My dermatologist has long recommended a 10% benzoyl peroxide wash. It used to be Rx only, but eventually became available OTC. I've used a 10% bp wash for many years. I'm in my 40s, have oily skin, and left untreated can develop acne ranging from small white heads to painful, cystic acne and folliculitis. It took me 20 years of adult life to eventually find a daily routine that generally keeps my skin clean, clear, and free of painful breakouts. The cornerstone of that routine was the Neutrogena 10% Benzoyl Peroxide wash that I found to be strong enough to serve it's purpose but still gentle enough to not cause annoying side effects such as irritation and over dryness. Unfortunately that face wash appears to have been discontinued. PanOxyl was a product I had tried before, years ago (before I discovered the other parts of my routine which I suspect played a bigger role in it actually being effective - more on that below), and I believe it was the actual brand recommended by my dermatologist once 10% bp became available over the counter. So I knew it was a good product, and similar to what I had been using- both in price and effectiveness. So it was an easy first choice for me in trying to replace the wash I've relied on for some time. I've been using it now for a few weeks and I haven't noticed a difference in my results, thankfully. It seems to be very similar to me and hasn't dried my skin out completely or irritated it in any way. So for now, I think this is the one that will become my go-to. I've also purchased it for my 18-year old who was similarly concerned about the Neutrogena being discontinued. Seems to be working for them as well. I mentioned above that for me, there were other factors that helped make this product work better. Those factors are: *Exfoliating/washing before I shave - without doing this, shaving dirty and oily skin seems to lead to more breakouts. *I use a little silicone face scrubber to apply and scrub with the PanOxyl - after shaving -which helps clean follicles and wash away little hairs- it seems to really help avoid ingrown hairs and folliculitis, which has been awful for me at times. As I mentioned, I have found a routine that works for me- so for anyone looking for help developing their own routine to treat acne, in general, some info about me and my routine is as follows: Male, 44 years old Full beard Bald (I shave my head and around my beard approx 2-3 times per week). Shaving Days (all in shower): 1. Wash face, head, and skin under beard with an exfoliating face wash (there is a Viking Revolution micro dermabrasion wash I like for this purpose, but there are a lot of products meant for pre shave wash). 2. I shave using a concentrated shave cream (Cremo is what I like the most). 3. I apply a nickel sized amount of PanOxyl to a silicone face scrubber, rub it around to cover it, and then gently scrub/massage it into my skin- head, neck, face, etc. in small circular motions. If I have any acne starting to form, I might seperately apply a little additional face wash to that area and scrub a little extra as well. 4. Importantly, I take the time to rinse well, as the Benzoyl Peroxide can stain towels or clothes if it's not appropriately rinsed. 5. I wash my beard with a beard wash. 6. I generally do not moisturize over the winter unless I start to feel dry- but everyone is different. When showering twice a day if working out, etc, I will use a mild moisturizer, but generally my skin is best balanced at this point without. When the weather is nice enough to be outside, I use a daily moisturizer for sensitive skin with sunscreen in it. If I'm going to be in the sun for extended periods, I'll also apply higher spf sunscreen. I like Neutrogena triple protect for men as the daily. 7. I see a dermatologist, and I have two prescription creams I use in tiny amounts for any flare ups. It's pretty rare that I have to use them, and it's usually if I am lax with my routine at all. One cream for morning and one for night. Epiduo Forte and Aczone. 8. Non-shaving days I use a similar amount either in my fingers or with the scrubber to wash my face, head, neck, etc. And that's the only product I use. If this helps anyone in any way, then it was worth putting it out there. Bottom line, this PanOxyl wash works well for me as part of my routine. I added the above context because skin types vary greatly, and it took me a lot of trial, error, research, help from a dermatologist, and persistence to finally get my acne in check. I used to think I could just use a benzoyl peroxide face wash once a day and that would be enough. For some people, maybe it is- but for me personally, I have to do a few other things to maximize it's effectiveness.
