Oxy Balance: Apply With Restraint and Don't Squeeze or Pick
Written: Dec 14 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: 5% Benzoyl Peroxide solution with oil-free moisturizers attacks blemishes without over drying (when applied correctly)
Cons: Over application is easy, resulting in redness, drying, and irritated skin
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| tjarnold's Full Review: Oxy Balance Acne Treatment |
Although I've long left my teenage years behind, at the age of 35 I still have occasional acne flare-ups. Generally, these are probably unnoticeable to anyone but myself and include mostly small whiteheads and blackheads. But with the fluctuating hormone levels of the monthly cycle, I see a greater tendency towards a few actual pimples, the presence of which annoys me to no end. Therefore, I try to keep on constant guard against the appearance and management of such blemishes, and besides my regular cleansing, toning, and moisturizing routine, the most important weapon in my arsenal is a bottle of benzoyl peroxide acne treatment.
Over the years, I've experimented with acne treatments containing different levels of benzoyl peroxide (from 3% to 10%), salicylic acid, and even sulfur. For my own usage, I've definitely found benzoyl peroxide to be the most effective, and I've been absolutely delighted (inasmuch as one can be with an acne treatment product) with my latest find, Oxy Balance Acne Treatment for Sensitive Skin.
Oxy Balance Acne Treatment for Sensitive Skin contains 5% benzoyl peroxide, while the other acne treatment Oxy offers, Oxy Balance Maximum Acne Treatment, contains 10% benzoyl peroxide. While the formulation for sensitive skin is available only in a vanishing formula, the 10% solution is available in either a vanishing or a tinted formula.
Although I don't consider my skin to be particularly sensitive, I'm fairly confident that my acne breakouts are low-level enough that I don't need the stronger 10% solution. I do recommend that you exercise restraint when choosing between the two options, and don't let your zeal for wiping out acne overcome your ability to rationally assess your skin's needs. If you choose the 5% solution and find that it's not as strong as you'd like, you can always apply it more frequently, while if you choose the 10% solution and find it too powerful, you're pretty much stuck.
Oxy Balance Acne Treatment claims to effectively eliminate pimples and help prevent future breakouts by doing the following:
~ Unclogs pores
~ Releases a special kind of oxygen to kill acne bacteria and help fight pimples
~ Controls new oil build-up to keep skin looking healthy
~ Contains oil-free moisturizers to help prevent over drying
I can happily report that all these claims are credible, at least inasmuch as can be observed through unscientific home usage and observation. I have been particularly impressed with the product insofar as, applied sparingly, it doesn't over dry my skin or cause redness and irritation. And it certainly does control, reduce, and speed the healing of any acne breakouts. I find that most minor blemishes are virtually unnoticeable within 24 hours and more major breakouts reduced to a manageable state within the same time. In comparison to other similar products, this is quite impressive, especially when you consider that this is without benzoyl peroxide's traditional side effects of redness, irritation, drying, and flaking.
As far as the Oxy claim that the product "releases a special kind of oxygen to kill acne bacteria and help fight pimples", I found this suspicious enough that I called the Oxy consumer information number (1-800-897-6771) to clarify. I was curious as to which ingredient was responsible for such miracle working and surmised that it was simply the benzoyl peroxide listed as the only active ingredient in the product. As I suspected, the Oxy representative explained that benzoyl peroxide contains free radical oxygen which kills acne bacteria. Thus, the claim is substantiated, but I do find it misleading that Oxy implies that this is a point of differentiation between it and its competitors, while in fact any product containing benzoyl peroxide could make the same claim according to my understanding.
The product's stated directions include applying after thoroughly cleansing the skin and beginning with one application per day, gradually increasing to two or three applications per day if necessary. If you experience bothersome drying, redness, peeling, or flaking, then you should reduce application frequency accordingly. If these symptoms become excessive or severe, discontinue use of the product and consult a doctor. I find that application of the smallest amount possible (say, an amount about the size of the head of a pin) a couple of times a day works best for my skin. Don't over apply the first time you use the product, proceed with caution, and you'll soon be able to determine the best regimen for your own skin.
When wearing outside, use a sunscreen, applying such after Oxy Balance Acne Treatment has completely dried. Also be sure to read completely and follow all warnings on the label of the product.
If, after trying the product for a sufficient period of time, you are dissatisfied with the results, be sure to take advantage of the Oxy Balance Skincare Guarantee, which states:
If for any reason you are not satisfied, please mail the remaining product, sales receipt and reason for return for a full refund to: Oxy Balance Guarantee, SmithKline Beecham Consumer Healthcare L.P., P.O. Box 1467, Pittsburgh, PA 15230
Oxy Balance Acne Treatment, as well as the full line of Oxy Balance products, is widely available in traditional supermarkets and drug stores and online at such e-tailers as drugstore.com ($4.99) and cvs.com ($4.49). The Oxy website (www.oxyoxygen.com), though rather simplistic, outlines the complete array of Oxy products. For more information about acne, its causes and possible treatments, you may wish to read "Questions and Answers About Acne" at WebMDHealth (http://my.webmd.com/content/dmk/dmk_article_6463115).
Active Ingredient:
Benzoyl Peroxide 5%
Inactive Ingredients:
Acrylates Copolymer, Carbomer 940, Citric Acid, Diazolidinyl Urea, Dimethicone, Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate, Edetate Disodium, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Silica, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hydroxide, Water, Xanthan Gum.
Other Tips for Managing and Reducing Acne Breakouts:
~ Never squeeze or pick your skin. As tempting as it may be, squeezing a whitehead, blackhead, or actual pimple or acne cyst will result in a much greater likelihood of inflammation, infection, prolonged blemish life, and scarring.
~ Gently cleanse your face twice or at most three times a day, taking care to use a cleanser appropriate for your skin type. Washing your face too frequently or with a cleanser too harsh for your skin type is only likely to confuse your skin and/or increase oil production.
~ Exercise extreme caution when using facial scrubs. Although I've often felt a compelling urge to want to scrub acne breakouts away, using a scrub too vigorously is only likely to further irritate your skin and any breakouts. It's true, however, that exfoliating your skin in an appropriately gentle manner and with the right product can actually reduce the chances of acne breakouts (by ridding the skin of superfluous dead skin cells), so go ahead and use a scrub gently as long as you avoid any inflamed or irritated areas.
~ Don't fall prey to the notion that if your skin is oily, you don't need a moisturizer. If your skin is oily, you may simply want to consider using an oil-free moisturizer. Actually, by not moisturizing your skin (and by over drying it with the use of drying agents such as those containing benzoyl peroxide), you will likely cause further damage to an already problematic situation. With a dry uppermost layer of skin, a slight barrier (or crust) is formed, making it more difficult for the normal process of follicles ridding themselves of sebum, eventually resulting in enlarged, inflamed, and/or infected follicles or what we commonly call acne.
~ Be mindful of the fact that constantly switching from product to product may confuse your skin and leave it in a permanent state of irritation. When trying a new product (such as a facial cleanser, toner, moisturizer, etc.), give your skin ample time to adjust before judging the product's results. If you've made a careful buying decision, you owe it to yourself and the product to give it a chance to work properly.
~ Eat a healthy diet and get enough sleep. Although the common belief that chocolate and greasy foods contribute to the development of acne has been generally disproved by the medical establishment, it only makes good sense to take care of your body if you expect it to perform well. Eat a well balanced variety of healthful foods in a moderate amount, and try to sleep 7-8 hours a night.
~ Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. We've all heard the advice that humans can survive several days without food, but only a matter of several hours without water. Think of water as a cleanser and hydrator for the inside of your body, and opt for a glass of it along with a snack or a meal, instead of a soda or a fourth cup of coffee, etc. The difference will show in your skin as well as in the rest of your body.
~ Avoid touching your face unless necessary. When reading or studying, try to avoid holding your chin or the side of your face in your hands. Any extra touching of your skin will only increase the likelihood of bacterial contamination of irritated areas and the blockage of pores.
~ Try to reduce or eliminate stress in your life. Of course this is easier said than done, but stress only tends to exacerbate acne.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
tjarnold
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Location: Connecticut, but I'm a Hoosier at heart
Reviews written: 83
Trusted by: 89 members
About Me:
Mother of two, manager of many. Whatever happened to the myth of "The Total Woman"?
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