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
April 19, 2008

Pros:

Smell is fine. Left my skin super smooth and moisturized. No burning, flaking, or itching whatsoever.

Cons:

None that i can think of.

I'm a 15 year old female. I've used Benzaclin before. It was only a one step kind of thing and it did make my skin dry. I tried Proactiv and right away my skin was smooth, clean, and moisturized. Everybody's skin is different and it'll effect everyones differently. For me I had zero burning, itching, or flaking. As I said before, I've used a similar product so that may be why I haven't experienced that with Proactiv. I only just started this, but so far it's amazing. My parents noticed a drastic difference in my skin in just a couple of days. I only have mild acne; I broke out on my chin and a little on the sides of my face. So far, for me, this product is amazing and I absolutely love it. Some say that it was horrible; they broke out more than they did before using it and they had unbearable burning. They may be allergic to it or they may have very sensative skin, both of which I do not have. You have to take everything into consideration. You won't know until you try. Give it a shot.
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 16, 2008

Pros:

Cleared up skin fast.

Cons:

Dried out my skin horribly. After a year on it, the effects turned on me, and I found myself with blemishes in places (cheeks, nose) wher I had not had before.

After the flaking and peeling began, I used a bit more of the repairing lotion until I figured out that my face was reacting to it badly. I stopped using that and used a normal mosturizer. I would tell you that this works well for a while, but in the long run, fails to impress.
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 12, 2008

Pros:

This stuff keeps my face clear. I mean NICE! I haven't had nice skin since I was ten (I'm 23 now),and I've been using this four months now, and have been recommending it to all my friends with acne problems. Use it consistently and you will be happy!

Cons:

None that I can think of. Benzoyl peroxide stains, but that's the nature of the beast. That is nothing compared to finally getting nice skin.

Before I tried this stuff, I had been on a prescribed antibiotic (doxycycline) and antiobiotic acne cream (DuAc: clyndamycin and 10% benzoyl peroxide) for two years. I got decent results, but it never totally cleared me up and it never even touched the deeper red marks on the sides of my face. I tried this 2.5% benxoyd peroxide from this site because I got tired of putting antibiotics into my body for so long, and because a friend told me it worked for her "like magic." Well Im so glad I did. My face is clear now!! I didn't think that would ever happen. I went from purplish/red deep acne on the sides of my face, with topical zits here and there, and now if I get 1 zit it's only because I didn't use my 2.5% benz. peroxide last night. Be patient and use it consistently (use a lot like Dan suggests). I saw some results within a week, and it only keeps getting better for me. MY mom keeps saying "That stuff you're using is working GREAT on you!"
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 7, 2008

Pros:

The good side is the pills do help and the cream isn't real drying. If you use alot then yes it will dry your face out.

Cons:

Doesn't completley cure your acne but helps. Also the cream does discolor fabric some. Also Up the size of the cream. Sometimes it doesn't seem like enough for a month.

I've used Natures Cure since it came out. It's probabaly the only product out there i trust anymore. It isn't a complete cure, but hopefully will help.
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 2, 2008

Pros:

-fair price
-easy to use
-most effective productive I've used so far

Cons:

-dries out your skin

This by far works better than proactiv. I've used plenty of other products and been to the dermatologist and nothing worked for me. I think my acne actually became worse in the first few days of treatment, but quickly cleared up by the fifth day. My skin is a more even and there are less bumps underneath the skin.
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
March 22, 2008

Pros:

so far its been doing really good i really love it a lot i hope it clears my pimples and small breakouts

Cons:

this product takes time to heal

Its a great product and fun to use and i believe it will definity help your sking and smells nice like baby lotion the toner and repairing lotion
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
March 13, 2008

Cons:

THIS PRODUCT STINKS! It dried out my skin and made my zits WORSE! Murad Acne Complex is the way to go!

Proactiv is just a bunch of BULLSH*T! DON'T USE IT!
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
March 9, 2008

Pros:

Worked Really well to clear my acne, made skin look and feel alot better.

Cons:

Acne returns after a short while if you stop using product.

The products worked really well for me, I found them kind of expensive, but am willing to pay the price because they work so well. Unfortunately they are not a permanent cure, and you need to continue usage or else pimples return
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
February 25, 2008

Pros:

I had this terrible break out at the top of my face that make up couldnt cover up. I have been using this product for only like a week or two and it is almost completely gone! I noticed in like a day or two that it was clearing up.

Cons:

My face got a little dry/itchy

Buy it and try it. If you have acne that wants to be cleared up, it will. If you just want an everyday face wash that will prevent you from getting acne, this product will help do that also.
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
February 14, 2008

Pros:

It actually worked!!! Tablets have no bad taste or side effects. Price is amazing.

Cons:

The cream is drying, but I found if I use it every other day it isn't so bad.

This is a wonderful product. I suffered with severe acne when I was a teenager and was placed on Accutane's highest prescription. I was fortunate to have had no scarring ( I used Colonial Dames Vitamin E cream and it healed any marks). But now in my 30's I found that hormonal changes and stress have stared to make havoc with my face all over again. So, on a recommendation from my brother I tried Nature's Cure. This stuff works wonders!!! I have been on it for about a month now and my acne has almost all gone away. I have a few small pimples come up, but i just use the cream and they go away in a day or two. I will keep using it and hopefully they will all clear up :)
This Was Helpful

6 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.