Topical Antibacterial
Reviews
3.5
20781 Reviews
Topical Antibacterial
Efficacy
54%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Note: Benzoyl peroxide clears the skin completely when applied correctly.
Topical Antibacterial
Side Effects
Low-Medium
Topical Antibacterial
Acne.org’s Real World Take
It’s been a staple of acne treatment for decades for a reason. When used properly it can completely clear the skin. It is widely available and affordable. Comes with side effects for the first few weeks and can bleach fabric.
Topical Antibacterial
How to Get It
This is an over-the-counter treatment. Here are some places you can find it online.
Read All About Benzoyl Peroxide
Compare To Other Treatments
5
31.3%
4
25%
3
17.2%
2
12.5%
1
14%

Used Benzoyl Peroxide? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
December 17, 2006

Pros:

Very light,easy absorbed lotion. Doesn't irritate my skin.Easy to apply and helps reduce blemishes. I use it with the acne.org regime and my skin looks great!

Cons:

Smell is quite strong and also its expensive and the packaging isn't that great.

Good 2.5% BP product,although a little expensive for what it is.
December 15, 2006

Pros:

This is best BP ive ever gotten, Not loaded with unneccesary chemicals and safe for skin with correct doseage. Made all my pimples disapear so far

Cons:

Cons? hmm... that it isn't sold in stores!

If you've been looking for a Benzyl treatment for your mild acne, this is it!
December 13, 2006

Pros:

Has a lot of natural ingredients. No perfumes.

Cons:

Quite pricey and the ladies at the Clinique counter will try to get you to buy as much as possible.

I've heard that Clinique's products are harsher than other products because they are targeted for a younger demographic. I use the antibacterial soap (lather for thirty seconds to kill germs) and it is great for the warmer months but too drying into the winter. I skip all of their step two's (clarifying lotions) because they all contain alcohol which makes my skin worse. Their acne body spray, nighttime acne gel and post-blemish formula are great (none of which I use every single day). Remember: not all acne products will work the same for everyone.
December 11, 2006

Pros:

cleared my skin up. Toner is refreshing.

Cons:

some areas peel (nose, t-zone)

first thing that has worked for me. i now get complimented on my skin, it feels great. i do not use the moisturizer every day though, nor do i use the mask. Just have to find a routine that works for you. I look forward to washing my face twice a day because it makes me skin feel so soft. Also took a little while to work. Id say I didnt have really good until about two months of usage, so dont give up on it right away if you dont see results.
December 11, 2006

Pros:

It works. Cleared up my acne almost immediately.

Cons:

It is expensive. And can be a hassle to buy, as it's not available at drugstores.

I really do swear by this stuff. I admit, I am not always consistent with the "program," but it still works for me!! And, if you have spots/scars from old pimples, try the skin lightening lotion. After using it for a just a couple weeks, I can almost go with no makeup, my skin tone is so even.
December 9, 2006

Pros:

This system is for mild/moderate/acute acne.

Heres what you do.... proactiv 3 steps at night and sometimes in the morning. (for guys shaving helps just dont shave over zits)... every morning and every night take several vitamin b5 pills (depending on how oily you skin is), one multivitamin and one 1000mg vitamin C for scars.... if you have mild/moderate acne... you see incredible results within 3 weeks. tops. you have to stick to it... i know its alot of pills and alot of bother but trust me... i had acne for 3 years and nothing worked for me... my skin is finally almost clear. This is aint a sales pitch cracka! this is the real deal... im finally happy.
December 9, 2006

Pros:

Cleared up my acne

Cons:

Have to use product twice a day or you might see flare ups.

If you use proactiv correctly, and stick with it you will see results. For most people it take a good 2 months to see improvements, one month is not enough. Also, you might not be 100% clear in 2 months, but should see some improvement. The longer you use to product the more you will see the results. Proactiv is sold in most malls, talk to the people there because they can tell you why you might not be seeing results. Keep using!! Awesome product!!
December 9, 2006

Pros:

It dries out acne eventually.

Cons:

It makes it worse before it makes it better. it makes ur skin flakey and dry and uncomfortable.

you could just go to a dermatologist. i recomend that if u start, u stick with it. otherwise it wont work.
December 7, 2006
i started using it a while ago.. and i didnt see much diffrence.. the problem was still there just not as badly.. so i stopped using it and just lately on a non related matter i was getting a lot of pimples.. i decided to try it again, for some reason it took the little freckles on my nose away? but it hasnt done to badly yet i did see the pimples already there shrink some what but its not a miracle.. its jst liek any other pimple cream but a lot more expensive
December 1, 2006

Pros:

Totally cleared my skin up in a matter of days. I wake up with prettier skin in the morning.

Cons:

It works for 2 months and then stops. Have to use something different for a few days before I start it again. Occasionally burns the skin in the crease of my nose...sit infront of a fan burn.

The bottom line is, it works well. I had issues with some acne a few years ago, it cleared it up. But just like any other product after using it for a while the skin adapts to it. Hence the change in products for a few days every other month. I usually swear by this stuff.

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.

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.