If you're dealing with acne or the occasional pimple, you probably use or have heard of benzoyl peroxide, an active ingredient consider the go-to topical for addressing blemishes. Unfortunately, benzoyl peroxide is somewhat aggressive and, according to the FDA, it can potentially cause life-threatening reactions as well as severely irritated and inflamed skin. Even worse, studies show that the over-the-counter drug enhances the formation of tumors, particularly in combination with sun exposure.

If you decide to use benzoyl peroxide, you might want to consider some protective nutrition, especially vitamins C, E and an amino acid derivative called NAC. You can even add these nutrients directly to your favorite benzoyl peroxide containing product. Or, even better, you can use salicylic acid, a natural aspirin like molecule, that works just as well as benzoyl peroxide, without the toxicity. Although overdoing it can still cause some irritation, salicylic acid is readily available with creams, gels and toners, that can be easily purchased in drugstores or on the Internet.