HEALTH
What’s in the pot?
An A-Z introduction to cosmetic ingredients – B is for Benzoyl Peroxide & Bromelain
B
Benzoyl Peroxide is an ingredient found in almost every zit zapper concoction. It’s considered the most effective over-thecounter choice for a topical antibacterial treatment for acne, but it can also be an irritant. Overuse can lead to peeling and sore skin, but when applied as directed it delivers great results. A gentler alternative to Benzoyl Peroxide, particularly for younger skin but great for everyone, is Bromelain (often listed as Ananas Cosmosus Fruit Extract). It’s an extract from pineapple that contains natural enzymes that break down proteins, such as keratin, that form your skin and hair. It helps to give good exfoliation, while providing powerful anti-inflammatory benefits, making it perfect for problem skin. As a bonus, Bromelain brightens the complexion because it’s loaded with vitamin C, which fights hyperpigmentation and delivers a smooth and even skin
tone. It performs these actions without further irritation to the skin and doesn’t cause stinging, drying, or stripping, if used with care. In brief, it’s gentle and natural, unclogs pores and dead cells, and removes debris from inside pores because the enzymes exfoliate deeper and more thoroughly than a physical scrub, but without scratching. It also promotes a reduction in discolouration, brightens dull or congested skin, reduces uneven skin tone and aids in reducing the appearance of pigmented acne scars. You’ll often find it twinned with its fruity pal, Papain, found in Papaya (Carica Papaya Fruit Extract). These enzyme exfoliants are excellent in cleansers, making a good two-in-one product, saving time and packaging. The most common mistake people make with most acne and
spot solutions is they overuse them, either too often or too much. We know you’re desperate to get that clear skin you see on Instagram, but when your products are overused, they’ll just dry out or irritate the skin, leading to more breakouts as you destroy the skin’s natural protective layers.
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