There are a number of things to take into consideration when selecting an acne
treatment. Over the counter products are often a popular choice among teens as
well as adults who suffer from the effects of varying degrees of acne. This is
often due to the fact that over the counter products, which typically contain
benzoyl peroxide, are easy to obtain and are relatively inexpensive. An added
benefit is the fact that benzoyl peroxide products are not generally associated
with any major side effects or problems associated with long term use; as is the
case with many other prescription acne treatment products.
Nevertheless, it is advisable to look into the possible side effects of benzoyl
peroxide. For years, the only side effects related to the use of benzoyl
peroxide were the crusting and blistering that sometimes accompanies use of the
product. Manufacturers generally recommend that individuals who find this to be
a problem, reduce the dosage and time intervals of use for the product. In some
instances, it has been noted that individuals who use this product may
experience a skin allergy that would prevent further use.
It has only been in recent years, that research has been performed to determine
whether there are in fact any other side effects related to the use of benzoyl
peroxide and whether any dangers exist related to the long term use of benzoyl
peroxide as an acne treatment. This is an extremely important question due to
the fact that most people who suffer from acne, due so for a period of many
years and are therefore susceptible to using benzoyl peroxide as a treatment for
their acne for an extended period of time.
The first concerns related to the long term use of benzoyl peroxide arose from
the fact that research discovered this product to be capable of producing free
radicals. The effect of this is rather similar to exposing oneself to sunlight
without any protection from sun block. As we now know, repeated exposure to the
sun can and does cause skin cancer. It is now currently believed that repeated,
heavy use of benzoyl peroxide as an acne treatment may have similar effects.
Research has indicated that the direct extent of potential damage to the skin
related to the use of benzoyl peroxide directly correlates to the extent of use
of the product. In fact, prior to 1995 the FDA categorized benzoyl peroxide as a
Category I ingredient for acne treatment products. As of 1995, the FDA has
reversed this position and now classifies this product as a Category III;
indicating that the safety of this product is unknown.
This decision was arrived at after research indicated that benzoyl peroxide
promoted tumor growth in mice. A number of studies conducted have indicated that
benzoyl peroxide does lead to the development of carcinoma in mice as well as
hamsters.
Carcinogenesis. 1987 Mar;8(3):479-82. PubMed
“Benzoyl peroxide promotes the formation of melanotic tumors in the skin of
7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-initiated Syrian golden hamsters.”
Schweizer J, Loehrke H, Edler L, Goerttler K.
Cancer Res. 1986 Jun;46(6):2863-5. PubMed
Enhanced malignant progression of mouse skin tumors by the free-radical
generator benzoyl peroxide.
O'Connell JF, Klein-Szanto AJ, DiGiovanni DM, Fries JW, Slaga TJ.
Science. 1981 Aug 28;213(4511):1023-5. PubMed
Skin tumor-promoting activity of benzoyl peroxide, a widely used free
radical-generating compound.
Slaga TJ, Klein-Szanto AJ, Triplett LL, Yotti LP, Trosko KE.
