Acnecide

Acnecide 5% Gel is indicated for the treatment of mild acne. Acnecide is a Pharmacy Only product which comes in a gel form and its active ingredient is Benzoyl Peroxide 5%. Benzoyl Peroxide kills 95% acne causing bacteria. This bacteria forms part of your natural flora on your skin and helps break down oils your body produces. But when there is an imbalance to this process the follicles can become blocked due to an oversupply of oil with bacteria thriving and causing an infection. Benzoyl peroxide delivers antibacterial action which aims to kill off acne causing bacteria. Benzoyl Peroxide also helps remove dead skin cell that blocks your pores which can reduce inflammation. Acnecide also releases glycerine to help hydrate the skin.

Before each application, the skin should be cleaned and dried. Apply in a thin layer once or twice daily or as directed to the affected areas. Persons with sensitive skin should be directed to apply the gel once daily before going to bed. The extent of any drying or peeling may be adjusted by modifying the dosage schedule.

Step 1: Cleanse

Get your skin prepped and ready for the treatment application: You want to have a nice clean skin surface for the treatment to get to work on! Cleanse your skin with a gentle daily cleanser that is suitable for your skin type, so it is clean and free of daily dirt, oil and makeup, or overnight oils, dead skin cells and night creams. Gently pat skin dry with a towel.

Step 2: Acnecide Gel (Leave on Treatment)

Apply the gel in a thin layer to just the affected areas on your face. Avoid the more sensitive areas like eyes, mouth/lips, nose lining and neck. Avoid the temptation! Using more than a thin layer in the areas needed won’t get rid of your spots any quicker, but your skin may become irritated!

When you first start using Acnecide Face Gel:

Start using it on alternate days until you build up tolerance to it. Then gradually build up to a max of twice daily applications as follows: Apply once daily, in the evening before bed. After 2-3 days if your skin is tolerating the once-daily treatment, you can use it twice daily- morning and evening. Drop back to once daily or take a break if your skin becomes too irritated.

Step 3: Moisturise

Using a moisturiser after you’ve applied and used treatment can help to minimise possible irritation or dryness benzoyl peroxide treatments may cause. Look for non-comedogenic moisturisers that are suitable for your skin. Acnecide medicinal treatments can cause skin to become sensitive to sunlight, so a daytime moisturiser with added UVA/UVB protection may be useful, alongside avoiding excessive sun exposure.

If your acne gets worse while using Acnecide Face Gel or if it does not improve within 12 weeks, it is important that you see your pharmacist or doctor for advice. Undertreatment of some forms of acne may sometimes result in scarring. If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, planning to have a baby, or breastfeeding, consult The Family Chemist clinician before using this medicine. Try to avoid exposure to strong sunlight whilst using Acnecide Face Gel. If exposure is unavoidable, use a suitable sunscreen and apply the treatment in the evening. If your skin becomes severely irritated, or severe redness, itching or peeling of the skin occurs, discontinue use immediately and consult your doctor. This product may bleach hair and coloured fabrics including clothing, towels, and bed linen. Be careful to avoid contact of the Face Gel with these materials. Please make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly after you have used it.

A mild burning sensation will probably be felt on first application and some reddening and peeling of the skin will occur within a few days. During the first weeks of treatment a sudden increase in peeling will occur in most patients. This is not harmful and will normally subside within a day or two if treatment is temporarily discontinued. If severe irritation occurs, use the medication less frequently, to temporarily discontinue use or to discontinue use altogether. Excessive application will not improve efficacy but may increase the risk of skin irritation. Concomitant topical acne therapy should be used with caution because a possible cumulative irritancy may occur, which sometimes may be severe, especially with the use of peeling, desquamating, or abrasive agents. Benzoyl peroxide gel should not come into contact with the eyes, mouth, angles of the nose or mucous membranes. If the preparation enters the eye, wash thoroughly with water. Caution should be exercised when applying the drug to the neck and other sensitive areas.