Re: Frequently ask questions about BP

[Guest guest]

Dan's Acne.org site.... http://www.acne.org/faq.html#keepusing

has a lot of info about Benzoyl Peroxide and I think everyone who is going to or is using the BP should read all of these frequently ask questions about BP.......you can use the lotion forever if needed. Here are the questions with answers from Dan's site............. Rita

My skin is itchy after I apply the benzoyl peroxide. Is that normal?

My skin is burning and/or red after I apply the benzoyl peroxide. Is that normal?

When I apply the moisturizer it burns/stings. What should I do?

My skin looks absolutely terrible. It is peeling off, red, and I am miserable. What do I do?

My skin is dry from the benzoyl peroxide. Nothing can make it non-dry, even a lot of moisturizer. What do I do?

How long until I should expect improvement?

The Regimen is not working for me. What is going on?

My skin is extremely oily? Do I need to moisturize?

The Regimen worked, and I am clear now. Do I need to keep using the benzoyl peroxide?

Why wait between washing and BP and between BP and moisturizer?

Can I use the Regimen with the prescriptions I am currently taking?

Can I use the Regimen in conjunction with additional products or over-the-counter medications?

Can I use salicylic acid with the Regimen?

Can I moisturize at night?

The moisturizer is balling up with the BP. What's going on?

What's the best way to shave?

Does benzoyl peroxide prolong red marks after acne lesions have gone away?

Can I use a mask with the Regimen?

How can I get the rest of the product out of the bottle once it gets low?

My most recent bottle of benzoyl peroxide looks/feels/smells different than the last one. Why is that?

What can I use to spot treat while on the Regimen?

How do you choose which ingredients to use and which not to use when formulating your products?

Do we rinse off the benzoyl peroxide?

Can I get microdermabrasion treatments while on the Regimen?

Benzoyl Peroxide FAQs

Does benzoyl peroxide unclog pores?

Does benzoyl peroxide cause wrinkles?

What is the difference between a tinted and vanishing formula benzoyl peroxide?

I can't find a 2.5% benzoyl peroxide. Can I use a 5% or a 10%?

Is benzoyl peroxide safe? Does it cause cancer?

Will my skin grow resistant to the beneficial effects of BP?

What can I do to help prevent BP from bleaching my stuff?

Does benzoyl peroxide bleach the skin?

Acne.org AHA+ FAQs

How do I know if I should use the Acne.org AHA+ lotion?

Is there anything special I should know about using AHA?

Do I need to be on the Acne.org Regimen to use the AHA+ lotion?

I feel stinging and/or itching when I use the AHA+ lotion. Is this normal?

I'm having problems with the Acne.org AHA+ lotion leaving a yellow residue or balling up. How can I prevent this?

Other Products & Supplies FAQs

Can I use cosmetics? Which kind are best?

I can't find the supplies in my area and I can't order through drugstore.com. What do I do?

Do you know if (brand X) product is as good as the Cetaphil, Basis, Eucerin, Purpose, Neutrogena, or Gillette products you recommend?

Is a toner necessary?

Have you ever tried B5? If so, what was your experience like?

Can I use skin lightening products while on the Regimen?

Miscellaneous FAQs

How do I get rid of the red marks left after the blemish goes away?

What do I do for bacne (acne on the back)?

I exercise during the day and sweat. Should I wash a third time? And what's up with the white residue on my face when I exercise?

I am going to be swimming during the day. Should I do a third wash/bp/moisturizer application afterward?

I like to lay out in the sun in the summer. Is this OK?

Can I use tanning beds?

What do you think of Proactiv?

Will lifting weights make me break out? What about my protein shake?

Hey Dan, how old are you, when did you start getting acne, how severe was it, are you clear now?

Hey Dan, you're 34 years old. Haven't you grown out of acne by now, regimen or no regimen?

Q:

My skin is itchy after I apply the benzoyl peroxide. Is that normal?

A:

Yes, a little itchiness is normal, especially in the first few weeks.

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Q:

My skin is burning and/or red after I apply the benzoyl peroxide. Is that normal?

A:

I experience a very tolerable low level of what one might describe as "burning". Many people who begin the Regimen report redness for the first couple of weeks, after which time the redness subsides. If you start the Regimen too quickly and you have sensitive skin, you should expect redness/dryness, sometimes severe. If you are new to benzoyl peroxide, it is a good idea to use just a light coating of benzoyl peroxide at first, and up the dosage over a period of a couple of weeks. According to the Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine:

"The most common side effects of anti-acne drugs applied to the skin are slight redness, dryness, peeling, and stinging, and a warm feeling to the skin. These problems usually go away as the body adjusts to the drug and do not require medical treatment. Other side effects should be brought to a physician's attention. Check with a physician as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Blistering, crusting or swelling of the skin.

Severe burning or redness of the skin.

Darkening or lightening of the skin. (This effect will eventually go away after treatment with an anti-acne drug ends.)

Skin rash.

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Q:

When I apply the moisturizer it burns/stings. What should I do?

A:

Some people may experience light burning or stinging when they are new to the Regimen. The skin may be sensitive from the benzoyl peroxide and this may cause an uncomfortable sensation when the moisturizer is applied. This usually goes away within a week or so as the skin adjusts to the new products. If it doesn't, you may want to try a different moisturizer. See our recommended products page. Also, be sure you did not start out with one of the AHA moisturizers. If you are going to use one of them, it's usually best to wait at least a month before doing so. The glycolic acid and lactic acid in them may create a brief sting or burning sensation to the skin.

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Q:

My skin looks absolutely terrible. It is peeling off, red, and I am miserable. What do I do?

A:

You are either allergic to benzoyl peroxide, or you started too fast. 1-3% of people are allergic to benzoyl peroxide and experience swelling and/or crusting. If your skin swells up, discontinue use immediately. Most likely if you are experiencing severe dryness/redness, you simply started too fast. It takes a few days to a few weeks for your skin to become acquainted with benzoyl peroxide, and the redness/dryness should subside with time. Using a non-overdrying liquid cleanser can help preven this dryness as well. If you really can't stand the dryness, stop the Regimen completely, give your skin a few days to recover, and begin again with a much smaller dosage, only ramping up the dosage as you feel comfortable. But remember, you eventually need to use A LOT of benzoyl peroxide to achieve total clearing.

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Q:

My skin is dry from the benzoyl peroxide. Nothing can make it non-dry, even a lot of moisturizer. What do I do?

A:

Hopefully you are dry and clear. Now try gradually reducing the amount of benzoyl peroxide cream you use. Use as much as you need to to stay clear but reduce dryness. Adding jojoba oil to your moisturizer or switching to an AHA moisturizer can help as well.

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Q:

How long until I should expect improvement?

A:

See the what to expect link for more details.

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Q:

Can I use cosmetics? Which kind are best?

A:

Here is a quote from the National Institute of Health:

"People being treated for acne often need to change some of the cosmetics they use. All cosmetics, such as foundation, blush, eye shadow, and moisturizers, should be oil free. Patients may find it difficult to apply foundation evenly during the first few weeks of treatment because skin may be red or scaly, particularly with the use of topical tretinoin or benzoyl peroxide. Lip products that contain moisturizers may cause small, open and closed comedones to form. Hairstyling products that come in contact with the skin along the hairline can cause burning or stinging in people with acne. Products that are labeled as non-comedogenic (do not promote the formation of blemishes) should be used; in some people, however, even these products may cause acne."

I suggest discontinuing the use of make-up until you get completely clear. Then you can add in one product at a time and see how it affects you. For more discussion on make-up, see the make-up help message boards.

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Q:

How do I get rid of the red marks left after the blemish goes away?

A:

You can visit the red marks message board for discussion and suggestions, but before you do, please read the biggest mistakes page. Try your best to avoid adding in products and new methods until you're completely clear of active acne. The most important goal regarding red marks is to prevent future acne and thus prevent future red marks from forming in the first place. Here is a quote from the American Academy of Dermatology and Roche Laboratories regarding red marks:

"A red mark on the skin called an erythematous macule will fade in four to six months after an acne outbreak - but it may get temporarily redder when your skin gets hot or when you exercise. This red macule is not a scar, and is not permanent. In a dark skinned person, the macule may appear as a darker patch on the skin. This is not a scar, either."

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Q:

The Regimen worked, and I am clear now. Do I need to keep using the benzoyl peroxide?

A:

Yes, benzoyl peroxide will prevent new outbreaks. There is no cure for acne, just ongoing treatment.

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Q:

Does benzoyl peroxide unclog pores?

A:

Benzoyl peroxide is said to be comedolytic which means it breaks down clogged pores. However, there is no miracle product that I know of that can quickly get rid of a full fledged pimple once it has established itself on your skin. That said, benzoyl peroxide can clear up acne faster than would be possible without benzoyl peroxide and does a brilliant job at preventing future acne. For even better spot treatment results, alpha hydroxy acid can be administered.

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Q:

Does benzoyl peroxide cause wrinkles?

A:

No, it does not cause wrinkles; however, some people experience wrinkling around the eyes due to applying benzoyl peroxide too closely to that area. This wrinkling is due to dryness and is not permanent. Avoid the eye area with benzoyl peroxide. It is also important to avoid the eye area with moisturizer that is applied over the benzoyl peroxide. This is because the moisturizer can mix with the benzoyl peroxide and bring the benzoyl peroxide with it. On a personal note, the lower half of my face, which is where I've been using benzoyl peroxide for 20 years, looks better than where I haven't. See this link for a pic of my skin after 20 years of benzoyl peroxide.

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Q:

My skin is extremely oily? Do I need to moisturize?

A:

We always recommend people who are new to the Regimen go ahead and moisturize at least once daily from the very beginning since it can take a week or two for the dryness to set in. If you find your oiliness unbearable, consider buying oil absorbing cloths from the drugstore. You can use them to very gently dab away excess oil. Some members have reported that the brown paper towels in many school bathrooms do a good job with this as well.

If you have been on the Regimen a month or longer and are tolerating the generous amount of benzoyl peroxide without dryness and flaking, then it is up to you if you want to continue to use a moisturizer.

Also keep in mind that if you spend time outdoors you should consider a sunscreen product during the day.

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Q:

I can't find the supplies in my area and I can't order through the Internet. What do I do?

A:

Check out this page.

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Q:

Do you know if (Brand X) product is as good as the products you recommend?

A:

For the most part, I don't know. From all the many products I have tried in my years fighting acne, these products work best for me. From the reaction I've received from people who have tried my regimen, they seem to like the products as well. Check out the ratings pages for people's opinions on a slew of other products.

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Q:

Is a toner necessary?

A:

The short answer is no. Click here to read more.

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Q:

Have you ever tried B5? If so, what was your experience like?

A:

I did try megadosing on B5 because many people on the boards seemed to be trying it and I wanted to experience it with them. I took the 10 grams a day as suggested. My skin became more oily, not less. I also broke out with a bunch of small bumps all around my nose where the oiliness increased the most. Finally, I had a very odd and disturbing side effect which was that I had a hard time keeping my head up. I always felt like I wanted to lean my head against a pillow and my neck felt too weak to hold my head up straight. It was worrisome so I stopped the B5 after two or three weeks.There has only ever been the one study done on B5 back in the 1990s. Unless many other studies show positive results I will not begin to recommend B5 to people.

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Q:

Can I use skin lightening products while on the Regimen?

A:

Do not use products with the active ingredient Hydroquinone. Hydroquinone topical should not be used with benzoyl peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, or other peroxide products. A temporary darkening of the skin may occur. For the full story on Hydroquinone read here. Please see the paragraph under "What other drugs will affect Hydroquinone topical?" for the full explanation.

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Q:

What is the difference between a tinted and vanishing formula benzoyl peroxide?

A:

Cream based benzoyl peroxide sometimes comes in a tinted formula. Tinted formulas do not vanish, but rather leave a foundation type look which helps to mask acne. I have not tried a tinted formula because I do not wish to appear that I am wearing make-up. Most people on the message boards seem to prefer vanishing formulas. I recommend following their lead, doing the Regimen precisely as outlined until you are clear. After that point it is safe to add in one variable at a time, like switching to the tinted formula.

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Q:

Why wait between washing and BP and between BP and moisturizer?

A:

This is the result of many years of trial and error. I found this is how the Regimen works best. Your skin may be slightly different and you may be able to wait a shorter time, but please follow the Regimen this way until you are completely clear. Then you can safely change one variable at a time.

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Q:

What do I do for bacne (acne on the back)?

A:

Acne anywhere on the body, whether it be face, neck, back, or chest, responds well to benzoyl peroxide. The only problem is that benzoyl peroxide tends to bleach dyed fabric. A body regimen which uses benzoyl peroxide requires the user to wear a lot of white. Because the back and chest are such large areas, you may want a larger tube of benzoyl peroxide. Check out Kern.com for information about the less expensive 4oz. economy sized benzoyl peroxide gel.

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Q:

I exercise during the day and sweat. Should I wash afterward? And what's up with the white residue on my face when I exercise?

A:

Sebaceous glands (where acne is formed) and sweat glands are separate parts of your skin which do not touch. Sweating should theoretically not affect acne since acne is formed in the sebaceous follicle, and sweat will not enter this area. Sweating does not warrant a third washing. If you want to wash after a workout, try to plan your workout before your morning or evening regimen.You may notice that if you sweat within a few hours after you do the Regimen that your face can turn milky white in the places where you did the Regimen. This is normal, but annoying and is mostly caused by using a cream based benzoyl peroxide. Either switch to a gel based benzoyl peroxide, or feel free to lightly dab your face with a towel to get rid of the residue.

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Q:

I am going to be swimming during the day. Should I do a third Regimen application afterward?

A:

I don't know because I am not a swimmer. The consensus on the message boards seems to be that swimming does not adversely affect acne and a third routine is not warranted. A member of this site wrote me and asked that I also add that your skin may become very dry after a swim, so although you may not need to apply bp again, be sure to bring a moisturizer along.

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Q:

Can I use the Regimen with the prescriptions I am currently taking?

A:

You will need to ask your doctor this question. Some doctors do prescribe benzoyl peroxide with other acne medications, but it is important that you not experiment on your own.

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Q:

Can I use the Regimen in conjunction with additional products or over-the-counter medications?

A:

Do not do this until you are completely clear and have been that way for some time. Once you are completely clear, it is okay to add in one variable at a time. However, if you begin the Regimen and are adding in other variables from the get go, you will have no way of judging whether the Regimen works for you. See the biggest mistakes page for more.

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Q:

Can I use salicylic acid with the Regimen?

A:

This is probably a bad idea. The majority of medical books I scoured for acne medication information specifically warn against the combination of salicylic acid with benzoyl peroxide, calling it "overly irritating". Several people on the Regimen have noted this.This warning is echoed when combining benzoyl peroxide with several other acne medications as well, resorcinol and sulfur to name two. Remember, irritation aggravates breakouts. Choose a cleanser and moisturizer that are free of acne medications for best results.

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Q:

I can't get a 2.5% benzoyl peroxide. Can I use a higher concentration?

A:

2.5% is best. However, anything up to 5% should most likely be fine, albeit more drying and no more effective. Avoid 10% preparations which will over dry. One exception when dealing with pimples on the back. The skin in this area is tough and may withstand 10% nicely. If you can find a 10% much cheaper, you may want to try it on the back. It will not be more effective than a 2.5% solution, but may save you money.So why not simply use less of a 10% solution? Through trial and error I have found this does not work. I do not know exactly why using more of a 2.5% solution works better. My guess would be that when you use more of the product, there is more available to be absorbed into the skin.

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Q:

Should I moisturize at night?

A:

When starting the Regimen it is important to make sure you have adequate moisture, so it is probably a good idea to moisturize twice a day. After a few weeks, moisturizing at night is optional. I do not moisturize at night. However, keep in mind that I use The Acne.org Cleanser which is very gentle and doesn't dry, and I use a fantastic moisturizer. If you only have access to a bar cleanser or a not-so-great moisturizer, you may need to moisturize twice a day.

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Q:

The moisturizer is balling up with the BP. What's going on?

A:

This is normal when using a cream based benzoyl peroxide. Using a gel will eliminate the problem. If using a cream, just slough off remnants with your fingers. After you have been on the Regimen for a few weeks, you can switch to an alpha hydroxy moisturizer. You will find that it works much better with the cream based BP without "balling up".

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Q:

What's the best way to shave?

A:

Click on the video below for some shaving advice.

I recommend using a two blade razor. Single blade razors tend to pull at the hair and lend themselves to nicks, and three or four blade razors irritate badly. Blade shaving with a two blade razor is also far less irritating than any electric razor. My favorite two blade razors are the Gillette Sensor Excel and the Gillette Trac II. I have tried almost every razor out there, and these two are unparalleled in their gentleness. If you can't find either of these, try a disposable two blade razor such as the Gillette Good News. Once you've got your razor, I recommend using a generous amount of lather from your cleanser as shaving cream. If you must use a separate shaving cream, make sure it is non-comedogenic. Try shaving in the shower or immediately afterward so your skin is thoroughly moistened and prepared. While shaving, use gentle yet confident strokes, always going with the grain. This means for most people going down on most of the face and up on the bottom half of the neck. If you have a pimple or pimples to shave over, try to be gentle and if at all possible only shave over the area one time. One final note: shaving daily is less irritating than waiting a few days between shaves. The longer you wait, the more irritating shaving becomes. I recommend shaving daily.

Click here for a more detailed page regarding shaving.

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Q:

Does benzoyl peroxide prolong red marks after acne lesions have gone away?

A:

I have found no empirical evidence on this topic. However, there have been a good amount of people who have posted about this on the messageboards. I have not seen benzoyl peroxide prolong red marks in the people I have personally coached through the Regimen. However, this does not mean it does not happen to some people. However, the topic is somewhat moot because the best treatment for red marks is prevention of acne. The prevention of acne thusly prevents future red marks from forming in the first place. And the best treatment we have for acne is benzoyl peroxide. So, while there may be a slight chance that benzoyl peroxide may prolong red marks in a few select individuals, when we look at long term red mark prevention, preventing acne in the first place takes precedence. My suggestion would be to get your skin cleared up completely with the Regimen and then practice patience as your red marks fade.

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Q:

Can I use a mask with the Regimen?

A:

Do not do this until you are completely clear and have been that way for some time. Once you are completely clear, it is okay to add in one variable at a time. However, if you begin the Regimen and are adding in other variables from the get go, you will have no way of judging whether the Regimen works for you. See the biggest mistakes page for more.

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Q:

How can I get the rest of the product out of the bottle once it gets low?

A:

Click on the video below to watch:

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Q:

My most recent bottle of benzoyl peroxide looks/feels/smells different than the last one. Why is that?

A:

We assay every batch and carefully make sure it's uniform. Temperature can change the viscosity of the gel which can affect the way it appears. Also, the newer the batch is, sometimes the stronger the initial scent will be.

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Q:

What can I use to spot treat while on the Regimen?

A:

For me, AHA works wonders as a spot treatment. If I see the beginnings of a zit I'll use a 10% glycolic acid (AHA) lotion and apply it to that one spot after I apply the benzoyl peroxide. More times than not, this'll do the trick. This works best when I get it just as it starts emerging. If I wait too long pretty much nothing except for time will help. I'd like to know if it works as well for others as it does for me, so if you decide to give it a try, please reply in the poll on this page.

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Q:

How do you choose which ingredients to use and which not to use when formulating your products?

A:

I strive to use the most inert ingredients possible while still preserving the products. When formulating products it is a delicate dance between making sure not to use ingredients that are harmful and at the same time preventing mold and bacteria growth in the product. Preventing this mold and bacteria growth is of paramount importance. The skin care industry learned this the hard way through inadequately preserved make-up which left several consumers blinded for life. It is dangerous to use skin care products which are not free of mold and bacteria. You want to be absolutely certain that your products are preserved well. I use preservatives in extremely small amounts (in the .1% range) which minimizes any adverse effects, while at the same time preserving the products well. I am always on the look-out for better preservatives. The ultimate goal is to preserve products with only organic compounds, but as of 2009 we do not have such a luxury. Rest assured I am on top of this issue and will be vigilant about protecting you guys, both from harmful preservatives as well as from mold and bacteria overgrowth.

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Q:

Do we rinse off the benzoyl peroxide?

A:

You will not rinse off the benzoyl peroxide. Once it is applied, you will leave it on the skin.

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Q:

Can I get microdermabrasion treatments while on the Regimen?

A:

I very highly recommend that you do not. Microdermabrasion creates unnecessary irritation. Irritation from microdermabrasion treatments can perpetuate the acne cycle. A much better way to exfoliate the skin is to simply add glycolic acid into the Regimen after 3-4 weeks. If you add it before this amount of time has passed, it can sting badly, so be sure to wait. Glycolic acid is an acid derived from sugarcane which provides incredible chemical exfoliation. I prefer chemical exfoliation to manual exfoliation because it helps you avoid irritation of the skin's surface. Plus, glycolic acid actually helps me with my acne symptoms and is a welcome addition to the Regimen.

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Q:

The Regimen is not working for me. What's going on?

A:

A few things to consider:

Do you have severe acne with spots of 5mm or more across? In that case, a topical regimen may not be enough. You may want to consider seeing your doctor and possibly inquire about Accutane.

What products are you using? You want to make sure you are using the recommended products or products which are very similar, which means avoiding other products which contain acne medications like salicylic acid. You want to make sure you are not adding in or taking away any products as well. This includes cosmetics.

Very often people think they are following the Regimen but are not. For instance, they are scrubbing too hard, or not using enough benzoyl peroxide. Make sure to watch the videos a few times to really nail it. Then print out the Regimen and take it into the bathroom with you. There is also a checklist for this purpose.

Initial breakouts could be coincidence or acne that was already developing when you started the Regimen. Also, many people take a while to see results. Give the regimen 2 full months of concentrated effort, following everything precisely before judging your response. Some people take even longer to achieve total clearing. If you are still not improving at the three month point, and you have been doing the Regimen exactly as outlined since day one, it's time to look into other options.

Did you recently get exposed to an unusual amount of sunlight? Skin often breaks out in the weeks following sun exposure. You will have to wait through this period and hope for the best. In the future, try to avoid sun exposure on acne prone areas of your skin and be sure to wear an spf moisturizer during the day.

As time wears on, people tend to start using less benzoyl peroxide and may start being less patient in application. If you initially got clear from the Regimen and have started breaking out again, remind yourself to use plenty of benzoyl peroxide and very gently and patiently apply it.

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Q:

Is benzoyl peroxide safe? Does it cause cancer?

A:

A quote from "Acne and cea: Third Completely Revised and Updated Edition", 2000:

"Following application to the skin, benzoyl peroxide is rapidly metabolized to benzoic acid, a harmless chemical. Extensive use in human beings has failed to demonstrate absorption. The drug is eminently safe."

A quote from The British Journal of Dermatology, 1990:

"So far no skin malignancies after the clinical use of benzoyl peroxide has been reported. A possible relationship between the use of the compound and the occurrence of malignant melanoma has been looked at in two case-control studies, both with negative results...However, since the average latent period for skin carcinogenesis is of the order of 15-25 years, this requires further follow-up...Thus, the question of carcinogenic potential of benzoyl peroxide is as yet not fully answered, but at the present time it seems likely that this compound is safe to use."

A quote from Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 1995:

"Topical benzoyl peroxide has been used in the treatment of acne for over 30 years, with no reports of adverse effects that could be related to skin carcinogenesis. Two case-control epidemiological studies have found a lack of association between the specific use of benzoyl peroxide and skin cancer. In addition to these findings in humans, 23 carcinogenicity studies in rodents with benzoyl peroxide, including 16 employing topical application, have yielded negative results. An increase in skin carcinomas was reported in 1 study in which benzoyl peroxide in acetone was applied to the skin of SENCAR mice for a 1-year period; however, this study did not employ adequate control groups to fully understand the unusual findings, and the results were inconsistent with those of 6 other similar studies."

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Q:

Will my skin become resistant to the beneficial effect of BP?

A:

Propionibacterium Acnes (P. Acnes), the bacteria in acne lesions, can not survive in the presence of oxygen. BP creates oxygen. Therefore, it is physically impossible for this bacteria to develop a resistance. If the Regimen works at first, it should always work.

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Q:

What can I do to help prevent BP from bleaching my stuff?

A:

The fact that BP bleaches fabric is in my opinion its biggest drawback. Sometimes there's not a lot you can do about it. However, these tips may help:

Wash and dry hands thoroughly after handling benzoyl peroxide.

Do not rub sweat from your face on your clothing.

Put your clothes on first, then apply BP. If you apply BP first and then put on your clothes, hold your shirt neck holes open wide while pulling them so they don't touch the face. Do the same when removing your shirts.

Use white towels.

Wear a white t-shirt under clothing if you are treating your back/chest with bp.

Dab sweat off with a clean dry towel to avoid run-off onto clothing.

Take your shirt off before washing your face in the sink so the wash water doesn't get splashed onto your shirt by accident.

When washing at the sink, if you have a carpeted bathroom, place a towel under your feet to catch any drips that may fall while you are washing.

Use white pillowcases and sheets. In a pinch, an old t-shirt can also be used as a pillowcase.

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Q:

Does benzoyl peroxide bleach the skin?

A:

No.

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Q:

I like to lay out in the sun in the summer. Is this OK?

A:

We needn't view the sun as an enemy. We get our vitamin D through the sun, and it just plain makes many of us feel good. However, if you get too much sun exposure, you can damage your skin. While trying to get rid of acne it's important to prevent sun damage. As your skin repairs itself from sun damage, this process can cause a breakout to ensue. A breakout can occur about two weeks after overly exposing your skin to the sun.

If you only tend to break out on your face

If you tend to break out on your face and body

Feel free to get some sun on your body, while wearing appropriate sunscreen to prevent skin damage and premature skin aging. My advice would be to simply wear a wide-brimmed hat to keep your face out of the sun. Alternately, you can apply a zinc oxide based sunscreen. My favorite zinc oxide sunscreen is Olay Complete for Sensitive Skin. Since sunscreens are not complete sunblock, they will only afford you partial protection from UV rays, so you will still be receiving exposure. While a bit of sun exposure on the face while wearing a good sunscreen is probably OK, but be careful not to overdo it.

You'll want to be careful not to overexpose any of the acne prone areas of your body to the sun. Again, the sun is not our enemy, so this needn't become an obsession. Rather, if you're going to be in the sun, try limiting your exposure, or wear a zinc oxide based sunscreen on the acne-prone areas of your body. My favorite zinc oxide sunscreen is Olay Complete for Sensitive Skin. However, like all sunscreens, Olay is not a sunblock and you will still be receiving sun exposure. Be sure not to overdo it.

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Q:

Can I use tanning beds?

A:

There are a few reasons why tanning beds may be a bad idea for someone who is acne prone:

Exposure to UV light causes skin damage which can ultimately bite back with a breakout in the weeks following exposure as the skin attempts to heal itself. If you've ever noticed that you tend to break out mysteriously a week or two after using a tanning bed, the tanning bed may be the culprit.

Horizontal tanning beds force your back to come into contact with a glass surface for an extended period of time. That glass surface slowly gets sweaty. We know that prolonged irritation, especially when combined with sweat, can aggravate body acne. Add to this scenario the UV damage to your skin, and evidence starts emerging that horizontal tanning beds may be a close to perfect back acne recipe. I have personally found horizontal tanning beds to be off limits for myself for these very reasons. I've used them several times throughout my life, and broken out each and every time on my upper back.

For the sake of argument, there may be a reason or two that tanning beds are not so bad.

Tanning beds can ease the depression caused by lack of sunlight. Less stress can mean less acne.

Tanning beds can help provide vitamin D, a powerfully important nutrient in our bodies.

My best advice: If you are acne prone on your back, avoid horizontal tanning beds altogether. If you must tan in a tanning bed, choose a standing variety, and limit your time in the booth to one of the shortest durations available at the salon. Then, continue with an ongoing back acne treatment regimen to prevent post-tanning breakouts. If you are prone to acne on your face and neck, cover these areas or wear a non-comedogenic sunscreen (I vastly prefer zinc oxide based sunscreens) while inside a tanning booth. Then, after exposure, continue with an ongoing face and neck treatment regimen to prevent breakouts.

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Q:

What do you think of Proactiv? And where can I find other Proactiv Solution Reviews?

A:

Proactiv is on the right track, but some major flaws seem to prevent it from delivering on its promises to many people. In my opinion, the cleanser they include is overly irritating. Furthermore, they tell you to wash for one to two minutes which adds to the irritation. The benzoyl peroxide they provide is 2.5% which is a good call. However, they recommend a "thin layer". For dramatic clearing, one needs to use a generous amount of benzoyl peroxide after a few weeks of slowly ramping up the dosage. When you do use a generous amount of Proactiv's benzoyl peroxide lotion, its scent will tend to nauseate.

It will prove cheaper and more beneficial to buy an over-the-counter gentle cleanser, an unscented 2.5% benzoyl peroxide medication, and an oil-free moisturizer. However, if you currently own Proactiv Solution products, don't throw out the benzoyl peroxide lotion. If you can handle the smell, it should work fine. Just be generous with it. I would not recommend using their cleanser. The toner they include is probably fine to use, but is unnecessary.

Proactiv reviews

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Q:

Will lifting weights make me break out? What about my protein shake?

A:

There is no research on this topic, but I have a theory. First of all, no, I don't think lifting weights makes you break out. In fact, exercise keeps the body in top shape and helps the mind deal with stress. I think the benefits of weight training far outweigh the risks. I weight train a couple of times a week and am able to stay clear. However, if someone goes on a weight gaining diet along with their weight training, and he/she suddenly adds excess calories to his/her diet, the excess caloric intake can increase testosterone levels in the body. Theoretically increased testosterone levels can aggravate acne. So if you find yourself breaking out during or after a "bulking" cycle, this may be the cause.

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Q:

Hey Dan, how old are you, when did you start getting acne, how severe was it, and are you clear now?

A:

I'm 34. I started getting acne at 11. It was severe at times in the past, but there were always people worse than me. I stay remarkably clear now.

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Q:

Hey Dan, you're 34 years old. Haven't you grown out of acne by now, Regimen or no Regimen?

A:

Unfortunately, no. I started the Regimen at the age of about 24. Every year or so I stop the Regimen to see what will happen. The result? Breakouts, and within days. My family genetics see breakouts occurring into the 40s and 50s. The issue of when a person develops acne or grows out of acne is highly personalized, and one that science still does not understand. Babies and even senior citizens must sometimes cope with acne.

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Q:

How do I know if I should use the Acne.org AHA+ lotion?

A:

Throughout the years I have used AHA for spot treatment and as an exfoliating moisturizer. In the process, it also ended up making my skin look better and more even toned. A few people on the message boards have been reporting to me that it helps their red marks fade more quickly as well. Use it how you feel you might benefit most from it.

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Q:

Is there anything special I should know about using AHA?

A:

If you are new to the Regimen, we do not recommend starting out by including the AHA+ lotion. Give yourself at least three weeks or so to let your skin get accustomed to the benzoyl peroxide before you consider adding in the AHA+ lotion. If you have super sensitive skin, try only a small dab of it under the jaw line for a few days to make sure your skin reacts to it well. When you are ready, start out by using a small amount once daily, or every other day, for the first week or two so you can see how your skin is going to react to it. Then you may increase the amount and frequency as you see fit. Next, Alpha Hydroxy Acids can make the skin more sensitive to the sun, so it is important for you to use a sunscreen each day while using an AHA. This is no joke. My skin is definitely more sensitive to the sun after using AHA for a few days. Prevent burning by using a moisturizer that has SPF in it or a separate sunscreen. I recommend Olay Complete for Sensitive Skin plus a few drops of jojoba oil as the best SPF sunscreen. Lastly, be sure that no other products you are using have any AHA in them. This will most commonly be listed on the ingredient label as glycolic acid or lactic acid.

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Q:

Do I need to be on the Acne.org Regimen to use the AHA+ lotion?

A:

No. It can be a nice enhancement to the Regimen, but is not a requirement, and many people who are not on the Regimen can benefit from its exfoliating and skin calming properties.

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Q:

I feel stinging and/or itching when I use the AHA+ lotion. Is this normal?

A:

Yes, this is normal with Alpha Hydroxy Acids. If it is unbearable, decrease the amount and frequency of use. But a bit of stinging is to be expected.

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Q:

I'm having problems with the Acne.org AHA+ lotion leaving a yellow residue or balling up. How can I prevent this?

A:

Be sure to wait 5-10 minutes after applying the benzoyl peroxide treatment gel before applying the AHA + lotion. If it is still balling up, try using less of it and see if that helps.

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References

Binder, R.L., A.L. Kraus, R.A. LeBoeuf, I.C. Munro,J.C. Orr, G.M. . "Benzoyl Peroxide: An Integrated Human Safety Assessment for Carcinogenicity." Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology 21.1 (1995): 87-107. Abstract. PubMed. 15 Apr. 2002 link.

Comite, H., A.M. Kligman, O.H. Mills Jr., and P. Pochi. "Comparing 2.5%, 5%, and 10% Benzoyl Peroxide on Inflammatory Acne Vulgaris." International Journal of Dermatology 25.10 (1986): 664-7. Abstract. PubMed. 15 Apr. 2002 link.

Lindelof, B., S. Linden, and P. Sparen. "Is Benzoyl Peroxide Carcinogenic?" The British Journal of Dermatology 123.1 (1990): 129-30.

"Questions and Answers About Acne." National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Jan. 2006. National Institutes of Health. 2001. link.

Ross-Flanigan, . "Anti Acne Drugs." Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine 1999. Find Articles. Look Smart. 2001 link.

BP seems to be working!> > > > > > I started using the BP two days ago and am almost symptom free. My stubborn dad only started using it yesterday, and is already having relief. It seems to be working so far! Thank God because our ESP soap and RP shipments are lost in mail land somewhere. I will keep posted, but ive never had results like this with anything else i have ever tried, not even perm performed like this. I dont even have wispies.> Im thinking "silver bullet"!? Time will tell> Holly>

[Guest guest]

So Rita,

Thanks for all the informative links.

I am wondering if you are still using BP on an ongoing daily basis? When do you

know to stop? Will you continue to use as a preventative? Has you skin adjusted?

Do you use the moisturizer sold by the same site?

Thanks for being a pioneer!

Rose

>

> Dan's Acne.org site.... http://www.acne.org/faq.html#keepusing

> has a lot of info about Benzoyl Peroxide and I think everyone who is going to

or is using the BP should read all of these frequently ask questions about

BP.......you can use the lotion forever if needed. Here are the questions with

answers from Dan's site............. Rita

>

[Guest guest]

Yes I am still using the BP and will most likely continue using it for some time to come. I never want to give the "things" a chance to build back up on my skin again. My skin did adjust to the BP. At first I didn't know if I could continue using it. I was one of the unlucky people who had a strong reaction to the gel. I had a lot of redness and then the flaking started. For 2 weeks I had to wear Vaseline on my skin every time I went some where. Where ever the "things" were on the skin my husband and I both had a lot of flaking and redness. Now when we put the gel on it's just like putting lotion on. We have no reaction to the gel at all. From what I have read it can take 3 months for the skin to get used to the BP. I have ordered Dan's moisturizer but I seem to like my good old Lubriderm the best. I hope everyone who is using the BP has good results with it. Both my husbands and my skin is totally clear and we never feel the crawling or the itch of the "things" any more. All my best wishes....Rita

Re: Frequently ask questions about BP

So Rita, Thanks for all the informative links.I am wondering if you are still using BP on an ongoing daily basis? When do you know to stop? Will you continue to use as a preventative? Has you skin adjusted? Do you use the moisturizer sold by the same site?Thanks for being a pioneer!Rose>> Dan's Acne.org site.... http://www.acne.org/faq.html#keepusing> has a lot of info about Benzoyl Peroxide and I think everyone who is going to or is using the BP should read all of these frequently ask questions about BP.......you can use the lotion forever if needed. Here are the questions with answers from Dan's site............. Rita>

[Guest guest]

I would be nice if they listed all the ingredients on the BP for pets with

sulfur and salycylic acid. Good price. I wouldn't know about the saftey. Might

really be great for the suffering animals too.

, I sure hope the BP+ treatment works for you. It will be a day of

celebration when and if your skin clears up!!

Please keep us posted.

All the Best,

Rose

> >

> > Dan's Acne.org site.... http://www.acne. org/faq.html# keepusing

> > has a lot of info about Benzoyl Peroxide and I think everyone who is going

to or is using the BP should read all of these frequently ask questions about

BP.......you can use the lotion forever if needed. Here are the questions with

answers from Dan's site........ ..... Rita

> >

>

[Guest guest]

>

> I would be nice if they listed all the ingredients on the BP for pets with

sulfur and salycylic acid. Good price. I wouldn't know about the saftey. Might

really be great for the suffering animals too.

>

> , I sure hope the BP+ treatment works for you. It will be a day of

celebration when and if your skin clears up!!

>

> Please keep us posted.

>

> All the Best,

> Rose

>

>

> Rose,

I have ordered some for my cats. I have one that is miserable, and the other

shows no signs. It seems that these things pick on certain animals just like

they pick on certain people. I will let everyone know if there are more

detailed ingredients on the bottle. Wish me luck in washing the cats; neither of

them has ever had a bath. I'm hoping to get out of it in one piece, but I'm

afraid that might be a little optimistic.

-

[Guest guest]

>

> I would be nice if they listed all the ingredients on the BP for pets with

sulfur and salycylic acid. Good price. I wouldn't know about the saftey. Might

really be great for the suffering animals too.

>

> , I sure hope the BP+ treatment works for you. It will be a day of

celebration when and if your skin clears up!!

>

> Please keep us posted.

>

> All the Best,

> Rose

>

>

> Rose,

I have ordered some for my cats. I have one that is miserable, and the other

shows no signs. It seems that these things pick on certain animals just like

they pick on certain people. I will let everyone know if there are more

detailed ingredients on the bottle. Wish me luck in washing the cats; neither of

them has ever had a bath. I'm hoping to get out of it in one piece, but I'm

afraid that might be a little optimistic.

-

[Guest guest]

I did order it. I will let you know. I'm not afraid of pet products per se as long as I can see the ingredients and amounts. Showered with a flea and tick shampoo for years (bought by the gallon too) till I discovered here that Dawn has ammonia and keeps the bites down in the shower. I still use an equine product that is slightly weaker but FAR cheaper than the toenail antifungals at the drugstore, it is Jeffers Pet (jefferspet.com then select the equine catalog) Agrilabs brand Foot and Hoof Rot Spray. It is about $6 a quart versus $15 for 4 oz!

katie

From: rose_novalis <rosenovalis@...>Subject: Re: Frequently ask questions about BPbird mites Date: Sunday, July 12, 2009, 10:42 PM

I would be nice if they listed all the ingredients on the BP for pets with sulfur and salycylic acid. Good price. I wouldn't know about the saftey. Might really be great for the suffering animals too., I sure hope the BP+ treatment works for you. It will be a day of celebration when and if your skin clears up!!Please keep us posted.All the Best,Rose> >> > Dan's Acne.org site.... http://www.acne. org/faq.html# keepusing> > has a lot of info about Benzoyl Peroxide and I think everyone who is going to or is using the BP should read all of these frequently ask questions about BP.......you can use the lotion forever if needed. Here are the questions with answers from Dan's site........ ..... Rita>

>>

[Guest guest]

Good Luck with your cats ! Hope it works for them! Be sure to let everybody

know. There are lots of cats suffering out there.

Are you going to try the benzoyl peroxide yourself?

Best Wishes ,

Rose

> >

> > It would be nice if they listed all the ingredients on the BP for pets with

sulfur and salycylic acid. Good price. I wouldn't know about the saftey. Might

really be great for the suffering animals too.

> >

> > , I sure hope the BP+ treatment works for you. It will be a day of

celebration when and if your skin clears up!!

> >

> > Please keep us posted.

> >

> > All the Best,

> > Rose

> >

> >

> > Rose,

> I have ordered some for my cats. I have one that is miserable, and the other

shows no signs. It seems that these things pick on certain animals just like

they pick on certain people. I will let everyone know if there are more

detailed ingredients on the bottle. Wish me luck in washing the cats; neither of

them has ever had a bath. I'm hoping to get out of it in one piece, but I'm

afraid that might be a little optimistic.

>

> -

>

[Guest guest]

,

Wow that is a LOT cheaper. Do you use the foot and hoof rot spray for fungal

toenails? I have fungal toenails. If you do too, I'm wondering if there is a

connection here between the fungus and the bug susceptibility?

I have been on a candida diet for over 20 years. No fruit, sugar, very little

grains, - mostly organic veggies of all kinds and I still have fungal toenails.

The thing that helped the most was a product called threelac but when I quit

taking it the fungus came back.

My toenails are slightly better from all the epsom salt baths I've been taking

since dealing with the birdmites but could use something more. Does the foot and

hoof rot spray work?

Also, I saw in an earlier post that you puffed the RP in your home. Have you

seen a difference? That along with the BP, would you say you've seen some

improvement? Did you have any difficulties living in the RP? I notice it kills

fungus and mold in the environment too. I've been putting down more and more as

I can.

I sure hope you can heal your condition . That would bode well for all of

us!

All the Best,

Rose

> > >

> > > Dan's Acne.org site.... http://www.acne. org/faq.html# keepusing

> > > has a lot of info about Benzoyl Peroxide and I think everyone who is going

to or is using the BP should read all of these frequently ask questions about

BP.......you can use the lotion forever if needed. Here are the questions with

answers from Dan's site........ ..... Rita

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

The RP did a little for me, but the things that do the hard work in my

house are the water soluble borate (kills larva 3 ways) and Nylar

(prevents formation of egg tooth so they never advance to larval phase).

Only problem is, my body is the primary environment. So the BP,

hopefully, and the internals, will be the one-two punch for that. I

hope. The BP is crusting my skin and peeling it, and I can't go to work

like that every day so am not sure what to do. Have been using some

lotion (my old favorite soothing antibiting Pink Oil) but am still

peeling.

katie

> > > >

> > > > Dan's Acne.org site.... http://www.acne. org/faq.html# keepusing

> > > > has a lot of info about Benzoyl Peroxide and I think everyone

who is going to or is using the BP should read all of these frequently

ask questions about BP.......you can use the lotion forever if needed.

Here are the questions with answers from Dan's site........ ..... Rita

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

No. It does not control my toenail fungus, which I have had since I was a child. Ewww gross, right? Fact, though. What I use it for is to help deter bites throughout the day, both on my body (hatches) and on my clothes (fallout). However, it does not do the job alone. I have to use it in combination with an herbal insect repellent. Deet is too strong to use in confined spaces iwth others and I have had to experiment with the amounts of both the Agrilabs product (which is as you may have guessed by now a benzalchonium chloride and water solution) and the repellent. Here is the proportion I use.

In Pink Oil as a body lotion to prevent bites at night and to use in conjunction with the BP, which pisses them off so they actually start biting before they emerge, I just pour about a 1/4 cup of the Agrilabs into a rice bowl full of Pink Oil, then I add a full teaspoon of herbal insect repellent (concentrate; I like Legacy brand, which is made by musician and herbalist Sue Creasey; doesn't smell TOO bad and works well).

In a quart bottle with water, I use about a fifth of the quart of the Agrilabs and about 2 teaspoons of the insect repellent. I spray this on my socks (which I put on first; this helps a bit for some reason), pantyhose (which I wear over my socks and underwear), bra, and outer clothing, especially around the legs of my pants and on my shoulders and forearms, to reduce my scent and attractiveness to floor attacks and to fallout bites where gravity takes them.

So here it is as recipes:

Body lotion

In a rice bowl (for easy scooping of handfuls at a time)

1/4 C Agrilabs Foot & Hoof Rot Spray

1 tsp Legacy Herbs Insect Repellent concentrate

Fill rest of bowl with Lustre's Pink Oil

Use whisk or hand to mix

Apply to body at bedtime or lightly over BP before dressing in morning

Apply to privates as barrier; if this irritates tissue, apply pure Pink Oil

Wear a pad or something to prevent lotion from staining crotch of clothing

(I just use a paper towel--works fine)

Spray

In a quart spray bottle

1/2 C Agrilabs Foot & Hoof Rot Spray

2 tsp Legacy Herbs Insect Repellent concentrate

Fill rest of bottle with water

Shake well

Spray socks and pantyhose thoroughly

Spray bra lightly

Do not spray underwear (see above for protection of private areas)

Mist outer clothing, concentrating on pants legs, shoes, shoulders, forearms, chest

Note: There is no need to spray enough to stain, just a light mist will help a whole lot without messing up your appearance for the day.

Hope this helps.

katie

From: rose_novalis <rosenovalis@...>Subject: Re: Frequently ask questions about BPbird mites Date: Monday, July 13, 2009, 12:56 AM

,Wow that is a LOT cheaper. Do you use the foot and hoof rot spray for fungal toenails? I have fungal toenails. If you do too, I'm wondering if there is a connection here between the fungus and the bug susceptibility?I have been on a candida diet for over 20 years. No fruit, sugar, very little grains, - mostly organic veggies of all kinds and I still have fungal toenails. The thing that helped the most was a product called threelac but when I quit taking it the fungus came back.My toenails are slightly better from all the epsom salt baths I've been taking since dealing with the birdmites but could use something more. Does the foot and hoof rot spray work? Also, I saw in an earlier post that you puffed the RP in your home. Have you seen a difference? That along with the BP, would you say you've seen some improvement? Did you have any difficulties living in the RP? I notice it kills fungus and mold in the

environment too. I've been putting down more and more as I can. I sure hope you can heal your condition . That would bode well for all of us!All the Best,Rose> > >> > > Dan's Acne.org site.... http://www.acne. org/faq.html# keepusing> > > has a lot of info about Benzoyl Peroxide and I think everyone who is going to or is using the BP should read all of these frequently ask questions about BP.......you can use the lotion forever if needed. Here are the questions with answers from Dan's site........ ..... Rita> > >> >>