Does Benzoyl Peroxide Bleach & Lighten Skin: Actual Truth

Benzoyl Peroxide is known to treat mild to moderate acne and it can seriously bleach our clothes and hair. But can it also bleach and lighten our skin?

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Can Benzoyl Peroxide Bleach Skin

Yes. Benzoyl Peroxide contains peroxide which has bleaching properties.

Keep in mind though, that while benzoyl peroxide has bleaching properties, it is not especially used for bleaching the skin. It is rather more effective for bacterial control and oil removal.

The bleaching effect is gradual and more of a side effect.

How Does Benzoyl Peroxide Bleach Skin

The peroxide in benzoyl peroxide bleaches the skin by causing oxidative stress.

This means that it removes oxygen from the skin cells, damaging them.

When benzoyl peroxide is applied directly to the pigmented area, it damages and removes the pigmented cells, causing your skin to become lighter after prolonged use.

How to Use Benzoyl Peroxide To Treat Acne Scars & Dark Spots

Effects of Benzoyl Peroxide on Pores: What You Need to Know

How Long Will Benzoyl Peroxide Take To Lighten Skin

Benzoyl peroxide will take weeks to months of constant use to significantly lighten your skin.

This will depend mainly on how pigmented the area is, whether there are scars or just generalized pigmentation, and your skin’s reaction.

However, benzoyl peroxide has side effects that can occur with prolonged use, so this might not be the right treatment for widespread hyperpigmentation.

How Long To Leave Benzoyl Peroxide On & How Often To Use

Is It Safe To Use Benzoyl Peroxide To Bleach The Skin

Healthcare professionals and dermatologists do not recommend using benzoyl peroxide as a skin bleaching treatment.

Benzoyl peroxide can be harsh on your skin, especially if used in high concentrations.

Many people with hyperpigmentation (darkened skin) usually have pigmentation on large patches of skin. This will require that the treatment be applied broadly.

Applying benzoyl peroxide all over like that can cause skin irritation, especially in sensitive areas, which may only make your pigmentation worse. In fact, because it dries out the skin, benzoyl peroxide can actually lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation if used excessively.

Benzoyl peroxide is best used in small areas or as a spot treatment.

Best Benzoyl Peroxide Products For Spot Treatments

If you have dark spots or active acne and wish to use benzoyl peroxide for a long-term period, here are a few products that you can use:

1- PanOxyl Antimicrobial Wash, 4% Benzoyl Peroxide

Emollients combined with the recipe provide a more moisturizing and gentle daily cleaning. Daily use will gently resurface the skin gradually and it will not stay on the skin long enough to be too drying.

Click here to see the price for PanOxyl 4% Benzoyl Peroxide Wash on Amazon.

2- Perrigo 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment Gel

This water-based gel formulation can be left on the skin safely (as long as your skin can tolerate it) or it can be washed off. It has 2.5% of benzoyl peroxide and is great for sensitive skin. It also comes in stronger concentrations (5% and 10%) if necessary.

Click here to check out the Perrigo 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment Gel on Amazon.

Always consult your dermatologist before using benzoyl peroxide for non-acne-related skin conditions and especially before putting it on your skin.

Also, always remember to test patch any treatment before applying it fully.

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Sources:

Benzoyl Peroxide for Acne: Does It Work, Side Effects and Before and after Shots

Everything you need to know about hydrogen peroxide and skin conditions

Is Benzoyl Peroxide Good For Skin? – SkinKraft