Acne antibiotics and benzoyl peroxide are used together, what is the effect?

Acne is a very common skin problem in both adults and children. The treatment method also varies. One of them is taking acne antibiotics, using benzoyl peroxide, and drugs containing retinoids.

However, if the acne medication is used simultaneously, will it produce side effects or will it maximize its efficacy?

Check out the answer through the reviews below.

Effects of taking acne antibiotics and benzoyl peroxide together

As reported from the page American Family Physician, acne treatment is usually done in several ways, namely creams, gels, or lotions.

However, determining which type of medication is suitable for you requires knowledge of your own skin type.

In this article, we will discuss whether the use of acne antibiotics can be used in conjunction with benzoyl peroxide.

Topical antibiotics

Acne treatment with topical antibiotics is usually available in two forms, namely without any mixture and combination.

This acne antibiotic is usually useful for reducing acne growth and inflammation. Erythromycin and clindamycin is the most commonly used antibiotic because it is believed to be effective against inflammatory acne.

In order for the results to be more effective, doctors usually recommend using topical antibiotics with topical retinoids. The mixture of the two can be applied directly to the skin.

The side effects of using topical antibiotics are peeling, burning, and dry skin.

Benzoyl peroxide

Source: Medical News Today

In addition to acne antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide is also a type of acne medication that is quite effective and is available in various forms, such as facial washes, creams, and gels. Typically, each drug contains a concentration of 2.5-10%.

The effect also depends on the form of the drug. For example, gels are more stable and active, but have more potential for irritation.

However, benzoyl peroxide gel is more desirable than creams and lotions.

Like topical antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide also contains anti-inflammatory, keratolytic, and comedolytic compounds. Therefore, the doctor needs to determine the benzoyl peroxide concentration according to the patient's skin type to see what side effects and efficacy.

This is because not every drug that contains a high concentration is always better and more potent.

Concomitant use of acne antibiotics and benzoyl peroxide

Although the ingredients are different, the function of these two drugs is the same, which is to reduce inflammation in acne.

However, did you know that to maximize its benefits, the acne antibiotic and benzoyl peroxide must be used together?

According to a study from the Indian Journal of Dermatology, benzoyl peroxide has the advantage of preventing the development of acne resistance. Therefore, this one drug is more often used together with other drugs.

One type of treatment that is used together with benzoyl peroxide is erythromycin or clindamycin. Both are types of drugs that are included in topical antibiotics.

A mixture of 5% benzoyl peroxide and 3% erythromycin is a combination acne drug that is quite effective. Usually, this benzoyl peroxide gel and antibiotic powder are mixed and cooled.

Then, the mixed medicine is applied to the area affected by acne once or twice a day.

Source: NetDoctor

Apart from erythromycin, benzoyl peroxide can also be combined with other acne antibiotics, namely clindamycin.

By mixing 5% benzoyl peroxide with 1% clindamycin, these two gels are believed to be superior in treating non-inflammation and inflammation.

However, this one drug combination is not yet available on the market, so you may need to ask your doctor about this type of drug.

It turns out that the use of acne antibiotics needs to be combined with benzoyl peroxide so that the results are more potent and visible quickly. However, it's best to consult with your doctor before deciding which type of drug is right for you.