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
December 21, 2009

Pros:

The results are fast and my pimples dry up prety fast. I sugest do it over night.

Cons:

Your skin gets a bit flaky and dry but mostireser will fix that :D

It's great, cheap but works very well. It takes away your acne.
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December 19, 2009

Pros:

-Worked for about a week
-feels good
-nice packaging?

Cons:

-After 1 week my face started breaking out - Smells bad
-Dries up your face - Expensive!!!! ($97 for 5 things!!!!)

This stuff sucks. I used to have what i would consiter mild acne (3-4 small pimples) and now i get these 2 huge red pus balloons on my cheeks every week as well as the acne i had before. As much as the stupid commercials convince you to buy this sh*t, do NOT!!! I GOT TRICKED DON'T YOU TOO!!!!
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December 11, 2009

Pros:

Show results in less than a week. (for me.)

Cons:

Night lotion pretty dry and irritating

I've been using this product for a little over a week and it reduce the apperance of blemishes and dried out all the bumps. So far this process is going great!! ----BUT---- The night creme pretty much makes my skin feel a little dry and irritated and I'm sure that's what's burning and drying my lebret (area below the bottom lip, right above the chin) The solution for that is to reduce the use of the product to every other day. I'll give it another two weeks and post another review. Hopefully my lebret is no longer burning!
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December 11, 2009

Pros:

Clears skin at first

Cons:

Stops working and doesn't completely clear you up

I use the Acne Free Severe because the regular one doesn't work as well. I have been using this product for a long time and it worked for awhile, but noticed my skin is breaking out just as much as before I started using it. I might as well not be using it. I think it does help limit some of my zits but even using this according to the directions and on a consistent basis, I still always have about 3 zits on my face. Might be good for people with light acne. I use it because I can't find anything else that works and it's now just a routine, which is pathetic that nothing out there can cure acne.
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December 9, 2009

Pros:

Somewhat affordable, very clear instructions

Cons:

Runs out fast!

I tried this product hopng it would work as well if not better than procactiv solution, but it didnt work at all for me. It said in the pamplet that comes packaged with the klear action solution that YOUR ACNE MAY WORSEN IN THE FIRST WEEK OF TREATMENT. This was very true, my acne did get a whole lot worse and using this product just seemed to get me back where i started before i tried it.
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December 9, 2009
PRICE SCAM! I ordered product and was given a total of $29.95 but when the product arrived it was 2 installments of $29.95 for a total of $59.90. Never was that total given until I received the product. I havn't used it and I'm already not pleased. Watch out for the price scam!!!!!
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December 9, 2009

Pros:

Makes your skin pretty smooth, scrubs away scars. I like the face wash with the exfoliating beads. DOES clear up pimples after several days. Pores are less noticeable.

Cons:

Toner makes skin SUPER SUPER SUPER dry! And it does make your skin turn red, so use it at night. Or use it in the morning then cover with good foundation. The Refining mask does not work for me. Just makes my skin smelly.

Avoid toner! If you're buying it, BUY IT AT THE KIOSK (the little carts in the malls). And buy only the face wash and lotion. Toner is NOT necessary according to online beauty sources. Don't buy it online b/c you'll be added to their membership list and they charge you every month. AND WHEN USING proactiv, make sure that after face wash and lotion, USE plenty of moisturizing lotion with SPF at least 15 (the more the better). If you feel your skin feel the slightest dryness, moisturize right away to prevent your skin from peeling! The ingredients are supposed to "suck away oil" so that you'll have less pimples and less blocked pores. I don't know how to prevent the redness though... I'll find out soon. IF YOU still want to keep proactiv, just follow these steps.
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December 1, 2009

Pros:

easy convenient EFFECTIVE inexpensive WORKS FAST! =]

Cons:

nonnnneeee at all

ive used these pads for like 3 months now, and theyre amazing =D i have like really oily skin so at first they just made my skin even more oily and it wasnt pretty...just really oily and gross...but i kept using them because i knew benzoyl peroxide is very effective, and i found that each day my skin got less oily and adjusted to the medication in the padsss. within about a week my skin wasnt even oily anymore and started looking really good! my acne dries out soooooo quick and then just comes off the surface of my skin like MAGIC!
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November 27, 2009

Pros:

only a little bit is needed, it dries out the zit, feels cool on skin.

Cons:

smells kinda bad,takes awhile to work,peels slightly

i like it, it's not the best but, when you have a pimple it works.
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November 27, 2009

Pros:

So far its tightened my pores, and stopped any other pimpkes from forming

Cons:

a pimple I had prior to using it became hardened and painful

Though I have not been using it for long I like it, I will update in about a week with more details.
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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.