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
August 2, 2008

Pros:

good

Cons:

/

good
July 30, 2008

Pros:

I noticed results after using this product for just a couple of days. I have very oily skin and this has decreased ALOT since using this product. It dries the pimples right up over night. I haven't seen any new acne appear.

Cons:

For the first couple of days it made my skin worse, it was horribly dry and peeling and it HURT! But after that stage it cleared right up. No more pain!

The cream zaps pimples and prevents new ones, the only KEY thing to remember about the cream is *perserverence*. The pills definately help to prevent new acne from appearing, definately fights the hormones that can cause really bad acne. WORTH THE MONEY!! WORTH THE TIME!! espescially for bad acne. Just remember patience.
July 30, 2008

Pros:

Nothing. No improvment in acne or skin.

Cons:

Didn't work at all. Bleached clothes, towels, pillows, sheets. Very expensive.

Doesn't work and is way too expensive. Other members of my family tried the system and they also had no improvements.
July 27, 2008
A decent product, I guess, some find it too harsh but it worked for me for at least a while, but like several other products I've tried, slowly stopped working.
July 26, 2008

Pros:

Noticeably clear skin in just a couple of days.

Cons:

Cream dries out my skin horribly and burns every time i put it on.

I would recommend this product to anyone suffering from acne. its always worth a shot to try. it may or may not work for you. bottom line is everyone's skin is different and it may take some experimenting with different acne products to know which ones work well for you. but i have recently in the past week started taking the pills and i have noticed that my acne is less visible and i'm not breaking out as much. but I stopped using the cream because it burns my skin.
July 26, 2008

Pros:

I liked how it was unscented, and how it felt nice on my skin. I sort of have sensitive skin, and it didn't make my skin red; I liked that.

Cons:

I used it, but I never really had terrible acne. The occasional blemish, about 90% of the time my face was always clear, but it stopped working. I started to get a lot of small blemishes between my eyebrows.

It STOPS WORKING! Sure, it's cheap and all that, but I'm not so sure if it ever worked for me. I never really had bad acne, and when I did have acne, I was still using the AcneFree Product. I'm a teenager, and it didn't work for me. I'm going to try Proactiv, more expensive and similar to AcneFree. I hope it works out for me. =)
July 26, 2008

Pros:

It works really fast, I could definitely see changes in a few days and with time less and less breakouts which is great. The night cream is slightly drying but didn't irritate my skin which is usually quite sensitive.

Cons:

Slightly drying night cream but it really gets results so I am fine with it, just applying moisturiser in the morning takes care of that!

Would defenitely recommend it, it worked well for me but if you have really sensitive skin test out the night cream on a small area of skin first
July 26, 2008

Pros:

Not as irritating as 10% BP; gets the job done when applied very gently and gradually, in layers of small amounts; packaging is easily portable

Cons:

Very drying if not used with a moisturizer; does not "vanish" completely without some finesse of the fingers, will immediately liquefy and turn white when exposed to sweat or water; packaging is too small for the price and extended use

Works, but a gel-based version is far superior.
July 26, 2008

Pros:

clears skin the fist day of use
skin feels soft after you apply it
makes blemishes less noticibl like they blend inbetter

Cons:

doesn't work in just a week :]

i skipped two days of using this product and my pimples just came back like they were before i started using proactive i use it morning and night and so i would say use it every day don't skip day are else theyll come back:
July 25, 2008

Pros:

When i first used this product my skin cleared up really fast, and i would get an occasional zit here and there, but it worked really well.

Cons:

Ive been using this product for about 2 years now, and my skin is getting pretty bad, i always have a zit and can not get it to go away. This product seems like its only for temperary use, and after your skins clear, they'll just come back.

If you want to get rid of acne for a few months use this, but if you want it to keep working, dont waste your money, its not meant for a perm. acne treatment.

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.