Benzoyl Peroxide

Ten years ago, I went through somewhat of an awkward phase. I decided to dye my hair blond à la Meg Ryan in You've Got Mail, but it was more straw-like than stellar. Also, I had put on a few of the dreaded college pounds (I only thought veggie pizza sounded healthy), and to top it all off, my face was breaking out like crazy. The solution? Some deep conditioner, a smarter diet, and Proactiv Solution.

I used the three-step system for about a year or two, and my pimples seemed to be under control. Flash-forward to a few weeks ago, and the spots were back with a vengeance. I got my hands on some Proactiv, which uses benzoyl peroxide to kill P. acnes, the bacteria that causes acne, and ripped open the packaging with great fervor. But after 10 years, does Proactiv still do the trick? Find out when you read more

The problem: You have a pimple. You dab some spot treatment on it, go to bed, and wake up with two problems: the pimple's still there and your beloved designer sheets have streaks of telltale orange from your acne product. Blast! Resolved to never have this happen to me again, I consulted New York City dermatologist Dr. Doris J. Day for some answers.

"At any concentration, even 2.5%, benzoyl peroxide can bleach fabric," she says. "Even if you use a benzoyl peroxide cleanser and don't rinse well enough, it'll bleach your towel and sheets (but it doesn't bleach your skin). Retin-A can also stain because it has a preservative in it, but generally, if you're getting stains from using a retinol product, chances are you're using too much." To find out what Dr. Day thinks is more effective for spots than benzoyl peroxide anyway, read more

I kicked off my series on acne by helping you identify your acne type with this quiz. Now that you know what ails you, it's time to talk about what you can do to help clear up your skin.

Keep in mind, no matter how severe you think your acne is, the best way to start treating it is with the mildest products, working your way gradually towards stronger ones until you find what your skin responds to the best. No need to jump right into retinoids when a gentle cleanser will do!

First up are product and treatment options for those of you with mild acne vulgaris. As a reminder, this is the most mild form of acne, consisting of mostly non-inflamed lesions such as blackheads and small whiteheads. These can pop up anywhere, but they are typically found on your nose, forehead, and chin. If this describes your acne, read more

When I get stressed out, it's inevitable that my face will break out. It happens to everyone, but that doesn't make me feel better. When pimples show up, I want them to disappear ASAP.

At the drug store, there are tons of acne treatments, so what really works? There are 2 main ingredients that you'll see listed on zit creams.

Benzoyl Peroxide - It comes in gels or creams with 2.5%, 5%, or 10% concentration. Research suggests that the 5% and 10% formulas don't work better, and the 2.5% is better tolerated by the skin. It commonly causes dryness and irritation. Some people may be more sensitive to it, and suffer from burning, itching, peeling, or swelling.

Salicylic Acid - Blemishes are formed when skin cells inside hair follicles shed too fast and clump together, which plug up the follicle. Salicylic Acid treats acne by causing skin cells to slough off more readily, preventing pores from clogging up. Use a lotion or pad with this ingredient daily to prevent possible break outs.

Fit's Tips: I recommend trying them both out. Our complexions are so different, and one ingredient may work better for you. They both are meant to dry up the offensive area, so if you notice your skin peeling excessively, cut down on your use.