Active Ingredient: Benzoyl Peroxide 5% (topical disinfectant/antibacterial agent). Other Ingredients: Water, Propylene Glycol (water-binding/slip agent), Bisabolol, Allantoin (anti-irritants), Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer (film-forming/suspending agent), Hydroxyethylcellulose (thickening agent), Sodium Citrate (pH adjuster), Laureth-4 (emulsifier), Caprylyl Glycol (skin conditioning agent), Hexylene Glycol (solvent), Triethanolamine (pH adjuster), Disodium EDTA (chelating agent), Phenoxyethanol (preservative).
What is the difference between the two Blemish Fighting Solutions?
The major difference is the amount of benzoyl peroxide each contains. The regular Blemish Fighting Solution contains 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, a good amount to start with for treating mild breakouts or for those with sensitive, blemish-prone skin. Extra Strength Blemish Fighting Solution contains 5% benzoyl peroxide, a more potent amount best for stubborn blemishes that have not responded favorably to lower strength disinfectants. Extra Strength Blemish Fighting Solution can be alternated with the regular Blemish Fighting Solution depending on your skin's needs and the severity of your blemishes.
Both Blemish Fighting Solutions are designed to feel light and fresh on the skin, leaving no residue. Each contains skin-soothing agents and dries down to a soft matte finish that will not interfere with makeup application.
How often should I use either Blemish Fighting Solution?
As often as needed. Some people use it two or three times a week and some use it twice a day. It really depends on your skin and how it responds to the product.
How long will it take to see a difference?
Once again, it really is different for everyone, but give it one month (or one menstrual cycle for women).
If I use the Blemish Fighting Solution more often will my acne go away faster?
Everyone has different skin, so results can differ from person to person. What will happen is that the benzoyl peroxide will help disinfect the area, killing the bacteria that cause pimples.
I use the Blemish Fighting Solution every day. Why do I still break out?
Not everyone responds the same to acne treatments. It often takes experimenting to find what works best for your skin type. While many people have great success with my blemish-fighting products, you might need to try prescription-only medications (please see our Skin Care Solution for Blemishes for more specifics).
After I apply the Beta Hydroxy Lotion or Liquid, do I immediately apply the Blemish Fighting Solution? Or do I wait a few minutes for the BHA to be absorbed and then apply the Blemish Fighting Solution to my dry (rather than moist) skin?
You can apply either Blemish Fighting Solution immediately after the BHA. Salicylic acid (BHA) has been found to start working quite quickly and may actually help the penetration of the benzoyl peroxide product.
I have been using (or previously used) Paula's Choice Blemish Fighting Solutions with Benzoyle Peroxide. How are those products different from the new CLEAR Benzoyle Peroxide Acne Fighting Treatments?
Other than the name, CLEAR Acne Fighting Treatments are identical to our Blemish Fighting Treatments which are being phased out. The same formula that's worked so well for thousands of Paula's Choice customers struggling with acne has been repackaged, renamed, and added to our CLEAR line. Paula wanted to reposition this product as part of her streamlined, 3-step approach for achieving clear skin. You'll get the same great results, now organized into a proven system for managing acne.
If oxygen can cause free-radical damage to the skin, and benzoyl (and hydrogen) peroxide work by releasing an oxygen molecule to the skin, do benzoyl peroxide or hydrogen peroxide cause free-radical damage?
While they are both peroxides, current research indicates that benzoyl peroxide probably doesn't create the same (if any) oxidative issues as hydrogen peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is also highly effective in reducing acne lesions. I do not recommend the use of hydrogen peroxide for acne because research shows it has cumulative damaging effects on the skin.
Are the Blemish Fighting Solutions only a spot treatment or for all over?
You can use it as either a spot treatment over breakouts and problem areas or all over.
Can my child or teenager use the Blemish Fighting Solutions?
Paula's Choice Blemish Fighting Solutions are excellent for teens because they are much gentler than almost any other topical antibacterial product on the market. Neither product contains alcohol, menthol, or other irritating ingredients. Instead, they contain anti-irritants that calm the redness and inflammation associated with breakouts. They should also be fine to use on children, but if your child is under 10 years old, we recommend that you consult your child's physician prior to use.
We recommend starting with the regular strength Blemish Fighting Solution that contains 2.5% benzoyl peroxide and is best for treating mild breakouts or for those with sensitive, blemish-prone skin. Stubborn blemishes that have not responded to lower strength disinfectants can be treated with Extra Strength Blemish Fighting Solution with 5% benzoyl peroxide.
However, as can happen with any skin care product, if irritation or a rash occurs, discontinue use immediately.
I use one of your Blemish Fighting Solutions and have noticed some of my towels and/or pillowcases have become stained, almost as if they were bleached. Why does this happen?
Because these products contain peroxide they may bleach hair or dyed fabrics. Apply carefully around hairline and eyebrows and allow product to absorb and dry completely before coming in contact with dyed fabrics.
