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
May 12, 2009

Pros:

None

Cons:

Does not work. The acne on my forehead got better, but I started to get big pimples on my chin and the lower part of my face. :(

With anything you purchase their is a chance that it may or may not work, so if you are reading these reviews and don't know if you should purchase it...try Proactive for yourself and you deceide whether or not it is a good product.
May 12, 2009

Pros:

- Skin is smoother than before.
- Blemishes clear up quicker than before Proactiv.

Cons:

- Still get frequent blemishes.
- Dries skin out and bleaches fabrics.
- Must be used twice per day.

I have been using Proactiv for about 6 weeks. I've seen noticeable improvement in my skin, but still get frequent blemishes. However, the blemishes that I get have gone away quickly due to the system. Within the first week using Proactiv, my skin dried out and began to flake. However, this has been remedied by using the Repairing Lotion only at night. I use a Neutrogena Sensitive Skin moisturizer in the morning. I will continue using the system for now, since I definitely have seen an improvement overall. I recommend trying Proactiv for at least 6-8 weeks... if you don't see an improvement, then this isn't for you. It's worth a try, though!
May 9, 2009

Pros:

Reduces inflammation
Somewhat clears whiteheads

Cons:

Dries out skin
Ineffective on blackheads
Acne comes back once you stop using it

In my opinion Proactiv is just too expensive. The quality of the product is not the greatest, and it sucks all the moisture out of your skin, leaving it flaky and dry. Using the toner can be very painful if you dab it on an open pimple. Also, if you don't use Proactiv every single day you will not see results. Then, you must continue to use it or your pimples will come back. It also bleaches towels and clothes so be careful. I'm sure there is a more effective and less expensive acne treatment out there.
May 8, 2009

Pros:

Reduces pimples within two days of applying, most of them were gone within about five days

Cons:

Feels a bit gross on my skin, dries out the skin a bit

Reduces pimples and removes most of them, but it dries out the skin if you use it all over your face.
May 6, 2009

Pros:

Works better than anything else tried over past 20 years

Cons:

Very drying and makes face tight and red but this is better than horrible spota any day

I was getting so depressed as I have had acne since age of 15 and now 36. Now I am almost cured and feel so happy.
May 2, 2009

Pros:

A little goes a long way, no fragrance, does not cause breakouts, getting wonderful results. Free samples from Dr., been using pea sized amounts twice daily.

Cons:

A tad drying at first, but that's because of the Benz. P. Face adjusted in a few days. MAY be bleaching things, but have used BP for so long, my towels are already bleached. Don't know if it's the cause.

This stuff balances the pH of your skin. Makes new breakouts relatively impossible to happen. Minus hormonal breakouts, which I counter with licorice root daily, this stuff has CLEARED my troubled skin. Been having problems since going off birth control 1.5 years ago. Went on Differin and it caused significant breakouts and scarring. Zoderm is gentle, effective, and has saved my self esteem. Scars are fading, pores becoming less clogged and are smaller. I'm coupling this with Duac on my breakouts at night and NuOx in the AM. This stuff is AMAZING. I'm surprised not many dermatologists prescribe this. ASK YOUR DOCTOR FOR THIS! Even when I'll have to buy a tube of it, it's so worth it. :-D
April 30, 2009

Pros:

works for everyone i guess...my dermatologist recommended it in combination with aziderm (20%) and benzac (5% now and 2.5% to start)..its the only thing that really worked for me..

Cons:

dries up your skin a little...but once u get used to using it, ure skin gets used to it and dosent react negatively

ITS THE ONLY REAL SOLUTION TO ACNE TREATMENT
April 30, 2009

Pros:

I have just started using Proactiv on my face for last 2 weeks but there is no improvement on my face. I heard it will take 3 weeks to 1 month to show the result. So, I can't say anything just wanna try...lets see it wroks for me or not?

Cons:

It made my skin darker. I don't know why...... very strange.

No comments.............
April 27, 2009

Pros:

COMPLETELY got rid of acne within a week!!
Easy 3 step system, nice clean scent, good price
makes skin feel very clean

Cons:

All 3 steps caused slight drying, no big deal

I had moderate acne, mostly on my forehead and occasional pimples everywhere else. It said to use twice a day, which i did for a week. After a week, any acne was completely gone, including those annoying blackheads you get on your nose. At this point, I started to only use it once a day (before bed) just to maintain my results. I did experience some drying around my nose and mouth, but nothing too bad. PLEASE TRY THIS!
April 23, 2009

Pros:

Acne free does really start to work in as little as 3 days. I noticed my skin tone is much more even too. It is also inexpensive.

Cons:

It really dries my cheeks and chin out. Doesn't completely cure acne. Also, because of the peroxide it bleaches fabrics.

Great if you have mild acne.

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.