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:

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October 30, 2009

Pros:

Since the Proactive System is primarily based on doses of low percentage BP, it essentially works the same way as The Regimen. Because of this, it is fairly effective at ridding the skin of acne.

Cons:

The biggest Con for me was that their "30 day Trail Size Supply", keyword being "supply", did not last 30 days. I used it as directed and it only lasted me about a week, and I don't have absolutely terrible acne either.

I wouldn't bother with the Proactive treatment again, there are more effective and better value products out there, like the Regimen. One more thing that should be pointed out is that they will automatically send you a 60 day supply whether or not you ask for it. I found out much to my surprise that my Visa had been charged without being informed prior. I was not pleased to say the least. After speaking with customer service and reviewing the order form on their website, the small print does state that they will ship and charge a 60 day supply after my 30 day "supply" should have run out. Some may say convenient. I would say unnecessary and bothersome. In summary, spend your hard earned money elsewhere. The products with the flashiest infomercials aren't always the best.
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October 27, 2009

Pros:

easy regiment

Cons:

made my face and lips dry. I had more zits after 3 weeks.

save your money
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October 25, 2009

Pros:

I like the clean feeling under the skin. The mask works very well and the green tea moisturizer.

Cons:

none

I used the product for a year and a half. It really helped me with my self confidence.
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October 19, 2009

Pros:

no more cystic acne! smells fine, easy to use.

Cons:

BLEACHING. this is not a reason not to buy it, but w/o knowing it i ruined a lot of colored towels.

its a little rough to start out with, might burn and dry out skin, but after sticking to it my skin adjusted fine.

Its the only thing that works. Even though i still get minor breakouts, my skin is just so much healthier overall. I don't get huge embarressing pimples or cystic acne anymore, which is a HUGE confidence booster :DDD My school photos don't need to be retouched, my makeup doesn't get all flaky looking, and my skin feels so smooth. I feel like a normal teenager, its the best(:
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October 4, 2009

Pros:

none

Cons:

I have been using this product for the past few months. It began to work at first but lately I have been getting really painful breakouts in spots I never have gotten them before. My acne has also worsened. It also make my skin look whiter after use.

Its horrible and definately not worth the money DONT USE IT!
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October 2, 2009

Pros:

I really like the product. I have had only one pimple since I started using this product. I am really oily and have not experienced the drying that I have read in the other reviews.

Cons:

None

I have been using this product for two weeks. My doctor said to make sure to wear a sunscreen while using the product. FYI I am an African American female.
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October 1, 2009

Pros:

Great product. When I moved from the UK to Canada 5 years ago my skin changed dramatically. I got acne for the first time in my life, and I was miserable. Carleys clears it up! Their moisturisers and soap are great too!

Cons:

No cons that I can think of other than having to wait for it to arrive, but considering it comes all the way from Florida it's always very timely.

My face is clear. People always tell me I have great skin. This stuff works.
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September 28, 2009

Pros:

Very affordable

Cons:

Did not agree with my skin - it turned incredibly dry and scaly - redder than ever. Bleached my bedsheets/pillowcases (although it does warn on the packaging)

After reading all of the reviews on this site, I was feeling very optimistic at trying out this product but after several months use (5%), I've decided to stop using it as I have noticed no improvement. If anything, my skin is in a worse state than ever.
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September 16, 2009

Pros:

I have been buying the Kick *ss for my daughter who is 17 for the past three years,and it has been Great.

Cons:

She has had NO large break outs since she has been on this and it continues to work for her Great.

It has worked for my teenage daughter for three years now and she is a softball player and in the dirt and alot of sweat all the time. We had tryed other types of treaments that cost a lot more and this does the job just as well if not better. THANK YOU CARLEY
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September 8, 2009

Pros:

I use this product 5 days now. Almost 80% is gone. The big ones look awful first days but then you skin gets how you want it

Cons:

Dries out the skin a bit

Buy this! for this price you won't find anything bether.
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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.

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.