A video posted on Instagram by skincare and lifestyle influencer @banya_biswas.00 recommends using Benzoyl Peroxide for treatment of acne has drawn drawn.3,000 likes and over 46 lakh views.
"I was actually waiting for a moment like this since forever, you see this (pointing to cheek). Benzoyl Peroxide works best on inflammatory acne, I don't know if this is inflammatory acne or not but... so, I am going to apply this clear gel over here. Let me give you a clear look, guys its gone!," she says in the video.
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A post shared by Banya Biswas| Skincare| Makeup| Lifestyle (@banya_biswas.00)
Notably, the reel has come under fire by viewers who've criticized casual recommendation of the benzoyl peroxide without a proper prescription by a doctor.
"You can’t suggest such medicines without a degree in dermatology or without having an acne prone skin. Benzoyl Peroxide should be used very cautiously as it can cause burns and can have side effects if not used appropriately. Not every skin type can use Benzoyl Peroxide and not every person can use the same concentration % of it. Stop giving half baked information for the sake of generating content (sic)," wrote one viewer.
Another commented: "Please don't misguide the audience, it completely depends on one's skin condition, you are not supposed to recommend the medical topical creams in the public without any authority or a proven certification."
Yet another viewer remarked: "It works wonders but for bigger acne it causes deep dark spots."
Medical experts warn against using Benzoyl Peroxide except under medical guidance.
“Benzoyl peroxide is a commonly available product, people get it in pharmacies without a prescription. It usually ranges from 2.5 to 10% concentration, but when it comes to using it, it's only recommended after seeing a patient's condition,” Dr Rashmi Sarkar, a professor of dermatology at the Lady Hardinge Medical College, told the First Check.
“I definitely do not suggest any person try it by themselves as it is not for such use. It has a property of irritating the skin which needs to be ascertained before suggesting it. It is not for everyone and definitely for any and all issues for the skin. It is not a magic bullet." Dr Sarkar added.
She continued: "If it is recommended then people should stick to the prescribed concentration and not test out any other combinations by themselves. They should also be careful of how much they apply."
The takeaway is that while Benzoyl Peroxide is useful for facial skincare, it should only be used after consulting a doctor.
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