11 Acne-Prone Skin Treatment Steps Dermatologists Recommend

2. Benzoyl peroxide to cut bacteria and inflammation

Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) is a cornerstone for fighting acne bacteria and reducing inflammation. Dermatologists often recommend starting with a lower concentration like 2% and moving up to 4% if tolerated, since BPO works by killing Cutibacterium acnes and lowering inflammation. For body breakouts, a BPO body wash is useful because it treats large areas and rinses off, which helps avoid clothing stains. On the face, spot treatments or leave-on formulations in 2.5–5% concentrations are common, but patch testing is smart to check for irritation. BPO can bleach fabrics, so rinse well and avoid contact with towels or pillowcases before it dries. If you’re already using a topical antibiotic, combining it with BPO reduces the chance of antibiotic resistance. Use BPO as part of a layered routine rather than as a single fix; pairing it with gentle cleansing, moisturiser, and sun protection gives better, safer results.