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 18, 2008

Pros:

it dires zits out faster than any other treatment.

Cons:

it can bed rying, it stings when applied.

I guess this product really worked for me, by the way been sufferin from acne 4 years already. I was skeptical at first because i was afraid i would get the same result when i tried PROACTIV (it sucked). And after 3 applications of PANOXYL 10% my zits has dried up already. I used this by the way with RETIN A. I put PANOXYL on the zit only and after putting it on zits i apply RETIN A. I cant wait to see the results after a week osr so of using this combo.
May 15, 2008

Pros:

I was great! The first few weeks/months I started using it, it worked great for me. I would get very, VERY little breakouts.

Cons:

I got off of it for about a week, and my skin went BALLISTIC. It broke out like crazy. I HAD to get back on proactive. So now I'm trying to get my skin to my natural state, and I'm back on proactiv.

I would recommend it. It worked great for me, but if you get off it, your skin will go weird, and break out like crazy (only if you're like me).
May 13, 2008

Pros:

Kept my skin clear for over a year

Cons:

Stopped working

I started using proactiv in the summer of 2006 and it started working great for me. My skin was clearing up and it looked imperfect. It reduced the amount of breakouts I was getting and I loved it. Unfortunately about 4 or 5 months ago I started breaking out again. Even in places I've never broken out before (my cheeks and temples). I stopped using it because there was no point in continuing. I'm on prescription meds right now. Ughh damn acne!
May 13, 2008

Pros:

It Works and gets rid of acne by drying acne out. If i switch, my acne will come back crazy style. and Oxy prevents it. And it keeps my face clear!

Cons:

Dries out skin a little bit

It Works and its consistent on keeping acne away! SO BUY IT!!! OR YOU'LL MISS OUT!
May 12, 2008

Pros:

reduces "big Reds" over night and works generally well

Cons:

bleaches my towels, irritated skin to begin with, somewhat expensive, doesnt get rid of small blemishes under the skin around the mouth.

its the best product i have found so far aside from taking the contraceptive pill (I'm a female Dale in case you were confused). it was effective on my skin, what really annoyed me was the damage it did to my towels.
May 11, 2008

Pros:

The first few weeks work really well

Cons:

After using it for a month my skin got super dry and I got over a dozen of hard big red blemishes

About the first 3 weeks of using it, my skin really cleared up. It didn't get as oily and it got rid of my black heads. But after the 4th or 5th week, one day I suddenly woke up and I had like 8 or 9 huge red blemishes on the left side of my face, and the next day i had like 9 on the right side of my face. We called the proactive customer support number, and they told us it was normal, but it only continued to get worse. DONT BUY THIS PRODUCT. ITS A SCAM.
May 11, 2008

Pros:

Works rather well after awhile. Really kills any pimples that dare creep up.

Cons:

Really drying.

I don't know if it is me or the product (I have heard of this happening to other people). But every once in awhile I will go through periods where the stuff seems to stop working. I try blaming it on hormones at different times of the month, but it doesn't really coincide and does last for a few months.
May 11, 2008

Pros:

it worked well enough and didn't dry out my skin.

Cons:

it didn't work entirely about 70-75 %

for the price it just wasn't worth it
May 9, 2008

Pros:

none

Cons:

I think I was allergic to this product. After day 3, my skin turned bright red and burned. The next day it itched very badly. I broke out in tiny bumps all over my face. At first I thought it was a rash but they turned out to be pimples.

This product is harsh and not for use on sensitive skin.
May 8, 2008
hhmm..i duno if it works. my pimples r still there. but it burns my face like crazy. is it meant to do that? my pimples r still red. nothing has gone away yet. ive also tried everything. garnier,nivea,clean and clear,cetaphil, stuff from the body shop. nothing has worked!!! ive never had acne until just last year so ive had acne for a year now. and ive tried everyting to get rid of it.

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.