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
August 24, 2011

Pros:

Reduces size of large zits & cysts
Clears zits quickly when used as spot treatment
Prevents new acne pretty well when used all over as in the regimen
Goes in smoothly and easily
Absorbs quick with minimal white residue left behind

Cons:

Small tube
Somewhat drying, but not bad for being 10%
can't find the 5% or 2.5% anywhere but would like to try them...

Overall it works as good as any bp treatment. It is a gel which is nice, but only the 10% is widely available so I haven't been able to try the lower ones. Definitely does what it is suppose to do, just keep using it and remember, just because you keep getting some zits doesn't mean it isn't working. It will DEFINITELY reduce what you currently have if used as a spot treatment at first and help prevent new acne from forming if used consistently with the regimen as suggested.
This Was Helpful

8 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 21, 2011

Pros:

-cleanses well
-works great for big breakouts

Cons:

-rough if you have sensitive skin
-very drying
-causes and wont get rid of my white bumps
-can damage skin

its an okay product that is better for severe acne, not just little whiteheads and pimples. Its very drying so moisturize and exfoliate.
This Was Helpful

8 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 17, 2011

Pros:

-slighty helps acne

Cons:

-redness
-burns
-stings
-NOT FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

i used this for two days and my skin is red and blotchy and is burning terribly and my eyelids are burning badly..dont use this if you have sensitive skin
This Was Helpful

8 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 14, 2011

Pros:

You can send it back even if you've used it!

Cons:

Gave me a really bad rash.

I really wanted to like Proactiv but it did nothing for me! I wouldn't say I have sensitive skin but this gave me such a bad rash. It might work for other people, so I'd give it a go but I won't be using it again.
This Was Helpful

8 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 10, 2011

Pros:

sulphur refining mask

Cons:

Dry, flaky skin
scarring
breakouts

The pics are fake! however,the refining mask does work, but it is too expensive!
This Was Helpful

8 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 5, 2011

Pros:

Initially effective

Cons:

Dried out my skin
Irritates skin
Stopped working after a few months
Toner stings

I started using Proactiv as a last resort. I have mild acne, with a few bumps popping up around that magical time of the month. Initially Proactiv seemed to help minimize those bumps and actually seemed to prevent new ones from forming. But after a few months of usage (about three) it seemed to stop working. It wasn't because I started slacking off on the twice a day routine of cleansing. Trust me, no one could have been more strict about usage than I was. I don't know why Proactiv suddenly stopped working, but after three months the monthly bumps started coming back. The cleansing system also dried out my skin. Even when it was working, I was left with skin that was clear but extremely dried out despite my attempts to moisturize. Overall, I would say that Proactiv is a waste of money. It is entirely too expensive and if you are looking for a longterm sure, this IS NOT it.
This Was Helpful

8 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 3, 2011

Pros:

See results in 5-7 days
Get it locally
Cost is very low
Works

Cons:

Lotion slightly dries out the skin

I got this product at cvs for $15 on sale. I am 13 and have light to moderate acne and blackheads. I read reviews and decided to ride my bike to cvs and give it a try. I had a huge pimple on my lip and after the 2nd use on the first day i noticed the pimple was virtually gone. I have been concistently using this for 4 days and i can see major improvements on my skin! The steps are easy: 1. Cleanser. Wet your face and massage a bit of cleanser throughtout your entire face to open your pores and rinse. 2. Toner. Using a cotton ball put a bit of toner on your entire face after it is dry. Let the toner dry and apple step 3. 3. Repair lotion. Using a cotton ball use lotion in the problem areas ( or entire face if you wish) The lotion does dry out your skin so use a spf lotion of cream on your face afterwards. Thats all! A 7 minute process! Like i said, so far i am very satisfied with this product! Message me if you have any questions! Go AcneFree!!!
This Was Helpful

8 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 25, 2011

Pros:

Reduces blackheads,
Not drying AT ALL (I use all over face),
It works.

Cons:

None for me.

I got this for free because of a shipping mistake and I wasn't going to use it but I decided to try it and OH. MY. GOSH. This junk is amazing.
This Was Helpful

8 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 22, 2011

Pros:

-Doesn't dry out skin
-Smells nice
-Worked better for me as a spot treatment
-Easy to apply

Cons:

-Loses effectiveness over time

Eh, mixed results with this one. I was skeptical about the 4 hour claim to reduce acne it had on the package and I was right. Works on developing pimples, not so much with blackheads,whiteheads and scars. Plenty of cheaper and more effective products out there.
This Was Helpful

8 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 21, 2011

Pros:

Ceeps your skin clear.

Cons:

Breaches your bath towel when you dry off, can burn if left on too long.

A very effective product.
This Was Helpful

8 user(s) found this helpful

Report

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.