Dr. Sam Lam Plastic Surgery Forum

I'm not sure if this is the right category to post this question, but do you believe that long-term use of a benzoyl peroxide gel to control acne could speed up the skin's aging process? As a plastic surgeon, have you seen patients whose skin was prematurely aged possibly due to long-term BP use? I have been told different things by different dermatologists, and I've read that BP topicals can increase something called "free radicals" in the skin in a similar manner as to what can happen with excessive sun exposure -- but I've also read that BP is fine as long as your skin tolerates it. BP is very effective for me at controlling acne, and I have stuck with it for so long for this reason because I am hesitant to go on Accutane, which seems to have even more serious potential side effects.

great question. wish i had an answer. the only honest answer i have is i don't know. you might want to speak with a board-certified dermatologist who is on top of his/her game to find out more precisely a current answer to your query.
best,
sml