Benzoyl peroxide, which was briefly discussed above, is considered the most effective over-the-counter choice for a topical antibacterial agent in the treatment of blemishes. (Sources: Dermatologic Clinics, January 2009, pages 33-42; and Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, September-October 2000, pages 292-296.) The amount of research demonstrating the effectiveness of benzoyl peroxide is exhaustive and conclusive. Benzoyl peroxide’s main attributes are its ability to penetrate into the pore that holds the hair follicle to reach the bacteria and prevent them from creating inflammation, in essence destroying their ability to cause breakouts. Benzoyl peroxide has a low risk of irritation, and it also doesn’t have potential to create the problem of bacterial resistance that some prescription topical antibacterials (antibiotics) do. (Sources: British Journal of Dermatology, August 2008, pages 480-481; and Dermatology Therapy, March-April 2008, pages 86-95.)
Benzoyl peroxide solutions range from 2.5% to 10%. For the sake of your skin, start with the less potent concentrations. A 2.5% benzoyl peroxide product is much less irritating than a 5% or 10% concentration, and it can be just as effective. It completely depends on how stubborn the strain of bacteria in your pores happens to be.
Despite benzoyl peroxide’s superior disinfecting and penetrating properties, some bacteria just won’t give up easily, and in those situations a different weapon may be necessary. That’s when you should consider prescription topical disinfectants (topical antibiotics).