Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO) is one of the most commonly used antiseptic ingredients for combatting acne and is a major player in fighting inflammation. BPO works by delivering oxygen to the pores where aerotolerant anaerobic (requiring little to no oxygen) acne bacteria thrive. An increase in oxygen will make the environment toxic to the bacteria and they will die off. BP continues the fight by exfoliating trapped dead skin cells to prevent further breakouts and alleviate acne scarring.
Although BPO does a tremendous job treating mild to moderate acne, it has been found to be even more effective paired with prescription medications such as Clindamycin. Clindamycin is an antibiotic often administered for topical (on the skin) use. The antibacterial properties fight off acne causing bacteria, slowing down bacterial growth and the formation of new pimples. What the medication does not do however, is prevent pore blockages from forming, which explains why the two treatments are often paired together.
While BPO and Clindamycin tag team acne by treating and preventing, there is another very significant detail that is the driving force behind their acne fighting partnership.
**TRAP FACT: Bacteria can build up resiliency to antibiotics -meaning bacteria builds up strength that is now resistant to the antibiotic being used.
BPO has shown to help prevent acnes bacteria from building resistance because it aids the body in preventing dependency on antibiotics like Clindamycin.