Topical Antibacterial
Reviews
3.5
20757 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 20, 2006
wow this stuff really works
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October 19, 2006

Pros:

I like that it comes in 4 oz. (more than any other products I've used before) but it's surprising how fast you go through it. I also like the no nonsense packaging. It's all about the products!

Cons:

Takes time and patience to allow products to be absorbed, rewashing of hands and applying moisturizer. That was my biggest problem before; committing to a regimen (laziness) But like they say, if you want something, you gotta work for it ;)

This regimen works because it makes sense. It's a life long commitment to maintain great skin so... HERE'S TO GREAT SKIN EVERYONE!
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October 19, 2006

Pros:

My skin is smoother and brighter. Less breakouts than before I started using it. Smells really nice. I especially love using the refining mask as a spot treatment - works really well.

Cons:

Doesn't 100% control breakouts (but is better than anything else I have used)

For me, this is the best over-the-counter system I have tried. No other cleanser, toner, or acne cream has ever come close the the results that I have gotten so far from Proactiv. I will continue using it as long as it is effective. I just hope it does not start to loose effectiveness.
October 19, 2006

Pros:

It's gentle. It works!

Cons:

It gets a little grainy at the end of the tube.

It's a less expesive alternative to the other treatments that spend more money on marketing and famous representatives.
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October 19, 2006
I couldn't find this exact product at the store, but I found a clean and clear one that is 10%. I've only been using it about 5 days, only once a day, and it's amazing! I had a bunch of red spots/scars and about 8 pimples on my chin. It does dry out your skin some, but moisturize alot! And girls, use Oil of Olay....it feels wonderful for the moisturizer!!!
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October 18, 2006

Pros:

The bottom line is that if you are consistent and use this product every morning and every evening, it will help tremendously. I recently bought the Acne-free Severe Acne Treatment and it works even better...I love it!

Cons:

My skin still feels a little oily at times, but it DEFINITELY doesn't dry it out! I never had any skin problems until I was in my 30's. Nothing worked...until this. YOU MUST BE CONSISTENT AND USE IT DAY AND NIGHT. Drink LOTS of water, also!

I liked the regular Acne-Free formula, but the Severe Acne-Free Treatment is probably about 50% better, which is hard to believe! Go for it...it's worth it for about $25.00 per month.
October 18, 2006

Pros:

noticed immediate improvement, helped fade existing scars

Cons:

Hard to get last of creams out of bottle

I am in my early thirties and have had mild acne for as long as I can remember (3-5 blemishes at any given time). My big problem is that when the blemishes themselves resolve, I am left with dark spots of scarring on my medium toned skin. I have tried many different products through the years, but nothing with much success, so when I saw the AcneFree trial pack at Wal-Mart for $2.47 I figured what the heck! Boy, am I glad I did! After just one day of use, I noticed a difference in my skin--it felt smoother, looked more even-toned and there were no new blemishes. After a week of using it, my skin is completely free of acne and my scars have lightened up significantly! I am going to try the AcneFree scar treatment in conjunction with this to see how that works... For the price and the ease of use, I wish I had discovered this years ago! I highly recommend this for anyone with skin like mine--oily with moderate acne.
October 16, 2006
AcneFree works soooo well on my face! I absolutley LOVE it! The 3-step system is fun too! I was so excited when I first got it, within about 4-5 days my face was zit-free! I don't suffer from that bad of acne, just a few pimples here and there, but it sure clears them up. My chin was the worst spot. And now it is smooth with no pimples! I have the 2-step scar erase solution too. It all works great and I recommend it to everyone!
October 15, 2006

Pros:

Amazing!!! My face has cleared up. I am so thankful. I don't have to hide out anymore. I used ProActiv for 2 years when it *stopped* working. Then for several years I struggled with my complexion UNTIL I discovered this regimen. Now my face is clear!

Cons:

This regimen takes alot of time. But of course, it's worth it.

If you are trying to decide whether or not to try this regimen - do it!!! I want to tell everyone I meet that has acne to try this regimen. Acne is such a horrible thing to live with. And you don't have to. :-)
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October 15, 2006

Pros:

Great stuff! This product saved my face and confidence. Perfect size and potency- I'll use it for the rest of my life.

Cons:

None

I've used this for the past year and a half. When I started, my acne was moderate-on a good day. I noticed results within weeks, and now my face is completely clear with the exception of the occasional breakout which happens every few months. I owe Dan so much - Thank You for providing this product and regimen to all of us.
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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.