May 11, 2011
Concurrent Use Of Tretinoin And Benzoyl Peroxide For Treatment Of Acne
80% of the world population is affected by Acne. This is a problem common among teens and young adults. Acne is caused by the obstruction of the hair follicle in the skin and the proliferation of bacteria that leads to inflammation. Common sites of acne include the nose, face and back.
Using products that causes obstruction on our face such as large headphones, make ups, moisturizers, lotions and sunscreens could also aggravate acne. Make sure that these products are labeled non comedogenic. Silicone based plastics should be used instead of normal plastics as it does not cause or aggravate acne.
Several medications are used to treat acne. But the two most commonly prescribed medication are Tretinoin and Benzoyl Peroxide. Usually, both are used alone without other acne medication. But in cases of severe acne or break outs, both could be used concomitantly. However, Many people apply both drugs at the same time of the day leading to ineffective acne control. They could be use together, but not at the same time as using them at the same time will make Tretinoin ineffective and Benzoyl Peroxide poorly absorbed.
Tretinoin, is a Vitamin A derivative and is used topically to hasten the shedding of the outer layer of the skin thus, reducing the dead skins that block the hair follicles. Side effects of this drug include photosensitivity and excessive skin dryness. Physicians will usually recommend moisturizer after the application of tretinoin. It is only normal that redness is seen on the first two weeks of therapy. Break outs are also common during the beginning of the therapy. The client should be reassured that this is normal or else, he might stop using the medication due to fear of further break outs.
Benzoyl peroxide however, is an antibacterial compound used to kill the bacteria that causes acne. It also has an effect on hastening the shredding of the outer layer of the skin. Side effects if this drug include excessive skin dryness, photosensitivity and excessive peeling.
These two drugs could be used concurrently however, remember that benzoyl peroxide will disable tretinoin leaving the other drug useless. Using them wisely is the key for an effective control and treatment of acne.
Applying benzoyl peroxide in the morning while tretinoin in the evening is perhaps the most common method an individual uses when these drugs are used concurrently. But this is incorrect. Benzoyl peroxide is easily removed from the skin by oil and sweat which is more frequent during the day than night, furthermore, the sun will further increase the peeling and dryness of the skin if this drug is used in the morning
It is best that the patient should use tretinoin in the morning and benzoyl peroxide in the evening to minimize the adverse effect of both medication. Tretinoin is not affected by sunblocks and moisturizers unlike benzoyl peroxide that disables the sun protecting capabilities of sunscreens.
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