Benzoyl Peroxide
Results
Side Effects

Benzoyl peroxide is a topical treatment that kills acne bacteria and dries/peels the skin, helping to keep pores unclogged.

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Benzoyl peroxide is a topical treatment that kills acne bacteria and dries/peels the skin, helping to keep pores unclogged.

It is usually applied once or twice a day to the acne-affected area. You should see results quickly, but sometimes it takes 4 to 6 weeks of treatment to become apparent.

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25
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Compare To Other Treatments
5
48%
4
20%
3
20%
2
0%
1
12%

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January 12, 2024
Product used: Acnecide (Benzoyl Peroxide (5%) Gel)
Controls but doesn't cure
Very drying. Works at stopping more breakouts but did not completely remove it for despite months of use. Successfully manages acne but does not clear it.
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December 24, 2023
Product used: Acne.org (Treatment (Benzoyl Peroxide - 2.5%))
Needs time for results, at least 4 months
You have to stick with this product for it to work. Your face will be red and dry for a few months at least before you see any improvement. I have sensitive skin and my skin was noticeably red when starting this. I ignored the questions about it from colleagues and stuck with it. My skin is still dry, but I get a lot less breakouts. I noticed if I target a new zone it goes spotty, but then clears up. Oil-free moisturiser is the key and drinking lots of water to hydrate the skin. I am hoping eventually my skin will stop being as dry, it's no longer red. I've been using it for 6 months.
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October 30, 2023
Product used: Neutrogena (On-the-Spot Acne Treatment Cream)
Worth a Try
I only give BP a 4/5 because sometimes BP is like magic while other times I wonder if it's a curse. I have gotten clear skin from BP but the line between dry and dry af is a constant battle. It's a lot more active of a fix than other treatments might be. I think it's something I'll always keep in for its benefits such as: making my blind pimples and others go away much faster, gentle exfoliation and anti bacterial properties. The side effects I experience are dryness of varying levels. Sometimes the dryness is enough that it gives me smile lines where others it's a minor annoyance that's not visible. If you have painful pimples, inflammation or workout I say definitely give BP a try.
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October 26, 2023
Product used: Acne.org (Treatment (Benzoyl Peroxide - 2.5%))
Only for agressive and strong acne
Good product , but I recommend to use on special prone agressive acne.. it's abit harsh for normal to light acne and normal to combine skin.
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September 30, 2023
Product used: Acne.org (Back/Body Regimen with Benzoyl Peroxide)
Been using the regimen for 20 years now!!!
I’ve started using Dan Kerns regimen in 2005, one year after completing an accurate treatment (that I now regret). I’ve been faithful to this regimen for almost TWENTY YEARS because it truly works. I have tried to stop using it and without fail, my acne comes back. I’m 37 now and had my first baby six months ago, I’m finding my acne is flaring up again. I am not worried, I just ramp up the regimen and use more BP 2x a day (I usually use it 1x a day for maintenance) and AHA. His products are the absolute best and highest quality out there. I don’t know what I’d do without them. Thank you for twenty years of service, Dan!!! Truly from the bottom of my heart. NOTE : it takes weeks of itching to get accustomed to the BP… but then you can use it forever without a bother. If you stop for a few weeks, there will be a bit of itching to restart. Nothing like the first time around. It’s worth it!
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September 21, 2023
Product used: Benzagel (Benzoyl Peroxide (5% or 10%))
Great for body acne, terrible for the face.
I'm conflicted on this because it works REALLY well for the acne I have on my butt. But it wrecked havoc on my face. Used 5% wash, left on for just 1 min before washing off, just like I do on my bottom. It made my skin red, peeling, and every day I was waking up to tiny little whiteheads. I used for 2 weeks before deciding this wasn't for me. I don't think it was purging but simply irritation - especially because my face burned/turned red but just applying moisturizer. Since stopping my face has cleared up a lot. I will just continue to use on my butt!
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July 20, 2023
Product used: Acnecide (Benzoyl Peroxide (5%) Gel)
Acnecide Routine to reduce Papules Pustules and Erythema
*Review for the Acnecide 5% Face Wash and not the Gel* I have (had) adult acne in the form of papules and pustules for the past 3 years; I have been using the Acnecide 5% face wash for 4.5 weeks and have noticed a massive drop in the acne lesions on my face. My blemishes are enmeshed with erythema/redness (PIE) which have also cleared a lot. I attempted to use it 3 nights a week initially which caused a rash of redness, irritation and itchiness. I then phased it back in one night a week and increased to three nights a week over a 4 week period. 2-3 times a week seems to be tolerable. I first cleanse with Cera Ve Hydrating cleanser for 90 seconds and rinse. I then massage the Acnecide cleanser onto damp skin for 90 seconds on my cheeks and rinse (leaving it on for longer increases irritation and may leave some bumps/rash -they will go down eventually). I moisturise on damp skin (I've stopped towel drying which has helped loads) which helps to curb some of the irritation and itchiness. Use a patting motion, it will dry naturally in a couple of minutes. Stick at it, I wanted to stop using it the first week because of the itchiness. Use a hydrating cleanser on the other days, I typically double cleanse in the evening (Cera Ve then Acnecide) so my skin can take being washed twice. I'd avoid double cleansing if you have more sensitive skin. I have not found anything else that works as effectively, the routine doesn't feel arduous when you start seeing the results. I noticed a reduction in redness end of week 2 / start of week 3. I get some hormonal acne monthly, these blemishes are turned over relatively fast. I will continue to use it to maintain clearer skin. I have not come across anything else that works as effectively. Don't be put off by the initial irritation, I'm really glad that I persevered with it. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/benzoyl-peroxide/
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July 15, 2023
Product used: Acne.org (Treatment (Benzoyl Peroxide - 2.5%))
This is the stuff!
20 years of use, only thing that works!
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January 24, 2023
Product used: Acne.org (Treatment (Benzoyl Peroxide - 2.5%))
works very well
it worked well on my skin
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1 user(s) found this helpful

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January 20, 2023
Product used: Acne.org (Treatment (Benzoyl Peroxide - 2.5%))
For those scared of the side affects
Stay the course!! Yes, you’ve heard it, benzoyl peroxide is always going to have side affects in the beginning. Redness, extreme dryness, irritation, flaking skin, it’s uncomfortable! But in my experience as someone with incredibly sensitive skin, I believed BP didn’t work for me and was too intense, and I never used it consistently enough to get past the side affects. Once I finally did, my skin has never been better! I struggled with painful cystic forehead acne, and as of now I haven’t had a single blemish on my forehead in almost a year. If you use this once every few days, or only a few drops because you’re scared of the redness it will cause, your skin will never adjust to the treatment. Follow the instructions given, go all in, stay on top of moisturizing and brave the side affects for a couple weeks, and after that, your skin returns to normal. I use 2 full pumps morning and night and experience NO redness, and my skin remains shiny and moisturized after I put on my moisturizer. It works, just stick with it!
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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.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

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.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website