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
January 1, 2009

Pros:

Takes a long time to start working

Cons:

When you DO stop using it you breakout worse than before. It's expensive as well.

It sucks. Seriously
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December 18, 2008

Pros:

Works pretty well, you need to wait about a month to actually see results. Don't stop using, you will breakout again. You need to go through a stage of worse before better. I recommend this product it gives you perfect smooth skin that chicks crave.

Cons:

Takes to long to start working, you have to keep using or else you break out all over again, makes your skin kinda dry.

It will make your skin feeling smooth and perfect and you will have the robust confidence to spit game with the super hot chicks and you don't have to worry about being denied. Trust me this product works it just takes awhile.
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December 1, 2008

Pros:

- cleared up most of my acne within the first few weeks of use
- doesn't have a bad smell

Cons:

- it's pretty drying, even with the moisturizer

About a year ago I started using a prescription b.p. (5%), but this one is less expensive and works better for me. I think it's definitely worth any dryness I experience.
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November 30, 2008

Pros:

-fresh tingly feeling
-clears acne

Cons:

(this is the reason i gave it a 4/5 smiley faces)--->dry skin

I WOULD DEFINITELY RECOMMEND! if u use it as spot treatment, it works VERY VERY VERY WELL! ALMOST ALL MY ACNE IS GONE YEYEYEYEY!
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November 28, 2008

Pros:

it cleared my skin fast, my skin was kept nice and soft, the price was very affordable compared to the doctor's prescriptions.

Cons:

the product only works for some people, and it works off and on - i recommended it to my sister, and it dried out her skin. Good thing was, they gave her a full refund (it was easy because we bought them at kiosks)

I used to pay hundreds/thousands of dollars for medical treatments and they work just the same as proactiv does on my skin. I think it's acceptable to have occasional breakouts, as long as they're not severe. Even when i was on medication i still had a few breakouts, but i understood that no treatment was 100% effective and long term. You really don't know if the product will work or not unless u try it for urself, so just get the 60 day kit at the kiosks (so u don't have to risk of them charging ur bank account indefinitely) and ask for a full refund if it doesnt work for you. Read the instructions carefully! It is a strong product and you really should start with using the product twice a week and gradually build up. And don't use too much of the product either, it will dry up ur skin before it can heal the acne. Also check your moisturizer as well; make sure you don't use any rich creams - i found myself breaking out more frequently when i tried to use a heavy moistu
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November 24, 2008

Pros:

Really did get rid of my acne in about three days.

Cons:

Caused swelling and puffiness around my eyes, face is VERY dried out with red blotchy ITCHY areas.

Does its job but leaves your skin dry, red and itchy.
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November 22, 2008

Pros:

Cleared acne within few days!

Cons:

Drys skin.

Very effective. Use moisturizer.
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November 19, 2008

Pros:

Works great! I've used this product for a couple years now, and had to use it even more recently because I'm pregnant. It works really great!

Cons:

It smells really badly

Buy it, it's cheap and worth trying.
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November 19, 2008

Pros:

It can work, but off and on. I have tried to go off of it to something quicker to use, more affordable and more readily available, but usually have to go back to Proactiv. Once I go back on it, it takes a long time for it to be effective again.

Cons:

It takes 15-20 minutes (morning and evening) to use the 3-step system as directed... not exactly a quick routine. If you have pillowcases that are not white, when you lay your face on them to go to bed, they will have bleached spots by morning.

I have had acne since I was 15, I am now 27. I have used prescription creams and pills (including Accutane). Proactiv is the only face wash that has ever made any type of difference. It totally depends on the person.
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November 17, 2008

Pros:

The benzoyl peroxide parts worked ok, and I felt like my skin cleared up for alittle while.

Cons:

In the long run, I dont like or reccomend proactiv. I didnt have alot of whitehead type pimples, I get cyst ones and black heads. The proactiv didnt give enough for the amount you have to pay, and it did nothing for my cystic pimples.

In my case, my face was not covered in acne, I just got severe breakouts in concentrated spots, with extremely painful pimples. I had to go on antibiotics to work it from the inside out. I have however, had friends that had light breakouts use it and like it, but I think if you actually have acne problems, you should probably get medicines for it. And Ive read that toner is bad for your skin; it strips the oil that you need. But thats just what Ive heard.
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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.