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 14, 2008

Pros:

cleared up my arms after 3 applications

Cons:

didn´t really work on my face so far

i will keep doing it on my face. Maybe it didn ´t work so far on my face, because i used another benzoyl peroxide on my face before which dried it out.
April 11, 2008

Pros:

-Acne free!
-Easy to use

Cons:

-Dry skin
-Sunburns
-The first 2 weeks

As someone who has had acne since age 12 (I'm now 23), I've learned a few things about my skin, which may be true for yours as well: 1) Salicylic acid acne treatments don't work! They leave my skin shiny, red/irritated, and oily, not moisturized! 2) Acnefree is great because it's Benzoyl Peroxide, BUT it also moisturizes. 3)I use makeup/moisturizers and sunblock with the words "non-comedogenic" on the label, meaning they won't cause breakouts. 4)I HAVE to use sunblock and moisturizing lotion after using AcneFree and other benzoyl peroxide products, because it leaves my skin a bit dry and prone to sunburn. I use Cetaphil SPF 15 moisturizing facial lotion...I put it on after AcneFree system...works like a charm!
April 10, 2008

Pros:

It clears up everything relatively fast; my skin is softer and smoother; it really is a confidence booster, even if you've only used it for one day

Cons:

none that I've experienced

The basic set is nice but you should really consider getting the wash, toner, lotion plus the oil-free moisturizer and (if you have oily skin) the daily oil control, not to forget the refining mask which you should only really use for spot treatment. Tip: use only ONCE a day for the first week and then use it twice and don't just stop using it. Eventually, when your face is clear, you can go back to using it once a day or even once every other day.
April 2, 2008

Pros:

fast-acting, extremely affordable, easy to use

Cons:

slightly dries out skin...if you even call that a con considering it clears your skin so quickly.

I have mild acne, primarily internal pimples that don't become whiteheads (unless I force them) and can hurt sometimes. I used Proctiv for quite a while and saw little results. With AcneFree, I saw results literally after 2 days. It slightly dries out the skin but c'mon, its a small price to pay for having your face clear up don't you think? I say its most definately worth giving a try, escpecially if Proactiv has been a big disappointment.
April 2, 2008

Pros:

dries up small pimples reasonably fast, but does not work on mild acne such as mine.

Cons:

-it dries
-it doesn't absorb into the skin leaving white powdery residue.

doesn't work in the long term, it's only a quick fix that won't last.
March 31, 2008

Pros:

My skin looked fresher than before. The toner gives a nice shine to your face

Cons:

My skin is dry!!!! and im still breaking out like big pimples! and its not good for blackheads

At first i was like wow this is so great! and my skin was so smooth and stuff. But now my skin is dry and flaking! theres reddening on my face and i think it caused parts of my face to be darker than others. I really want it to work (and still do) just like the commercials but my skin doesnt look so good anymore it all bumpy and stuff.
March 29, 2008

Pros:

it works!

Cons:

sometimes i forget the pills, but that's my fault.

I've been using it for about 2 or 3 months and as long as you follow the instructions, it works.I had severe acne before and it has DRAMATICLY decreased. I wash my face with Acnefree and the products work great together!
March 29, 2008

Pros:

-worked better than ProActiv for sure!
-lotion isn't greasy

Cons:

-very drying
-most people won't be able to wash with it 2 times a day, and most people without mild acne DO need to wash their face 2 times daily

I used ProActiv and it was terrible! I must say this is much better, at least it was for me. Especially the lotion part. The lotion for ProActiv made me look like I dipped my face in grease, but I liked this lotion much better, it didn't make my face nearly as oily. I only recommend this if you have mild acne, and don't have to wash your face 2 times a day. Otherwise, I would try something else.
March 27, 2008

Pros:

I have seen results soo fast. It really works well, and is very affordable.

Cons:

It dries out skin a little, and i had to stop using it for a while cuz my skin didnt agree with it. but i started using my own lotion and now my skin feels fine

USE IT PEOPLE!! it is such a good product. i've been reading some of the comments, and ALOT of people said that it dries out your skin. so what? you can use your own moisturizer like me.
March 20, 2008

Pros:

exfoliates throughly, tones and evens face, deep cleans, soft-to-the-touch-skin, brigther complexion.

Cons:

pretty expensive to re-stock.
it MAY causes major dryness if you're a newbie to proactive, especially if you start during winter (REALLY bad idea! so don't do it!)
the oil-free spf 15 "moisturizer" sucks sooo much! it didn't help at all x[

so basically, NEVER EVER use the 3step kit during WINTER! that is if you're a newbie to proactiv. And I don't use any of the so-called moisturizers in the proactiv line cuz they really don't work at all (for me anyway....) instead I use Aveeno's Positively Radiant moisturizer! (it does wonders for your skin) and applying a non-comedogenic & oil-free lotion at night absolutely helps with dryness. Of course, don't think that your skin can survive without a proper moisturizer (with SPF!), because you're oh so wrong betches! "To Moisturize Is Essential"

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.