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
April 28, 2008

Pros:

nothing

Cons:

i generally only get a pimple or two every once in a while, but what i got with this product was the worst breakout i've ever experienced.

if you have sensitive and/or dry skin, this product isn't for you. my skin is still very irritated : (
April 26, 2008

Pros:

WORK GREAT WITHIN 4 DAYS I STARTED SEEING RESULTS

Cons:

NONE

I ACTUALLY HAVE VERY SENSITIVE SKIN AND THIS PRODUCTS WORKS GREAT. I DO NOT BREAK ANYMORE AND MY SCARS ARE FADING. MY SKIN LOOKS BETTER THEN EVER. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS PRODUCT :D
April 26, 2008

Pros:

Clears face up fast

Cons:

Not exfoliating enough

This is a great product. I had used proactive for about a week and I didn't really like it that much. AcneFree, though, cleared my face up within ONE USE. This may sound pretty.. odd, but it did. I had what looked like a cyst on my face, a big red bump. I used it and the next day it was much smaller. I wish it had more beads like proactive did, though.
April 22, 2008

Pros:

Works fast, doesn't irritate my skin, skin feels clean after use - no film like with some products.

Cons:

It will bleach your washclothes so use your old ones.

I have had painful and embarassing acne on my face, chest, & back since I turned 13. This stuff works. I am 29 now and have bought every product on the market and tried every home remedy I have heard about. Nothing worked and everything made my skin even more sensitive than it usually is. This was a last distch effort. I am so glad I tried one more thing. For the first time in my life I wake up and my skin doesn't hurt. It is amazing, my skin is clear and beaautiful.
April 21, 2008

Pros:

Almost eliminates my stubborn acne.. still hard for me to believe.

Cons:

Face is somewhat dry and red with 10x per week application.

I'm 35 with moderate but very stubborn acne ever since I was 16. I've used virtually every Rx product incl accutane. I was on topical antibiotics and differin for the last 6 years, and it worked well for most of that time but gradually my acne came back. So six weeks ago I had to switch to doxycycline and oral e-mycin, which used to work very well but this time stopped working. I suspect the bacteria became resistent. That's why I tried the Regimen. After just 2 weeks, my acne is 95% reduced. It's quite amazing, I wouldn't have believed a simple OTC product could work this well.
April 20, 2008

Pros:

it works so well on my skin!! in a week like! makes my freckles show more too! it is class!

Cons:

makes my skin dry, it stings after putting it on for about 30 seconds. thats it.

definelty recommended it is class!!
April 20, 2008

Pros:

nothing really.

Cons:

messy, caused like, 5 cysts. smells bad.

it was terrible. summer and dealing with 5 cysts ive never had before.
April 20, 2008

Pros:

I started breaking out when we started moving all over the country. This product has worked in the humidity of Florida all the way to the dryness of Colorado.

Cons:

Cleanser runs out way before the toner and lotion, so I have an abundance of toner and lotion!

Works well, you can buy it at the drugstore.
April 19, 2008
For the first couple of weeks i started using Proacitv, my skin looked better than ever but after i kept using it more, my face became dry and flakey and my face would burn like hell. But if i stopped using it i would breakout like crazy. I'm still using it at the moment but i think i'm going to stop and find something else.
April 18, 2008

Pros:

i love proactiv! people say it bleaches towels well it says on thier website that it would do that!

i would buy it.... people say it dries out the skin but maybe its just not for them

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.