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
March 6, 2011

Pros:

cheap
smells good

Cons:

Stops workin

Doesn't work
February 22, 2011

Pros:

feels like it's working, comes with a natural soap that is awesome, huge bottle

Cons:

directions on bottle say one way to do it and instructions say another, didn't do anything for my acne.. just dried out my skin

I wouldn't reccommend even though I really had high hopes for this product :(
January 10, 2011

Cons:

Didn't work and company not following through with guarantee.

Called after 3 & 1/2 weeks to cancel since it was making worse. Representative told me we had to use for another 6 weeks. Just called again to cancel since its over 60 days. What a racket.
January 10, 2011

Pros:

Cleard skin for the first week

Cons:

After the first week or so the skin dried
Acne got worse after the first couple of weeks
If you don't get the every month plan, it's 40 bucks!

Is I wouldn't use this product ever again! I thought it work like a charm, the drying of my skin was horrendoues! I looked like I got a really bad sun burn and my skin was peeling! My acne got worse when I woulnd't use Max Clarity for a day a two, so my acne never got a chance to clear up and leave my skin!
January 2, 2011

Pros:

Smells good.
Light on the skin.
Firms and tightens.

Everyone's skin is different, so, to expect it to work wonders like it has for other people is a sign of intelligence, or lack there of. With a good diet, continuous use of Skin ID, and a correct evaluation, it should do it's intended job. I've been using it for a year now, and my acne is much better than it was before. However, if you stop the treatment, you will see a significant difference, meaning you will see more pimples. But, that is with every acne treatment around. You also need to make sure the evaluation you took is still correct, otherwise, you could dry out your face. All in all, Skin ID works.
December 1, 2010

Pros:

feels good on face

Cons:

made worse
made face very red

i was on this for around 5 to 6 months and it did nothing. It smells good and i love the look of it but it does not work at all. my acne went from mild to almost severe. i just kept telling myself it would get better if i stay on it but if you dont see anything in about 2 to 3 months then stop paying and get off it. all the tv stuff does not help go to the Derm. and talk and get something else. i am still string to get something that will help... good luck to everyone.
November 25, 2010

Pros:

-None

Cons:

-Doesnt work for me
-Caused more breakouts than I ever originally had
-Extremely expensive

This stuff just doesnt work for anyone I know who has tried it. And they automatically charge you after one month and send out a 3 month kit if you dont cancel in time. Return shipping is at your own expense.
November 9, 2010

Pros:

Helps slightly for mild acne.

Cons:

Expensive and annoying to use everyday after a few months.

It does not work well enough for the price. calling the number to talk to them is annoying, and they always try to sell you more stuff or keep you a customer for longer. Like most products it only works for certain people. It is a greedy company that takes advantage of people with a serious problem and it is not a permanant fix to use this product.
November 4, 2010

Pros:

Cleared blemishes, face no longer oily

Cons:

Too expensive, made me break out like never before, took a while to work, small bottles

I didn't have a major problem with acne before I started using it but I wanted to know what all the hype was about and I was concerned about the amount of acne that I was getting each month. When I first tried it, I had huge pimples on my face in places that I had never had breakouts and they hurt! After one week I called Proactiv to return the products for a refund but the lady talked me into keeping it and reducing my usage and to even stop using Step 3 - that irked me somewhat because if I'm still paying for it but I don't need it then why should I keep it? So I kept at it and now it's only been 2 weeks and my skin is starting to improve big time! My face is no longer oily and the blemishes have all but cleared (besides the huge scars even though they weren't open scars!). I can't really stand the smell of the cleanser and I'm not impressed with the amount (or lack of) product that you get for your money but all in all, I'm keeping the faith. I'm still well within my 60 day money back guarantee so I'll see how I go from here on. Besides being too expensive, I think it would probably work really well on people who have bad acne and are good at sticking to a routine.
November 3, 2010

Pros:

worked for a couple of days

Cons:

dries up skin
irritates the skin

I used this product for 4 days and had to quit due to skin irritation. As others have stated, it dried out my skin and it feels as if I have a rash on my face. I used proactiv and I never had a problem with it. I wouldn't recommend this product to anybody.

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.