While the benefits sound great, there are a few things you need to keep in mind before using a BPO product. “Benzoyl peroxide has been shown to be irritating, especially for people with darker skin tones,” says Hartman. “It can also bleach clothes and should be used with caution to avoid damaging textiles. Hands should be washed thoroughly after applying to the skin.”
Tracy Evans, MD, MPH, FAAD, FACMS, medical director of Pacific Skin and Aesthetic Dermatology, also adds that this ingredient can also be very drying to the skin, sometimes causing redness and flaking. In the short term, it can affect sensitive skin. Viscusi recommends consulting with a board-certified dermatologist before adding BPO to your routine.
