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
July 11, 2008

Pros:

clears my skin.

Cons:

dries my face a little bit , but it should'nt be a problem .

well my friend said this is better than proactive . so i thought i might give it a try. so yehea i did after a few weeks my face is nice and clear .
July 3, 2008

Pros:

Nothing

Cons:

Ruined my complection

I began using the proactiv about a year ago. I didnt have severe acne or really acne at all. I used it for the occasional pimple here and there. I used as directed though. I quit using it as I saw no difference. Days later I began getting what is referred to as cystic acne my dermatologist said. These are gigantic pimples/Cysts underneath the skin that get no white or black head so they cant be easily popped. They are the worst to try to get rid of. She said it was caused by my skin getting used to the proactive system. When I stopped it basically ruined my skin. I had a nice complection. This is the worst thing Ive ever done. Great marketing scheem Proactiv.
July 2, 2008

Pros:

Kinda Works

Cons:

Skin feels greasy

I need help...I ALWAYS RUN OUT OF THE revitalizing toner(Green bottle) 3 times before i run out of the other bottles... HOW DO U APPLY this correctly plz message
June 21, 2008

Pros:

Only about 20 dollars, works in a week or so

Cons:

Can be a bit drying, and I'm not convinced that my breakouts are gone for good

Use it in moderation and you'll be all set
June 18, 2008

Pros:

none really

Cons:

didnt work! the first days kinda but not any more.
it didnt take all my make up off

if you have light acne get it if you have severe like me dont
June 18, 2008

Pros:

DOES WORK

Cons:

DRIED MY FACE UP LIKE CRAZY, BURNT A BIT ND EVEN MADE ME FACE FLAK UP

I DO RECOMMENED IT BUT BE CAREFUL U DNT USE 2MOZ
June 17, 2008

Pros:

Dis produt was good for my skin. I liked it and it cleared up me skin. My acne comes and goes but for de most part it clears up my skin, man. The refining mask was da best ting in da package.

Cons:

Dis stuff can dry up ure skin. For people wit dry skin, only use once a day. Da price isnt too bad if you wanna get clear skin.

I would recomend buying dis product. It is good and made me skin look and feel better den before. It is worth the cost and keep at using it unitl you grow out of your acne faze.
June 11, 2008

Pros:

decreased my pimples in different locations on my skin.

Cons:

This program did not work for me the first 2 days it worked and then my face became extremely red, dry, flaky, red blotches. i just threw out the proactiv and its a money waster.

dries out your skin, makes your face red for 2 days.
June 10, 2008

Pros:

first week, my complexion was so clear. My skin is also very soft.

Cons:

DRIED OUT SKIN!!! flaky and YUCK! Be prepared to spend more than the monthly fee. Refining mask was great, but when it ran out, the pimlpes came back slowly.My complexion may be clear but my forehead shines and I still have my pimples and I've been u

If pimples aren't frustrating enough, Proactiv could add more stress induced pimples. Please think twice and do research before commiting to this.
June 6, 2008

Pros:

Works great.

Cons:

If it gets on your clothes or bathroom towels it can leave orange dye marks.

I've used many different products on my face and this one is hands down the best. It cleared up my acne and leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth. It also takes longer for my face to get oily as compared to regular soap.

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.