarifies. “It can be useful for bodily odors and areas subject to acne, but it is not An anti-spirant and improper use can cause irritation or damage to the barrier. The reason it works for, she says British VogueThis is because the body smell is caused by the bacterial degradation of perspiration. The antibacterial properties of benzoyl peroxide can reduce the bacterial “load” (“quantity” in profane terms), and therefore reduce the smell.
How to choose the strength of the right benzoyle peroxide
Although benzoyl peroxide is generally safe to use on the skin at concentrations ranging from 2.5% to 10%, the lower forces are just as effective, advises Dr Shotter. They are also “much better tolerated, especially when used on the face or sensitive areas like the armpits,” she said. Higher forces could cause irritation, inflammation and drought, especially in people with sensitive or reactive skin.
