When my sons hit puberty, they naturally started having problems with acne. The oldest and youngest have had it the worst. The middle son had beautiful skin throughout and perhaps part of the reason for that is because he insisted that he wanted to go to the dermatologist when his first pimple appeared because he didn't want to get like his older brother. They were each prescribed the same thing, Benzac AC Wash 5% and Clindamycin Phosphate Gel USP, 1%. Both are pretty strong products and they helped to clear my sons' skin without having to do any further treatment processes.
I'm going to concentrate on the Benzac AC Wash. This is the same thing but it is the generic version of it.
It has peroxide in it so one needs to be careful when using the product as it has some bleaching properties to it. It is advised to keep out of the sun as much as possible and to use sunscreen. When my sons were using this, I had to switch them to using white towels because any type of colored towel would get bleach stains (white spots) on it. White towels + boys who actively participate in outdoor sports = easily dirty towels! It has even acted as a whitening agent on their skin. Perhaps I should try using it!
My youngest son had been using these two products for 4 years and his skin had cleared up. The dermatologist determined that it wasn't necessary for him to be seen any more and to just finish up all of his prescription refills. When there were no more refills left, he went back to using a regular OTC facial cleanser but started to break out a bit again so we switched to an acne facial cleanser. His acne just started getting worse and worse so he ended up going back to the dermatologist whereby he was again prescribed the same two products.
The other day he went to refill his Benzoyl Peroxide face wash and was told that it is now sold over the counter! This is the news that I wanted to share with those who are plagued with acne problems. According to the pharmacist, it is the OTC replacement for the prescription version. It does contain 1% less Benzoyl Peroxide though. I do not know if this will make a difference so I may have to do a follow up to this post after my son starts using it.
Again, please remember that it's best to see a physician first. If you do not go to a physician first and decide to try this out, please remember that it is very important to use a sunscreen and to keep out of the sun as much as possible.
*Kat* (this is a scheduled post)
3 comments:
Aha. I have heard of the Benzyol Peroxide wash (5%) as it is available here. I think this concentration is only available on prescription.
One thing I am interested in is the Clindamycin Phosphate Gel USP as I have read about this online. Unfortunately this again is a prescription only product.
I still remember the first dermatologist I ever went to - the most useless idiot on the face of the Earth who told me that I should stop washing my face so much. I mean, who doesn't at least wash their face twice a day for pete's sake? I will investigate further. If my skin does not clear up over the next few months (it is largely clear now aside from a few blemishes) I will definitely go to the doctor yet again for my bad skin.
thank you for this
BV
Thank you for sharing this with us. I have been using Benzoyl peroxide gel for years and years and years. I have been breaking out again recently and will see if they sell this OTC over here. :) I don't really like using the gel because 1) it bleaches all my sheets, duvets and pillows, and 2) i'm really impatient and don't like waiting between different layers of face products. I worry that I am mixing all my products into a concotion that is bad for me!!
you're such a good mother! Very caring for the sons!
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