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
September 23, 2009

Pros:

there are better serums

Cons:

there are better serums

It is a well documented fact that DMAE is found in Wild Alaskan Salmon; along with Omega-3 fatty acid which is a huge benefit to the human body, DMAE does in fact tighten skin and improve the texture of skin. What you put on your skin is just as important as what you consume in order to help your skin from the inside out. One thing I see over and over when reading facial cream reviews is women complaining about puffy under-eye area... one of the best things you can easily do to improve or even entirely rid yourself of this problem is CUT DOWN ON SALT. "If you have puffy bags under your eyes in the morning, you are almost certainly consuming much more salt than you need The best serum I use is the Made from Earth Vitamin Enhanced Face Firming Serum. It is the most cost effective DMAE source I have found and has worked to make my puffy eyes not puffy!! Also it contains a 3% DMAE concentration - I have used it for about 7 months now, and have now stopped because I have seen
July 19, 2009

Pros:

was consistent, and works

Cons:

needed to use a lot more BP than told in instructions to work and wouldn't work if i didn't use too much BP. thinking of switching to regimen since you get more for less $

worked ok but was a little costly and i am thinking you will get better results with the regimen or cheaper immitations
June 22, 2009

Pros:

Dries out oily skin and speeds up the process of killing the pimples.

Cons:

Dries out your skin way too much!! it also caused major skin discoloration on my cheeks! :(

Don't buy this! its a waste of time, and money. and causes permanent skin damadge.
February 20, 2009

Pros:

Mothing

Cons:

I started from one pimple to a million little planets. my skin is terrible now. and my girlfreind dump me, because it spreaded on her face and became like mine!

I ALmost died!
February 6, 2009

Pros:

It's cheap to get and it doesn't dry out your face.

Cons:

Only works for a very short period of time.

I started using Proactiv in probably 6th grade. I didn't really have "acne" but it was getting progressivly worse. So, me being the spolied brat that I am, conviced my mom to order me proactiv. I got it and I loved it..for TWO months. About two months after I started, it got worse than before. Now I'm a freshman in high school and I've tried everything. I've tried Proactiv, RetinA, Clean and Clear, Veloicity, and a couple different pills. (menocycline i believe?) Now I'm taking Accutane and I think it is slowly working. I wouldn't recommend Proactiv..biggest joke on the market.
November 25, 2008

Pros:

Got rid of most of scars and acne in my butt

Cons:

i get bored applying it

try it
September 5, 2007

Pros:

NOTHING! ABSOLUTLY NOTHING!

Cons:

EVERYTHING! ABSOLUTLY EVERYTHING!

THIS GAVE ME THE WORST RASH EVER! BUMPS AND REDNESS ALL OVER MY FACE! I WAS REALLY ITCHY TO! MY FACE FILLED UP WITH TINY LITTLE BUMPS AND IT WAS RAW AND RED FOR DAYS! DON'T BUY IT! I HATE THIS CREAM WITH A PASSION! >:I
September 17, 2012
Product used: The Regimen

Pros:

None

Cons:

Did not do anything, very useless and waste of money

Dont buy it
April 12, 2012

Pros:

Effective at getting rid of spots

Cons:

Burning
Dry skin
Redness

This treatment is amazing, it gets rid of spots within a few days! I get maybe 3 spots a month i apply quinoderm to each spot individually I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS FOR PEOPLE WITH ACNE DESPITE WHAT IT SAYS ON THE BOTTLE. If you use this on each spot you can easily exfoliate the dry skin off sucessfully and reduce redness. Also if you have sensitive skin this treatment IS NOT FOR YOU. But for normal skin YES for acne ridden skin NO.
February 13, 2012

Pros:

Seemed to work
Easy to have shipped to you

Cons:

A bit of dry skin
Terrible, terrible customer service

Proactiv worked for me during the time that I used it, although I did get quite a bit of flaking/dry skin. I also started Ortho-Tri-Cyclen during the same time period, so I am not sure which was responsible for how much of the change. One point I thought I'd mention - when I wasn't contacting Proactiv, I was fine with it, but their customer service model is really awful. It took about 10 days for them to SHIP the product after I ordered it, which seems ridiculous given their whole business is based online. And cancelling was a nightmare. I cancelled because I am trying to save money, and with the BC, I don't really need anything this strong anymore.

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.