Benzac AC Gel 5%
What is Benzac AC?
Benzac AC is an effective benzoyl peroxide based treatment for mild to moderate acne.
The active ingredient in Benzac AC, benzoyl peroxide helps unblock pores and kills acne bacteria within 48 hours.
What strength Benzac AC Gel
There are 3 strengths of Benzac AC Gel. 2.5%, 5% and 10%. The percentage refers to the amount of the active benzoyl peroxide in the gel.
It is recommended that you always begin treatment with either 2.5% or 5% Benzac AC. If your acne persists, and provided your skin tolerates the lower strength gel, your doctor or pharmacist may recommend continued treatment with the higher strength gel (10%).
How long you will need to use Benzac AC will depend on how quickly your condition improves. After you have used it for one month, you should see your doctor or pharmacist again so they can check the improvement in your condition.
Active Ingredients:
Benzac Gel Ingredients:
Each gram contains:
Active: benzoyl peroxide 50mg/g
Inactive: docusate sodium, disodium edetate, poloxamer 182, carbomer 940, propylene glycol, acrylates copolymer, glycerol (glycerine), silicon dioxide, sodium hydroxide, and purified water.
Dosage:
Make sure you read the enclosed leaflet first.
Step 1
Wash the affected area with a mild skin cleanser and water and pat skin dry.
Step 2
Apply a thin film of Benzac AC Gel to the affected areas once daily, leaving on the skin for 2 hours then washing it off with water then pat skin dry.
Step 3
Apply a light moisturiser which won’t clog pores. After three days, if no discomfort is felt, apply Benzac AC Gel in the evening and leave it on all night.
After 7 days,if there is no redness or peeling and your skin is still not improving, apply Benzac AC Gel twice a day, morning and night. How long you will need to use Benzac AC Gel will depend on how quickly your condition improves.
After a month,you should see your doctor or pharmacist again so they can asses the condition of your skin.
Warnings:
While you are using BENZAC AC GEL
Things you must not do:
Do not apply to eyes, lips, mouth or sensitive areas of the neck. If accidental contact occurs rinse with water and pat dry. Contact may cause irritation.
Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight or other sources of ultra-violet light.
- Do not use harsh skin cleansers or scrubs.
- Do not use cosmetic products that contain alcohol.
- Do not use medicated soaps.
These things may have an extra drying or irritant effect.
Things to be careful of:
Keep cosmetic use to a minimum and avoid oil based cosmetics which can clog the pores. Be careful when using BENZAC gel because benzoyl peroxide can bleach or discolour clothing or towels.
Side effects
If excessive swelling, irritation, redness or peeling occurs discontinue use. If it persists consult your doctor
Extended Information:
For more detailed information, visit the Medsafe Website
What’s this ‘AC’ all about?
Benzac AC removes excess oil and hydrates your skin. It does this by using advanced Acrylates Copolymer (AC)/ glycerin complex.
Sounds all sciency and stuff we know, but basically Acrylates Copolymers are tiny highly porous beads. These beads are so porous that they can absorb up to four times their own weight in fluid.
Acrylates Copolymer beads soak up certain liquids quickly and easily, but they are selective about what they can absorb. They rapidly absorb oils, however, they can’t absorb water, as water has a very high surface tension.
The other ingredient that works with AC, is glycerin. Glycerin lubricates the skin, making it smooth and soft. So whilst the Acrylates Copolymers (AC) absorb the excess oil that can carry bacteria, the glycerin helps hydrate the skin.
So what does this mean for acne?
When Acrylates Copolymer/glycerin complex is applied to the face, the beads come in contact with lipids, such as sebum, that have a high affinity for them. Sebum, because of its attraction to the beads, forces the glycerin out of the beads and onto the skin surface. The AC beads then absorb the sebum.