According to one agency, products intended to treat acne and other skin conditions can break down into carcinogens if stored improperly. report in Journal of Research Dermatology.
Topical treatments for both acne and rosacea that contain benzoyl peroxide (BPO) can break down into known carcinogens benzene If stored above room temperature. Exposure to ultraviolet light, including the ultraviolet light found in sunlight, can also cause products to become carcinogenic, according to the study.
Treatment for worsening acne may increase cancer risk
People with acne or rosacea tend to use topical treatments daily for long periods of time, increasing the risk. Encapsulating the product does not appear to prevent its degradation to benzene. However, transporting and storing at low temperatures can interfere with chemical reactions.
“Our research shows that while BPO products can form benzene at typical room and store shelf temperatures, this formation is significantly reduced when kept refrigerated.” . Christopher G. Bannicksaid in a press release.
“These findings suggest the need to recommend refrigeration of BPO products throughout the supply chain, from manufacturing to patient use, to limit exposure to benzene. Until developed, refrigeration may serve as a practical solution to minimize unnecessary exposure. We need to continue to advise patients on the appropriate use of BPO.”
Researchers used mass spectrometry to detect benzene in 111 new, unopened products stored at room temperature on the shelves of major U.S. retailers. We also tested the stability of the products with and without UV exposure.
read more: Causes and treatments for adult acne
public health concerns
The product has a tendency to degrade under relatively normal conditions, presenting a “potentially serious public health risk.” david wrightsaid the study’s principal investigator, a professor of pharmacy at Long Island University in New York, in a press release.
The researchers recommend studies that look for actual cancer cases that may be associated with the use of these products. They added that topical acne treatments join the list of other consumer products that raise safety concerns, such as benzene-tainted deodorants and shampoos containing phthalates.
These products are less regulated by the U.S. FDA than over-the-counter drugs, and far less regulated than prescription drugs.
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Prior to joining Discover Magazine, Paul spent more than 20 years as a science journalist, specializing in U.S. life sciences policy and global scientist career issues. He started his career in newspapers but switched to scientific magazines. His research has appeared in publications such as Science News, Science, Nature, and Scientific American.
