Benzoyl Peroxide
Results
Side Effects

Benzoyl peroxide is a topical treatment that kills acne bacteria and dries/peels the skin, helping to keep pores unclogged.

It is usually applied once or twice a day to the acne-affected area. You should see results quickly, but sometimes it takes 4 to 6 weeks of treatment to become apparent.

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5
31.3%
4
25%
3
17.2%
2
12.5%
1
14%

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September 10, 2010
Product used: Neutrogena (On-the-Spot Acne Treatment (Old Formula))

Pros:

Clears up pretty well
Prevents new spots from appearing

Cons:

Dries my skin out
Caused rashes
Not easy to blend with makeup

I don't know how much this would help but here goes... I'm 17, German-Chinese, a mix between pinkish European skin and yellow Asian skin tone, with moderately sensitive skin. I initially followed the acne.org regimen but it gave me rashes all over. Little itchy red bumps with flaky skin, all over my face. I now use a cleanser, toner, moisturiser and then the Neutrogena but I dab it on my problem areas instead. It has cleared me up quite a bit compared to other treatments. Try it!
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August 30, 2010
Product used: AcneFree (24 Hour Acne Clearing System)

Pros:

Price was inexpensive; paid 21.99

Cons:

Severe allergic reaction

Do not like this product. Used first evening and next morning. Face became extremely red, itchy, splotchy red patches, tingly, swollen cheeks just under soft eye pads and eyes swelled almost shut (from histamine response, as I did not use it on my eyes.) Never had any reactions to benzoyl perioxide before. Had to take benadryl which helped. Just glad I didn't have to go to hospital for shot of epinephrine.
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August 28, 2010
Product used: Acne.org (Treatment (Benzoyl Peroxide - 2.5%))

Pros:

works incredibly well, does not leave cream layer because it is a gel

Cons:

drying at the onset of use

this works better than anything i've ever used. within 2 weeks i was nearly completely clear. best form of benzoyl peroxide out there
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August 10, 2010
Product used: Proactiv Solution (Acne Treatment System)

Pros:

cleared out my skin at the beginning but it had a dry white-ish look to it

Cons:

mad my skin look dry, when i would apply makeup it would show a lot didn't end up working at all

Cleared out my scars after a while of using it i started getting pimples again and it did not dry my pimples after using it for a month my skin started breaking out like crazy little pimples everywhere even in my nose(which i never breakout in my nose) my skin went MAD! Not good!
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July 9, 2010
Product used: AcneFree (24 Hour Acne Clearing System)

Pros:

really does clear up skin
skin is super soft, glowing, beautiful
toner is moisturizing
REPAIRING LOTION is the key to clear skin!
Only thing that has EVER worked for me and it works amazingly!
Absolutely no pimples at all after the first few months of use!
Worth the money and more
Give it a full two months before you discontinue. It WILL work and at the end of two months youll be so happy you stuck it out.

Cons:

can cause some irritation but there are ways around that
the fash wash is too harsh and unecessary

I've been using this for about two years. After the first few months, my skin was the best that it has looked since I was about 10. (Im 26 now) Around the beginning of this year I went through a tough breakup and all of a sudden my skin started getting really red and itchy. Especially around my eyes. I switched toners and moisturizers but I kept using the repairing lotion. Finally I figured out that it was the repairing lotion that was causing the irritation. I stopped using it and within 2 weeks I broke out horribly just like before I started using Acnefree. It was horrible but I think I had developed an allergy. Tried other products and nothing worked so I went back to Acnefree. Here is the key when it is causing irritation: use it sparingly and let your skin get used to it which it should after a week or two. Spot treat for a few days. After about a week, start using a small amount on the on the t-zone but nowhere else. When you no longer have irritation (about two weeks for me) start using it on the entire face. A thin layer works amazingly. Don't over do it or spread it on too thick. Ive only developed an irritation once but overcame that. And Ive been using it for a little longer that two years. I actually have people compliment me on my glowing skin. ALL THE TIME! And these are people that never saw me with acne! Very very worth the money!! I have sooo much more confidence and I don't have to wear makeup every day. Oh and use a toner with alpha hydroxy! Works well with the BP. I used Neutrogena Pore Refining toner followed my the Acnefree Renewing toner and then the Repairing lotion. The face wash has never done anything for me. It may work for you but I think its too harsh and not really necessary. Make sure you use it twice a day for AT LEAST two months. My skin was completely under control after that time period. Best product I've ever used handsdown!! I know its hard to believe when youve struggled for so long but just give it a chance. W
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June 10, 2010
Product used: Proactiv Solution (Acne Treatment System)

Pros:

Gives face a glow
Clears up acne intially
Pretty good refining mask

Cons:

Over dries and tightens face
As soon as i stopped using it broke out again
Very expensive
Causes redness if used too often

This product is way to expensive and the advertisements suckered me into thinking it was soo glorious but in fact isn't. Huge waste of money and barely any help on thing good about it is the refining mask but it smells really strong.
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June 8, 2010
Product used: Proactiv Solution (Acne Treatment System)

Pros:

It works! My skin has totally cleared up!

Cons:

Somewhat drying, bleaches clothes and towels if you are not careful, small bottles, and very slow delivery.

I am 44 and have suffered on and off from acne since my teens. The only miracle treatment I found were oral antibiotics which left my skin totally clear but unfortunately stopped working after several months and I broke out worse than before. I used to buy Proactiv at the Mall. It worked, but after my skin cleared up I got lazy and stopped using it. My skin was breaking out terribly, so I decided to give it another go. Unfortunately, the kiosk was no longer there, so I had to order it online. I was shocked at how small the bottles were. I realize now that the package I used to buy for $40 was actually the 3 month supply- so $19.99 a month is no bargain, but I had no choice. At first, the product was very drying, but after a week or so, my skin adjusted. It took a couple of weeks, but soon my skin was almost totally clear. Unfortunately, I had almost completely ran out of the product at this point. I tried to call to see if I could get my next shipment sooner and it turned out it had already been sent. Problem was, it took ALMOST 2 WEEKS to arrive!!!! You have to spend extra for expedited shipping if you want it quickly. Anyway, now I have my 3 month supply and I am using it more sparingly, but I may change my delivery timeline in the future. After a week back on it my skin is perfectly clear! People that say that it changes the PH balance of your skin making it break out worse if you go off are just wrong- if you go off it your skin will break out because that is the natural state of your skin- ACNE! If you stop using it, it stops working, plain and simple. I must say I was disappointed that the refining mask does not come with every shipment- they give it to you with the introductory kit and when I bought it at the kiosk it did. It is THE BEST, and it is a great spot treatment. I still have some left but I guess I will have to order it separately. I wish I could just buy it at the mall, but for now I am stuck with the auto delivery for now.
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June 8, 2010
Product used: AcneFree (24 Hour Acne Clearing System)

Pros:

Cleared up my skin
Leaves skin fresh and clean

Cons:

Dried out a bit, but use moisturizer.

For those who say this product has stopped 'working,' maybe you need to cut back on using it day AND night, and only use it at night time. Usually when I have a breakout, I use the face wash 2 times a day, and once it begins to clear up, I use Acnefree at NIGHT only since it's strong enough to take off my makeup, and I use cetaphil/something gentler in the morning. It totally works, and sometimes you just need to switch up the routine a bit in order for it to start working again. And since this product dries up your skin, sometimes that leads to MORE breakouts since your skin is overproducing oil...which is why I recommend using something more gentle in the morning. Another good tip is to moisturize! Trust me, I'm a licensed cosmetologist where my work ranges from hair to skin!
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June 6, 2010
Product used: Clean & Clear (Continuous Control Acne Wash)

Pros:

It does what it is advertised to do; it PREVENTS further break-outs.

Cons:

None

It does what it is advertised to do, so I'm pretty satisfied with it. If you think it makes your skin too dry, then use 1 pump instead of the recommended 2-3 pumps. Also, do NOT use this in conjunction with other acne-fighting medicines as they can counteract each other or it can INCREASE the irritation/dryness. Use Salicylic acid in the morning and benzyol peroxide at night. So, use this clenser in the morning and use something less harsh or a regular cleanser at night and apply BP. Salicylic acid prevents your skin to get too oily, which benzyol peroxide fight the acne-causing bacteria.
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June 4, 2010
Product used: Carley's (Clear and Smooth Skin Treatment)

Pros:

Finally I have control over the acne that's haunted me!
Some of the BEST quality ingredients you will find, if the THE best on the market. My wife and I both swear by their products. I use the regular acne scrub followed by soap, then sometimes follow with a bit of benzoyl peroxide. My face is extremely smooth and getting better every day. Her skin got so smooth that it glows, and now uses their entire line of anti-aging moisturizers and the wash. They are the best quality she has had.

Cons:

I can't really think of any. Their products are top notch, fresh, and without any of the ick of name-brand products. My wife has no complaints and uses her anti-aging products constantly. I love my products as well. Sometimes I spot treat with BP (because I live in a humid environment and often sweat enough to get a few spots) but those times are rare, and much less frequent than typically.

Their acne products work, and we think they work best in combination (the scrub, soap and the moisturizers). Needless to say, neither of us ever shop for face/body moisturizers/washes after Carley's. I must say that the scrub is hardly a scrub as you might think--it doesn't tear your face up like a lot of the "scrubs" out there. I use a washcloth with the soap afterwords (as recommended) and this seems to do a great job making my skin smooth, shiny (in the healthy way, not the greasy way) and getting better every day. I have not yet tried the teen acne regimen, but because even though I'm 24 I still have acne (much less than before) I'm going to give it a try and will probably update this afterwards. One note of caution, and it might be purely coincidental, is that if you skip between different crappy OTC products and Carley's you might not notice any difference or it might get worse (because of the crap they put in the OTC products). If you are impulsive and cannot wait a few weeks to notice a difference and instead go back to your crapasil or what have you, which I am guilty of doing on occasion when I run out or am out of town, then you are only short-changing yourself on the product's benefits. I'm not sure if this product really takes 6 weeks to make a difference--as my wife and I both noticed a difference within a week--but if you are going to do anything after starting this product you should consider spot treatment with BP--acne.org's brand is really cheap and effective. Your skin should not be peeling, turning red, or anything like that (unless you are new to benzoyl peroxide, the active ingredient in every single decent acne product [salicylic acid sucks], or allergic). If it does you are doing something wrong. Go lightly, make sure to moisturize plenty, and let the product work naturally. You can't go wrong with high quality ingredients versus the animal byproducts, waste, and overall chemical stew of alm
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Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website