What exactly is benzoyl peroxide?

Benzoyl peroxide is a topical medication that is used to fight acne breakout. It is an ingredient found in cleansers, lotions, and creams that are primarily used to kill acne-causing bacteria and hence, combat acne. It is available as medication over-the-counter as well as cosmetics from renowned brands. It is an antimicrobial that kills and minimizes the number of acne-causing bacteria on the skin.

How does benzoyl peroxide affect the skin?

Benzoyl peroxide combats the bacteria on the skin which instigate acne. It helps to unclog the pores and remove dead skin cells which lead to blockage. It also prevents new acne from erupting.

It should be used only topically. Caution must be exercised when using a benzoyl peroxide lotion. Wash your hands well before and after the application. The product must be used daily and you will see results within 4 weeks. The full effect of the treatment is noticeable after another 2-4 months.

If you are using benzoyl peroxide for the first time, it is expected that your skin might experience redness, slight tingling sensations, or irritation. And this is where Foxtale’s super-soothing Ceramide Supercream Moisturizer comes to the picture. This is what you need to calm your skin down after using any kind of active. With skin-loving ingredients such as ceramides, sodium hyaluronate, and much more, you can enjoy using your actives and have barrier friendly skin!

Benzoyl peroxide benefits vs side effects 

Benzoyl Peroxide comes with both benefits as well as side effects. Here is a glimpse of both of them:

Benefits of benzoyl peroxide:

Side effects of benzoyl peroxide:

• Skin irritation
• Flaking and peeling of skin
• Leaves stains on clothes and hair
• Some may be allergic to it

Keeping in mind the side effects, it is best to patch-test or get recommendations from a dermatologist, before using this product. You can also consider alternate treatments. Here is something about perfecting your skin using cellular beauty that is a holistic approach to skincare.

Comparing benzoyl peroxide to other treatments

Apart from benzoyl peroxide, there are two more ingredients popular for combating acne. Here is a comprehensive comparison between benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and retinol, all of which are useful for combating acne:

When you understand the different ways in which benzoyl peroxide can affect your skin, it gets easier to incorporate the ingredient in your skincare routine while avoiding the side effects.

 Periods are accompanied by so many hormonal changes but none of them can beat the trouble caused by acne breakout. For many of us, the changing hormones reflect most notably through skin problems such as acne.

Stomach ache, mood swings, and irregularities are sometimes inevitable in periods. But thankfully, there are ways to prevent or minimize period acne by switching up your usual skincare routine in certain ways. Before that, let’s quickly understand why period acne occurs. 

What is period acne?

The hormones fluctuate a few days before the beginning and end of the period. These fluctuations reflect on our skin in the form of acne. To be precise, the production of progesterone falls and estrogen rises right before the period starts. As a result, the skin gets oilier which clogs the pores resulting in a breakout. You get papules, whiteheads, and cystic acne during this time.

What causes period acne?

It all comes down to the imbalanced hormones during this time. Estrogen is responsible for improved skin and its smoothness. But during this time, the fluctuating estrogen level triggers excess sebum production. With high levels of sebum, estrogen, and progesterone, there is an explosion of hormonal period acne that is witnessed during this phase. With periods, the progesterone level falls along with estrogen leading to an excess breakout.

Where Does Period Acne Appear?

If you notice breakouts specifically along your jawline and chin, it is a classic sign of hormonal acne. This area has a higher concentration of oil glands that are particularly sensitive to hormonal shifts. Unlike regular whiteheads, period acne often feels like deep, tender "blind pimples" that don't always come to a head.

How to fix period acne?

With some caution and care, you can minimize your period acne. Here are a few topical skincare ingredients which are useful to combat the problem:

• Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is a gentle, oil-soluble chemical exfoliator that also has anti-inflammatory properties. Salicylic acid or BHA serums can penetrate deep into the pores, get rid of excess sebum and prevent any kind of pore-clogging beforehand. Products with this ingredient in them are a good choice to ensure acne symptoms are reduced.

• Retinoids

Retinoids are Vitamin-A derivatives that are used topically to reduce mild and medium acne breakouts. If the acne problem gets severe during the periods, serums and lotions with retinoids are great choices. Regular usage of retinoids makes sure you have smooth skin all the time!

• Non-comedogenic Sunscreen

Sunscreens are essential to avoid sunburns and skin damage when you’re exposed to UV rays. Choosing a non-comedogenic sunscreen like the Foxtale Dewy Sunscreen ensures the acne does not get aggravated due to clogged pores.

• Benzoyl Peroxide

This ingredient is available in the form of creams and lotions. It is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial as well. The ingredient helps to reduce redness and swelling making it a recommended option to fight acne.

Period acne is not uncommon but it can be combated well with many topical products and hygienic habits. Proper diet, a relaxed lifestyle, and using good skincare products diligently are the basis of flawless skin even during periods.

• Niacinamide

During the "sticky sebum" phase of your cycle, Niacinamide is a hero ingredient. It helps stabilize oil production and strengthens the skin barrier, which can become more sensitive during your period. Foxtale’s Niacinamide Clarifying Serum is an excellent way to keep the skin calm and matte

Related Article: 

1. Everything you need to know about Acne
2. Ingredients every Acne-Prone person needs
3. How To Heal A Breakout At Every Step

Conclusion

Period acne is common, but it can be combated with targeted topical products and hygienic habits. A relaxed lifestyle and using high-quality skincare products diligently are the basis of flawless skin even during periods.

Have you also found yourself staring in the mirror at a huge zit on your face and wondering why, why, why? If you suffer from hormonal acne, you'll relate to it! It's inconvenient to deal with sudden eruptions, but you can easily avoid them by taking good care of your skin. Let’s explore the causes, symptoms, and treatments that can help you achieve clear, beautiful skin. So, let's get started and say goodbye to those pesky pimples once and for all! 

What is hormonal acne? 

As the name suggests, it's acne that's caused due to fluctuations in your hormones, resulting in sudden breakouts of acne. They are most commonly seen in adolescents, but they have been documented in adults as old as 50. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly in levels of estrogen and progesterone, can lead to the development of acne. Additionally, high levels of stress can trigger the release of the hormone cortisol, which can also contribute to the formation of acne. An allergic reaction to new skincare or makeup product, a sudden change in diet due to eating too much spicy or oily food, or even changes in the environment can trigger hormonal acne.

What are the causes of Hormonal acne?

Some of the most common causes of hormonal acne include:

• PCOS- Excessive generation of male hormones leads to acne among PCOS patients.
• Stress- Hormones fluctuate when you are stressed, leading to hormonal acne.
• Menopause- Several hormone productions are naturally diminished, causing a disbalance.
• Medications- Some medicines, like birth control pills, can disrupt the usual hormonal balance.

How to know if you have hormonal acne?

Distinguishing hormonal acne from other types of acne can be challenging. However, there are specific characteristics of hormonal acne that can help to identify it. These may include certain symptoms that are not typically present with other forms of acne. You can recognize the signs easily by observing the following:

• Excess sebum- Overproduction of sebum happens due to hormonal fluctuations. This, in turn, clogs the pores and leads to hormonal acne.
• Area-specific breakout- Hormonal acne tends to appear the most in T-zone, jawline, and cheeks.
• Periodical breakout- When you get acne in a specific pattern and at regular interval, it is indicative that they are caused by hormonal changes.
• Painful cysts- Hormonal acne can appear as painful cysts. They have a sac-like pocket filled with pus. They are rooted deeper in the skin and hence get painful.

How to treat hormonal acne?

Luckily, dealing with hormonal acne is all about using the correct products and having a healthy lifestyle. Here are some tips that are the most effective hormonal acne treatment.  

• Use Salicylic acid  

Exfoliating with Salicylic acid can be an effective way to combat acne. It helps to remove dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and reduce inflammation and excess oil production. Salicylic acid is available in a variety of forms, including gels, creams, ointments, and soaps. A spot treatment gel containing salicylic acid can also help to decrease sebum production, leading to fewer breakouts.

• Use Retinol 

Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, is considered an effective treatment for acne. It works by inhibiting the growth of acne-causing bacteria and reducing signs of ageing. Retinol serums can unclog pores and reduce oil production. Use a serum that contains encapsulated retinol; that fights signs of ageing 2X faster than other retinol, giving you firmer and more radiant skin without any purging.

• Wash with a gentle cleanser 

Cleansing at least twice a day is essential to prevent hormonal acne. The excess sebum gets washed away before they clog the pores. But make sure to use a cleanser that doesn’t strip off the natural oils of your skin. A mild yet effective cleanser like the Foxtale Daily Duet Cleanser is the perfect solution to keep your skin hydrated while cleansing. The presence of ingredients like Vitamin B5 promotes faster healing of skin which helps in reducing acne and blemishes over time. 

• Protect with sunscreen

To make sure your skin is well protected from the sun and free radical damage, incorporate an antioxidant-rich vitamin C serum with sunscreen. A matte finish sunscreen can be an ideal choice for those with acne-prone skin as it helps to control excess oil production. Such sunscreens typically contain ingredients like Niacinamide that can help regulate the production of oil and UVA & UVB filters, which protect against harmful UV rays. This will help to protect your skin and prevent further breakouts. 

• Avoid stress

The last thing you need to hear from someone is, “Don’t take stress”. But if it helps to know, stress and hormonal acne often go hand in hand. When under stress, the body releases the hormone cortisol, which can cause an increase in oil production, resulting in more pimples, oiliness, and inflammation. To combat this, it's essential to be aware of your stress levels and take steps to manage them. This can include practices such as meditation and taking regular breaks to relax and unwind. By reducing stress, you can help to reduce the severity of your hormonal acne.

• Follow a healthy diet 

While the idea of grabbing cheesy fries doesn’t sound bad, the effect it has on your skin definitely is. Eating a diet high in processed foods, oil and spices can worsen acne. To promote clear skin, it's essential to include a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet and to limit or avoid junk foods. Staying hydrated by drinking sufficient water throughout the day is also crucial for maintaining healthy skin. By making these dietary changes, you can help to reduce inflammation and improve the overall health of your skin.

The conclusion 

Acne, whether it's the regular kind or the hormonal type — can feel like a never-ending battle. But don't let it defeat you! With a tailored skincare routine, you can tackle breakouts at the root level. If you still have concerns related to hormonal acne, consulting a dermatologist can help you develop a long-term plan to clear and maintain your skin. So don't give up, let's work together to defeat those breakouts and achieve the clear, radiant skin you deserve. 

FAQs

1.Where does hormonal acne show up?

Hormonal acne typically appears on the lower portion of the face, including the jawline, chin, and around the mouth. This occurs due to hormonal fluctuations in the body, which leads to increased oil production in certain areas of the face.

2.How to clear up hormonal acne fast? 

To clear up hormonal acne quickly, it's important to follow a consistent skincare routine that includes using a combination of topical retinoids and salicylic acid, managing stress levels, and avoiding the urge to pick or squeeze pimples. If the problem persists, it's recommended to consult a dermatologist for personalized advice and treatment options.

3.Does hormonal acne go away?

Hormonal acne can be a chronic condition and may come and go depending on individual hormone levels, stress levels, and other factors. But don’t stress! It can be managed with a consistent skincare routine, a healthy diet, stress management, and consulting a dermatologist if needed. 

It's known to be stubborn and ever so persistent. Yes! It's acne- a problem experienced by adults and teens alike. Often, it is a skin condition that is associated with oily skin. But in reality, people with dry skin too can face trouble and break out occasionally. This is a comparatively tricky situation since it is generally assumed acne is triggered by the excess production of sebum. 

However, it is not always the case; blackheads, clogged pores, whiteheads, and acne can also occur in dry skin. There are many causes, like dirt, bacteria, and weaker protective barrier of the skin, to name a few. Read on to find out how you can treat acne and get radiant skin despite all odds. 

What is acne? 

Acne is like the uninvited guest at a party that just won't leave! It's caused by the overproduction of oil and the buildup of dead skin cells in the pores of your skin. This leads to the formation of pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads that can be painful, unsightly and may even cause scarring if left untreated. Acne can be caused by a combination of factors including genetics, hormones, diet, and hygiene.

Why and how do breakouts happen on dry skin?

Dry skin can break out, too, for several reasons. Once you understand the reasons behind the breakout, you can find out the right treatment. Here are some reasons behind such breakouts.

• Dry skin often has dilated pores and dirt that can clog pores. This leads to a breakout.
• Acne-causing bacteria aggravate such breakouts even though you have dry skin.
• Often the pores get clogged due to sebum. Since the skin is too dry, oil secretion increases, and this, in turn, clogs the pores, which leads to a breakout.
• Dead skin cells and patchy skin often accumulate and, in turn, clog the pores causing an acne breakout.
• Harsh soaps or specific skin treatments/ingredients may irritate the skin and cause acne in dry skin.

Why Moisture is Your Best Acne Treatment

When your skin is dry, its natural barrier is compromised. A weak barrier cannot defend itself against C. acnes bacteria. Therefore, the goal for dry skin isn't to "dry out" the pimple, but to "hydrate it out" by repairing the barrier so the skin can heal itself.

How to prevent acne on dry skin

Here’s how you can tackle the issue of acne on dry skin by following these tips and tricks:

1.Use a hydrating cleanser

Using a cleanser that is gentle and hydrating can be a total game-changer for your skin. Foxtale's daily duet cleanser emulsifies to remove makeup and helps get rid of dirt and dead skin cells without making the skin feel dry. It contains red algae extract, an antioxidant known for its cleansing and moisturizing properties, and vitamin B5, which aids in reducing the appearance of acne and blemishes. This unique blend of ingredients makes this cleanser a must-have for achieving and maintaining healthy, glowing skin.

2.Wash your face less frequently

People with oily skin are usually recommended to wash their face frequently in order to get rid of excess oil. However, it shouldn’t be the case with dry skin. Dry skin already produces less than average sebum and if you wash your face too often, it can make it even drier. At most, it's best to wash your face twice a day. If you have extremely dry skin, try splashing some water instead of going for a full cleansing routine in the morning.

3.Moisturize your skin

Don't you love the feeling of soft and bouncy skin? Along with all the nourishment a moisturizer offers, it helps protect you from harsh and drying winters. Slathering on moisturizer ensures you do not get any flakes or experience any irritation. Foxtale’s Ceramide Supercream is enriched with 3 ceramides — AP, NP, and EOP that help repair the skin barrier prevent moisture loss by forming a protective layer on the skin, and maintain the skin’s cellular structure. Although lightweight, it nourishes the skin deeply, leaving your skin hydrated for 24 hours.

4.Use SPF

Whether you are indoors or outdoors or have oily or dry skin, just never skip sunscreen. For dry skin beauties who want to target acne, it’s best to look out for a sunscreen that offers a little more than just protection from UV rays. When you use a dewy sunscreen that contains skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide, panthenol, and vitamin E, it helps in strengthening the skin barrier, protecting it from free radical damage, and moisturizing it. 

5.Do not physically exfoliate your skin

If you have acne-prone skin, leave physical exfoliants behind. They leave micro-tears on your skin which leads to further damage on the skin, like peeling and patchiness. Instead, opt for chemical exfoliants which are hydrating as well. AHA, like lactic acid, is a good choice for dry skin specifically.

6.Try using a Retinol

Retinol is the secret weapon for banishing blemishes by clearing out clogged pores and shedding dead skin cells. And if you're a little hesitant to try retinol because of potential irritation, no worries! Start with a serum that has a lower concentration of Retinol to ease into it, like Foxtale’s anti ageing night serum. It contains 0.15% encapsulated retinol which is known to show less irritation on the skin and treats the signs of ageing 2X faster compared to other retinol serums. 

7.Use a spot treatment

Some of you might find it hard to resist when there is a pimple to pop. But this can damage your skin much more than anything else. The tissue damage caused by squeezing out the pimple can leave behind permanent scar marks, especially on dry skin, which takes longer to heal.

Dry Skin Acne: Do's vs. Don'ts

What’s the best acne spot treatment? 

One that is composed of actives like azelaic acid, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid. When these strong actives are blended in perfect proportion, they can quickly minimize the inflammation caused by acne. These spot-specific treatments are great to treat angry-looking acne, and acne scars since the rest of your skin remain unaffected by its effect. 

Related Reads:
1. Acne treatment for dry skin
2. Benefits of salicylic acid for dry and acne-prone skin
3. How to moisturize dry skin

The Conclusion 

Dry, acne-prone skin can be difficult to manage, but with the right skincare routine and habits, it is possible to achieve acne-free skin. An effective skincare routine for dry, acne-prone skin should include a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer with non-comedogenic ingredients, and a product with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to target acne. 

Additionally, it's important to avoid using harsh skincare products and to protect your skin from the sun. Drinking enough water, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding touching your face with your hands can also help to prevent acne. With a consistent skincare routine and healthy habits, you can achieve the clear and radiant skin you desire.