Just a few questions from our Pharmacist before you checkout to make sure this medicine is safe for you.
What is Acnecide 5% Wash Gel?
Acnecide 5% Wash Gel is a skin treatment that helps to tackle acne. Use this wash once or twice a day to reduce one of the main causes of acne and help your skin to clear up. If you’re sick and tired of blackheads, whiteheads, and other spots breaking out on your face, back, or chest, Acnecide Wash Gel could be the perfect treatment to work into your daily routine.
How will the benzoyl peroxide in Acnecide Wash Gel reduce my acne?
Benzoyl peroxide is the active ingredient in Acnecide Wash Gel, and it works as an antiseptic. This means it works by reducing the number of bacteria on your skin, tackling one of the main causes of acne. It typically takes around 4 weeks before it starts working and reduces your acne, but you can continue using it when your acne has improved to help to keep it from coming back.
What is acne?
Acne is a common skin condition which causes oily skin and breakouts of spots. When you have acne, you’re most likely to get breakouts on your face, back, or chest, with it being most common on the face. Acne happens when the natural oils on your skin block your pores, causing inflammation that you’d recognise as a spot. It can be hereditary, meaning that if someone else in your family has it you probably will too, but it can also be caused by hormonal changes, such as those during puberty, pregnancy, or your menstrual cycle.
Can I use this gel if I’m taking other medication?
If you’re taking any other medication, including those you bought without a prescription, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using this product. You should not use Acnecide Wash if you’re already using other products which have peeling, irritant, or drying effects.
Can I use this product if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using this product. This product may not be suitable for you at this time. If your doctor or pharmacist says that you can use Acnecide Wash when you’re breastfeeding, do not apply it to your chest.
How to use Acnecide Wash
Before using this product, wet the area of skin you wish to treat and wash your hands. Place a small amount of Acnecide wash into your hands and use it to wash the affected area. The wash should be in contact with the affected area of skin for around 1 – 2 minutes before you rinse it away and gently pat the skin dry. Wash your hands again after use. Use this product once or twice a day unless your doctor or pharmacist has told you otherwise.
When should this product not be used?
Do not use Acnecide Wash Gel if you are allergic to benzoyl peroxide or any of the other listed ingredients. For external use only, avoid contact with eyes, mouth, inside of the nose, or other sensitive areas. Do not apply to damaged skin. Avoid repeated exposure to sunlight or other UV lights, such as sunbeds, while using this product. This product can stain any coloured material, fabric, or dyed hair it comes into contact with, always use with care.
Does Acnecide Wash Gel have any side effects?
Like all medications, Acnecide Wash Gel can have side effects, although not everyone will experience them. If you experience any of the following side effects, stop use and speak to your doctor or pharmacist immediately:
- Skin becomes extremely irritated
- Severe redness
- Severe itching
- Severe peeling of the skin
- Swelling of the face, mouth, eyelids, etc.
Other side effects you may experience include:
- Dry skin
- Skin redness
- Peeling of the skin
- Burning sensation
- Itching
- Pain or stinging of the skin
- Skin irritation, contact dermatitis
- Swelling face
If you experience these or any other side effects while using this product, stop use and speak to your doctor or pharmacist. For more information about reporting the side effects of medication, please see the MHRA’s Yellow Card Scheme.
How to store this product
Store in a cool, dry place which is below 25 degrees C. Do not use this product if the expiry date printed on the original packaging has passed. Keep out of sight and reach of children.
Can I buy Benzoyl Peroxide Over the Counter?
Yes, you don’t need a prescription to buy at this strength, some doses will require a prescription but this one does not. A pharmacist will need to ensure the treatment is suitable and safe for you.
Why do I need to fill in an online questionnaire to buy this product?
Some over the counter medicines are only allowed to be sold under the supervision of a pharmacist. Benzoyl Peroxide is one of these medicines.
You do not need a prescription for Acnecide Wash Gel, however, you will be asked to complete a short medical questionnaire by your Chemist 4 U pharmacist before we can take your order. This includes some simple questions that all pharmacies legally are required to ask before supplying this kind of product. This helps our pharmacy team to be sure that Acnecide Wash Gel is the best choice for you.
Important Information
This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or Chemist 4 U pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk
If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.
Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.
Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.
Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.
Helpful Advice on Medication Restrictions & Addiction
For further information on our medication restrictions policy, please click here.
If you are concerned about addiction of 'over the counter' medication we urge you to visit the below links for professional help and advice:
