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
February 20, 2011

Pros:

Made my skin softer
Keeps acne from worsening

Cons:

Did not clear acne
Expensive

Proactiv only keeps my acne from getting worse; it has not cleared my skin. I had to spend about $100 for a 4-5 month supply and have been using it for quite a few months now. I only continued to use this because I have not yet found a product that clears my acne.
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February 7, 2011

Pros:

Noticable improvement in just 3 days! Inexpensive!

Cons:

Is every strong! Made my face very dry at first. Also, a burning sensation & redness occurs. I stopped using it twice a day & now use it once a day. That has helped! My skin looks healthier & even shows signs of repair already. I like to work with things before I give up completely. I may have to use it every other day sometimes, but I will not give up on yet.

So far so good!!! May not be for severe acne people.
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February 6, 2011

Pros:

Fast
Effective
Cheap

Cons:

Over-drying, Peeling, Flaky, Stings and Burns -for the first couple of weeks of application until skin adjusts. (but honestly well worth it)

I had back and chest acne over a year ago so I tried this, I realised if I used a fair amount (meaning a lot everyday after showering) It instantly got rid of my body acne. But a few months ago I developed facial acne, baring in mind our faces are more sensitive that back and chest, So I started the regime last week I was my face with tea tree cleanser then dry my face, apply BP ( now I'm going to add more) once that has soaked in I apply Neutrogena Visibly Clear Oil Free Moisturiser, It hasnt been long but so far I'm seeing dramatic changes!!
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February 6, 2011

Pros:

got rid of some acne

Cons:

too strong- dried out my skin
gave me big breakouts on my chin

these products are very strong and if you have sensitive skin i would not recommend trying this kit. For the first week it worked good at clearing some acne, not most though and during the second week i broke out more. overall this product was as good as i hoped it would be.
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February 3, 2011

Pros:

Not as drying as higher % BP, no white streaks on my face, no strong smell, big bottle dont have to run and buy as often as little tubes

Cons:

can only get online so have to wait for it to ship

Other BP had my face SO DRY AND FLAKY and would leave me face white and tight and melt off my face (eww). This really leaves NO RESIDUE on my face I was so surprised! Also there is no strong smell and it really feels like a smooth gel on my face. I am very pleased, it just sucks to have to wait for it in the mail. but hey cant have it all
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February 3, 2011

Pros:

Nothing

Cons:

-Big rashes on cheeks and eyelids]
-Acne got worser
-Skin peeling like crazy
-Face stings
-Face itchy
-Makes things worser
-Makes acne more noticeable
-Face is so red in areas like big splats of paint just right there :P

At first I had only acne on my nose, just a little. When I first started using it, it felt a little weird. The face wash smells and is rough. Then after a little over a week. My whole fast started getting swollen with big red patches of rashes all over my cheeks and chin and gnaw. My face is really itchy and I try not to itch it, good thing I don't itch it. My dad is so paranoid, he tells me that my face is like rotting away which makes me really sad. I wish I still had those very few acne so I don't need to deal with any of this pain. I tried many things,but I am not ready to give up.
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January 30, 2011

Pros:

closes my pores for a while..not greasy

Cons:

drys out your face veryy badly!!

i used this product for a week straight every morning and night. I didnt think my skin would get so dry! i woke up one morning with dry skin all around my mouth..i couldnt smile or laugh! i looked like an old women..i would put creams on but it would only burn..iv tried everything but nothing seems to work. I thought panoxyl would work but all it did was dry out my face to the extreeme. im now trying a home remedy..aloe vera gel straight from the plant..im praying that it will work!! i only use panoxly when i feel as if my face is greasy..it then doesnt dry out my face just feels refreshed!
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January 29, 2011

Pros:

-Um...dries clear?

Cons:

-Weird consistency
-Doesn't work!

I used this for about 2 weeks without seeing results. I would apply it to my spots and it would pretty much do absolutely nothing. After going online and reading reviews, I went and returned this crap for Clean and clear Persa-gel 10. OMG what a difference. Seriously, don't waste your money on this stuff before exploring other options!
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January 22, 2011

Pros:

Cleared acne
Reduced redness
Prevented breakouts

Cons:

dried out skin for the first couple weeks

even though it can cause dryness, it works on acne REALLY well
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January 21, 2011

Pros:

Light, cleared my skin

Cons:

VERY drying, and the foam stops coming out, like the cans are defective and you are left with full cans you can't use!

It cleared up my skin, not all the way but maybe 80% but it was VERY drying and if i got it onto my neck, my neck would be red and scaly. For some reason all the cans seem to be defective and end up not working halfway in, so you are left with cans of stuff you cant use! and NO i didnt do anything wrong, I know how to squirt foam out of a can! :P Its worth a shot, but be prepared if it doesnt work for you, to cancel. and that usually means harassment from sales people. But its their job ya know.
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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.