An antibacterial treatment which is particularly effective against Propionibacterium acnes, or P. acnes, a form of bacteria found in comedones and oil glands which can contribute to inflammatory acne. BP is comedolytic (stops the forming of acne), keratolytic (peeling agent) and anti-inflammatory; when applied it releases hydrogen peroxide, which oxidizes the bacteria. It is metabolized to benzoic acid on the skin. It may cause dryness, irritation, and can bleach clothing. Unlike the case with antibiotics, P. acnes have not been shown to develop resistance to benzoyl peroxide.
2% BP creams have been shown to be just as effective as 10% – using a stronger BP cream on acne increases the chance that it will just irritate your skin further.
