Benzac AC (Benzoyl Peroxide 5%) Gel

Benzac general information

What is Benzac used for?

Benzac AC Gel 5% is a topical antibacterial treatment for mild to moderate non-inflammatory forms of acne vulgaris, as part of a daily cleansing routine for the face.  Acne is a common skin condition characterised by pimples (papules), spots or whiteheads (pustules) and blackheads (comedones) on the face, chest or back.  Benzac AC Gel 5% is used to treat the symptoms of acne and help prevent new acne lesions by preventing the spread of bacterial infection that contributes to their formation, which helps clear up an outbreak of acne.   

How does Benzac work?

Benzac AC Gel 5% contains benzoyl peroxide, a potent broad spectrum antimicrobial with activity particularly against Proprionibacterium acnes, the bacteria that contributes to formation acne skin lesions.  P acnes is present in affected hair follicles since it normally exist on the skin without causing any problems, living on fatty acids in the sebum (oil) secreted by the sebaceous glands (oil producing glands in hair follicles of the skin).  However, over-production of sebum causes the pores of the skin to become blocked and allows spread of the bacteria and this is how the pimples, whiteheads and blackheads (comedones) of acne form.  Benzoyl peroxide in Benzac AC Gel 5% has comedolytic properties which inhibits the formation of comedones and also keratolytic activity, which means that it acts as a peeling agent, increasing skin turnover by blocking the hardening processes of the outer skin layer (keratinisation and cornification) and promoting the shedding of old hardened skin cells, allowing new skin cells to take their place.  Benzoyl peroxide in Benzac AC Gel 5% also has sebostatic properties, due to the presence of acrylates copolymer beads that control excess sebum production, preventing excessive sebum production associated with acne; and also contain glycerin, which is a humectant that reduces moisture loss from the skin.  By preventing the spread of infection and unclogging pores, Benzac AC Gel 5% helps reduce the existing skin lesions and prevents acne from spreading, while at the same time helping with the healing process.  

What does Benzac contain?

Benzac AC Gel 5% contains the active ingredient benzoyl peroxide (50mg/g) that has bacteriostatic, keratolytic, and sebostatic properties and is a topical treatment for mild to moderate acne.  It also contains docusate sodium, disodium edetate, poloxamer 182, carbomer 940, propylene glycol, acrylates copolymer, glycerol, purified water, citric acid and/or sodium hydroxide.

Treating acne with Benzac

Benzac AC Gel 5% contains benzoyl peroxide that is used as a topical treatment for acne to prevent the formation and spread of pimples and blackheads (comedones) which cause the lesions associated with acne.  Benzoyl peroxide in Benzac AC Gel 5% has several properties that help treat acne.  The bacteriostatic action inhibits the growth of Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria that causes infection and contributes to formation acne skin lesions.  These bacteria live on fatty acids in the sebum (oil) secreted by the sebaceous glands (oil producing glands in hair follicles of the skin).  The comedolytic properties of benzoyl peroxide in Benzac AC Gel 5% inhibits the formation of comedones and its keratolytic action increases skin turnover by blocking the hardening processes of the outer skin layer (keratinisation and cornification) and promoting the shedding of old hardened skin cells, allowing new skin cells to take their place.  The sebostatic action of benzoyl peroxide in Benzac AC Gel 5% prevents the excessive sebum production associated with acne and this helps the skin lesions dry up and heal.  By preventing the spread of infection and unclogging pores, Benzac AC Gel 5% helps reduce the existing skin lesions and prevents acne from spreading, while at the same time helping with the healing process.

What are the side effects of Benzac?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Benzac AC Gel 5% include itching, dryness, redness, stinging, burning or peeling at the site of application, which usually occur at the start of treatment and should ease with use.

When should Benzac not be used?

You should not use Benzac AC Gel 5% if you:

• are allergic to benzoyl peroxide or any ingredients in Benzac
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
• use cosmetic products containing alcohol, abrasives or medicated soaps, as these may cause an extra irritant or drying effect.
• are using other topical medicines with desquamative, irritant and drying effects while using Benzac AC Gel

How should Benzac be used?

You should apply your Benzac AC Gel 5% to the affected area of the skin once daily preferably in the evening before going to bed.  Clean the skin with a mild soap or soap-free cleanser, rinse with water then apply a small amount with clean fingers and rub gently into the skin, leave on for 2 hours then rinse off.  If after 3 days there is no discomfort, apply in the evening and allow to remain all night.  This may be increased to twice daily if needed.  Do not use large amounts or apply more often than directed, as your skin will not clear up faster, instead you may increase the chance for side effects like skin irritation.  Avoid contact with the eyes, eyelids, inside of the nose and mouth, which are easily irritated areas, do not use on damaged skin and use with caution on sensitive areas like the neck.  If you get any gel on clothing it may cause bleaching.  You should use your Benzac AC Gel 5% daily for as long as is recommended, usually it takes 4-8 weeks for your acne to clear up, sometimes several months.

How long should you use Benzac?

You should use your Benzac AC Gel 5% daily for as long as is recommended, usually it takes 4-8 weeks for your acne to clear up, sometimes several months.

Missed dose of Benzac

If you miss a dose of Benzac AC Gel 5% apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to apply the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not apply a double dose.

How should Benzac be stored?

You should store your Benzac AC Gel 5% below 25°C in a cool dry place.