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 28, 2010

Pros:

- great customer service (I bought at a Kiosk in a mall - good to do if you don't want them to charge your card every month)
- Easy to use and a lot of info is provided on how to use it properly
- It works but you need to be PATIENT

Cons:

- very drying
- dyes clothing

Proactiv works for me. I'd like to find a more natural way to deal with my acne though - I don't like putting chemicals on my face 2X/day. I've been using it for 8 weeks and saw a huge diff. in the first 2 weeks. Then it got pretty severe again for 1.5 months but I think that was my skin detoxing and flushing all the stuff that was already there out. Now after 8 weeks it's looking really good. Of course I have scars that will take months to heal (and using the Skin Lightener from Proactiv for that too). I'm happy with the product but also looking to go natural once I'm cleared up. (FYI: if you send them photos of your 'before' they send you free product!)
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August 28, 2010

Pros:

This product is fantanstic, I have tried everything and this stuff works. It does not irritate your skin at all and 1 bottle last a long time. When I find something I like I stick with it and I have been using this for the last 3-4 years. I hate to shop around for new products and waste money!!

Cons:

I

The customer service at Carley's is fantastic!! Your item is shipped immed. and you always receive it in a couple of days. I hope they stay around forever. They send you little samples of their other products and those last quite a while as well!!!
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August 15, 2010

Pros:

-got rid of my acne COMMPLETELY
-worked after just 1 day
-reduces redness
-gets rid of some black heads
-gets rid of oily skin
-got rid of my acne scars

Cons:

-it makes your skin REALLY dry

It worked amazingly, however if you do use it, i reccomend using moisturizer on your skin as well because it dries out your skin really badly. however, it was great at getting rid of acne and preventing it.
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August 11, 2010

Pros:

Step 3, the combination therapy feels nice and refreshing.

Cons:

. Didn't work at all.
. More breakouts(major) started to show up.

Proactive may have worked for some people, but not for me. I used it for approximately a month and the only that it did, was make my acne even worse than it was before. The uselessness of the product stressed me out, resulting in even more breakouts. It seems like a never ending cycle. Personally, I think acne is a huge waste of money.
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August 7, 2010

Pros:

Works really well. I use it twice per day.
Lovely smell.

Cons:

Bleaches fabrics.

Magic stuff!
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August 7, 2010

Pros:

After about 3 months of usage, my face has never been so clear before. It works great at keeping acne at bay.

Cons:

- It bleaches fabric...my originally blue blanket is now a neon green. Scary, I guess?
- It takes time to put on, especially if you are following Dan's regime.

Great product. My skin has "adjusted" to it so now, I don't even need the 2 full pumps that Dan suggests. I plan to keep buying in the future. :))
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August 5, 2010

Pros:

Excellent in clearing up white heads etc. without drying out face. Used other products and very dissatisfied.

Cons:

NONE

PLEASE BRING THIS BACK.
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August 5, 2010

Pros:

got rid of acne

Cons:

still have blackheads but not as many

try it it still helped my skin
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July 28, 2010

Pros:

This benzoyl peroxide works a lot better than cheaper brands I have tried.

Cons:

Slightly drying but dry skin is nothing compared to acne.

Get this because it works!
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July 25, 2010

Pros:

Prevents future breakouts

Cons:

Dryes skin

I use this in the morning and before bed. It has helped me prevent future breakouts. I will continue to use it
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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.