Description
Benzac AC® Gel is manufactured by Galderma. This is a topical medication for mild to moderate acne. Benzac AC® Gel has antibacterial and exfoliating properties. It reduces the number and severity of acne lesions, makes skin less oily, and removes the dead cells from the skin surface unclogging the pores. Benzac AC® Gel contains Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO) as an active substance. This is an organic chemical compound of peroxides class. It acts as an antibacterial, sebostatic, comedolytic, and anti-inflammatory agent.
Acne is an inflammatory skin condition associated with an overabundance of P. acnes (Propionibacterium acnes) bacteria in the skin that may happen due to genetic or hormonal reasons. When the amount of P. acnes becomes too high, our immune system responds to it with inflammation.
MOA (mechanism of action):
Benzoyl Peroxide is a lipophilic drug, that easily penetrates the outermost layer of the skin (stratum corneum) and enters the pilosebaceous follicle. Then it breaks down to benzoic acid and hydrogen peroxide and releases free radical oxygen that oxidizes proteins in bacterial cells, exhibiting a bactericidal action towards P. acnes. BPO also increases the epithelial cells turnover rate and peels the pore-clogging dead skin cells.
Dosage
Benzac AC® Gel is for external use only. Do not apply to your eyes or eyelids, lips, mouth, inside of the nose, private parts, and any other mucosal surface.
Apply Benzac AC® Gel 1-2 times daily. This gel should be applied for 6-8 weeks at least. Consult your doctor regarding the further use of Benzac AC® Gel.
In case your acne has not improved after 6-8 weeks of treatment, discontinue the Benzac AC® Gel use and seek medical advice.
How to use Benzac AC® Gel:
1. Wash your hands and the affected areas with mild soap or cleanser, pat dry.
2. Apply a thin layer of Benzac AC® Gel to the areas where you tend to get breakouts, not just to each spot.
3. Rub gently until absorbed.
4. Wash your hands after the gel application.
5. Wait for about 15 minutes and apply a moisturizer or emollient.
Precautions
If dryness and severe peeling of the skin appear at the start of the Benzac AC® Gel treatment course, alter the number of daily applications or apply the gel every other day. When the tolerance to the gel is developed, continue your regular application schedule.
During the first week or two of the Benzac AC® Gel treatment course you may notice a mild burning sensation after the application.
Use sunscreen during the Benzac AC® Gel treatment course.
As Benzac AC® Gel makes the skin drier than usual, you should use skin moisturizers during the treatment course.
Do not apply Benzac AC® Gel to the broken skin, open wounds, cuts or burns (sunburns and included).
Be careful while applying Benzac AC® Gel to sensitive areas like neck.
Missing a dose
If you miss a dose you should take it as soon as you remember about your missing. If it is the time for the next dose you should continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose.
Overdose
Do not exceed the doctor's recommended dose. If an overdose occurs and you are feeling unwell, you should seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Storage
Store at a room temperature from 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F) away from moisture and heat. Throw away the tube after the expiration date. Keep away from children.