Benzoyl Peroxide
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
June 16, 2007

Pros:

I used to breakout just before my period without fail every month. Since using Proactive I haven't had any breakouts.

Cons:

I have sensitive skin and myy skin peels a bit around the eye area but is not noticeable once I put on moisturiser and I would rather have that problem than pimples which you can't miss!

I only use it once a day, not twice a day as recommended and I still get excellent results. I don't always use the toner but I do use the repair kit and my own moisturiser every morning (Dove). I don't think it matters what toner or moisturiser you use as long as it contains no oil. The magic stuff is in the repair kit. I have oily skin so I was very partial to pimples, not big acne breakouts, but noticeable odd pimples here and there - but don't have to worry about it anymore. I find the repair kit lasts me 4 months using it once a day but my acne wasn't very bad. I Definitely recommend it.
May 30, 2007

Pros:

It worked! Felt great, stimulated my skin, and completely cleared my skin in less than a week.

Cons:

It dried my skin just a little bit, but after applying a mosturizer cream, stopped drying completely.

Get it. It just works. (And don't waste your money on Proactiv, this works equally effectivly if not BETTTTER!)
May 28, 2007

Pros:

My zits were reduced dramatically the next day.

Cons:

Dries my face out a lot.

It works!
May 25, 2007

Pros:

NONE. trying it was the worst thing I have ever done to my face. EVER!!!

Cons:

Proactiv RUINED my skin!! It gave me acne when I only had slight break-outs before trying the product. The commercials had me convinced, but I highly doubt that any of the spokespersons actually use Proactiv.

I basically had clear skin, with a pimple here and there. I thought that if I ordered Proactiv that I wouldn't have any pimples... WRONG! I immediately started breaking out when I began using Proactiv. It started with little pimples on my forehead, and progressed to small pimples covering my face. Even as a teenager, I never experienced a breakout that even came close to what Proactiv did to my face!! I called customer service and the lady told me that it is completely normal to break out for the first two weeks of use, as the system was cleaning out all of my pores to prevent further breakouts. She convinced my to stick with it, and I gave it the benefit of the doubt. I tried it for 2 months and my face got progressively worse. I went back to using a simple non-detergent cleanser and lotion from Kiels(spelling?) which I highly reccomend. In a few days my skin looked better. It has been almost a month since I quit Proactiv, and my skin has almost cleared up again. DON'T DO IT!!
May 16, 2007

Pros:

Very easy routine, leaves the skin feeling clean and smooth

Cons:

When I first started using it, it dried out my skin significantly; but after a couple weeks my face starting clearing up dramatically and the dryness dissipated. Cost is a little high for the quantity, but it lasts longer than you'd think!

This product was the ONLY acne treatment that worked for me (I tried everything on the market from OTC cleansers to Rx creams and oral meds). My face has been completely clear for over 2 1/2 years and I get compliments all the time on how good my complexion looks (I never wear make-up).
May 2, 2007

Pros:

Very inexpensive form of BP

Cons:

Gritty consistency, easily irritates/overdries skin

I'm 36 y/o & have used BP for over 20 years for moderate acne. My consistency of using BP daily has always varied, but I can honestly say it clears my skin if I consistently use it every night. I found ClearZit to easily irritate my skin when used daily. It feels gritty/course when applying. If you can't afford anything else, it's usable, but I won't purchase it again.
April 23, 2007

Pros:

I absoluley love the feel of the gel....I have very sensitive skin and this has not irritated it at all. A very wonderful product

Cons:

None

If you truly serious about taking care of your skin, and don't want to spend a fortune.....this is the line to use. The cleanser, the BP Gel (can't wait for the moisturizer) is top of the line and truly makes my skin feel wonderful. I can't ask for any better.
April 19, 2007

Pros:

It cleared up my acne in about a week

Cons:

It dries out the skin.. It burns also that once u stop using it .. it makes ur acne worse than ever before!!

It's very costly, & for me .. I couldn't afford to pay 80 bucks every 2 months. It has made my acne worse than ever.. I have stopped using the product n I guess I'll be using over-the-counter products .. atleast they don't harm the skin as proactive....I'm now gettin pimples all over my face .. n the big onse HURT!!!
April 2, 2007

Pros:

Cleared my skin within a week of trying it; it really controls my oily skin... and I have super oily skin. I just don't get oily in the T-Zone, but on my cheeks too. My pores are much smaller now because I don't produce as much oil as I used to.

Cons:

The cleanser doesn't lather well when mixed with water; sometimes it feels like it's still on my face after I've rinsed it off. After letting it sink into my skin for 3-4 minutes, I use a gel cleanser on top of it that washes away clean.

I've tried a lot of stuff; I've been breaking out since I was 13... and I am now 36, and still breaking out! Proactiv has really worked well for me. I used to use Retin-A, but it began to burn my skin and cause rough patches. Proactiv was my last resort. I'm glad I tried it. My skin is much clearer; it produces a lot less oil; and the price isn't so bad. I also don't need a prescription for it, like Retin-A. When I use the cleanser, I brush my teeth or something to give it a couple of minutes to soak into my skin, then I rinse it off... or use a gel cleanser that lathers really well to give my skin a good cleanse. I've been using it about 2 1/2 months.
April 2, 2007

Pros:

I have been using Proactiv for about 2 months now and I love it.... When I first started using it, it seemed to make the problems worse but with continued use I have clearer skin... I LOVE PROACTIV!!!!

Cons:

I have mild acne so I don't know how it performs on severe acne. I have never been able to stick to a regiment but I love the 3 step system and I use the mask... Yes the mask doesn't smell the best but suck it up in the name of clear skin.

I THINK THIS PRODUCT IS WONDERFUL... TRY IT!!! AND FOR THE PPL WHO THINK IT IS $$$$ TRY GETTING IT OFF EBAY!!!

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.