~~OXY BALANCE ACNE TREATMENT~~ZAP THOSE ZITS!
Written: Feb 12 '02 (Updated Feb 12 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Active ingredient effectively treats mild to moderate cases of acne.
Cons: Dries out the skin; expensive in price when compared to generic formulations.
The Bottom Line: Those with oily skin in search of an effective over-the-counter "zit zapper" should consider trying the benzoyl peroxide containing Oxy Balance Acne Treatment.
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| melissasrn's Full Review: Oxy Balance Acne Treatment |
Since my much younger teenage years began almost 20 years ago (OMG, am I REALLY that old?), I have purchased most over-the-counter acne preparations at one time or another in my quest for clear, blemish free skin. While I have never totally reached that goal to date (Mom, I'm SILL waiting to "outgrow" this detested condition), I have found a few products that help to control breakouts as they prevent new ones from occurring. One such topical medication that I have used on and off for many years now is the Oxy Balance Acne Treatment. And now that I'm in my thirties, my face seems to be as oily as ever, so my teenage acne prone skin has stuck with me all this time. Too bad I can't say the same thing about my post pregnancy times three thirtysomething body that only dreams of regaining its teenage shape any time soon.
~~~The Product~~~
According to the oxybalance.com website, the Oxy Balance Acne Treatment is designed to unclog pores as this topical formula releases a special kind of oxygen that kills acne bacteria and helps to fight pimples. Available in three different formulations, maximum vanishing, maximum tinted, and sensitive skin, this acne control lotion maybe used for both the treatment of existing pimples as well as the prevention of any future breakouts from occurring. The maximum varieties both contain 10% benzoyl peroxide while the sensitive skin type has only 5% of this active ingredient. My usual choice is the maximum vanishing as I most often use this product at bedtime and have no need for the tinted kind. A thin layer goes on smoothly with the fingertips and dries rather quickly. This topical acne medication typically leaves a white tint to my skin, but since I apply it for overnight use, this is rarely a problem. Oxy Balance Acne Treatment in the 10% benzoyl peroxide formula can be quite drying at times, especially if not used sparingly. So experimenting with the amount and frequency of use to find the perfect schedule of application will help to reduce excessive dryness and the unattractive peeling that often comes with it.
~~~Packaging & Price~~~
Each rather small 1 ounce (28g) package of Oxy Balance Acne Treatment may be purchased at most major discount stores, such as Wal-Mart, for $4.79 and at many online sites, such as drugstore.com for $4.99. Inside the cardboard packaging is a white plastic rounded bottle with a flip top lid found at the top. Inside the vanishing container is the actual product, which is white and somewhat thin in consistency and has a barely noticeable non-offensive fragrance. Depending on frequency of use, one bottle will last anywhere from a few weeks to a month or so. At times when funds are low, consider comparing the ingredients found in this topical acne medication to similar generic brands (such as Wal-Mart's Equate brand) and save up to 50% (purchase price $1.86) for basically the same product. The only time I honestly purchase Oxy Balance Acne Treatment is when the generic brand is out-of-stock, which unfortunately happens several times a year since other cost conscious consumers must do the same thing as I do here.
~~~Directions For Use~~~
According to the package directions included with each bottle of Oxy Balance Acne Treatment, shake well before using. Cleanse the skin thoroughly before applying medication. Cover the entire affected area with a thin layer 1 to 3 times daily. Because excessive drying of the skin may occur, start with one application daily and then gradually increase to 2 or 3 times daily if needed or directed by a doctor. If bothersome dryness or peeling occurs, reduce application to once a day or every other day. To prevent irritating my skin and to avoid the dryness and peeling that often occurs with more frequent use as described above, I actually only use this product for prevention purposes at bedtime on my entire face every 2 to 4 days, depending on the severity of breakouts I am experiencing at the time as well as what time of the month it happens to be (hormones related to menstruation often play a factor in how acne prone skin can be). When a spot treatment is obviously needed, I'll then dab a small amount of Oxy Balance Acne Treatment onto the offending skin crater to help dry out that pimple and zap that zit before it has a chance to increase in size.
~~~Warnings~~~
Oxy Balance Acne Treatment is designed for external use only. Do not use on broken skin, large areas of the body, or if you have very sensitive skin or if you are sensitive to benzoyl peroxide. Apply only to the affected area. Avoid unnecessary sun exposure and use a sunscreen. This product may bleach hair or dyed fabrics. Using other topical acne medications at the same time or immediately following use of this product may increase dryness or irritation of the skin. If this occurs, only one medication should be used unless directed by a doctor. Keep away from eyes, lips, mouth, and sensitive areas of the neck. Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
~~~Ingredients~~~
ACTIVE INGREDIENT: 5%-10% benzoyl peroxide
INACTIVE INGREDIENTS: (Vanishing) Acrylates Copolymer, Carbomer 940, Citric Acid, Diazolidinyl Urea, Dimethicone, Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate, Edetate Disodium, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Silica, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hydroxide, Water, Xanthan Gum.
~~~What Is Benzoyl Peroxide?~~~
According to www.dermnet.org, this active ingredient found in Oxy Balance Acne Treatment is a commonly used topical treatment for mild acne. It is safe for adults and children, and can be used in pregnancy. Benzoyl peroxide formulated for topical use in acne medications such as this one has three main properties: (1) antiseptic, reducing the number of surface bacteria, (2) oxidizing agent, helping to clear out pores, and (3) anti-inflammatory action, which decreases any swelling present. Consumers are advised to be patient when this chemical is used for acne responds very slowly to treatment. It make take several months even to notice any improvement. And some dryness of the affected area is to be expected when Oxy Balance Acne Treatment is used, so the use of a light moisturizer might be necessary during therapy.
~~~Overall Recommendation~~~
Teens and even adults with oily skin who suffer from mild to moderate acne may see a significant improvement in the frequency and severity of breakouts when Oxy Balance Acne Treatment is used on a regular basis for the treatment and prevention of unwanted pimples. If the stronger 10% benzoyl peroxide is too harsh for your particular skin type, give the milder 5% sensitive skin formula a try instead. As stated in my introduction, I've been using this product on and off for about 20 years now, and while it certainly does not cure acne by any means, this topical lotion helps to keep breakouts at a minimum most of the time. So pick up a bottle of Oxy Balance Acne Treatment today (or better yet, the Equate equivalent for you bargain hunters) and try it for a week or two yourself and see if a noticeable difference can be achieved for your acne prone skin like it has for mine. Pores that are clear of dirt, oil, and pimple causing bacteria will do wonders for your self esteem as well.
For more information on Oxy Balance Acne Treatment and other similar skin care products for oily and/or acne prone skin types, check out their website online at:
www.oxybalance.com
GlaxoSmithKline Beecham Consumer Healthcare, Inc
P.O. Box 1467
Pittsburgh, PA 15230
Recommended:
Yes
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