Benzoyl Peroxide
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Side Effects

Benzoyl peroxide is a topical treatment that kills acne bacteria and dries/peels the skin, helping to keep pores unclogged.

It is usually applied once or twice a day to the acne-affected area. You should see results quickly, but sometimes it takes 4 to 6 weeks of treatment to become apparent.

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31.3%
4
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3
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2
12.5%
1
14%

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April 11, 2010
Product used: Pro-Acne (5% Benzoyl Peroxide Gel)

Pros:

cleared up skin, made skin soft, less pimples, gets rid of pimples that pop up fast

Cons:

can turn face red, can sting, can dry out skin

Okay, so I tried this just after I had my daughter (my prenatal pills cleared up my skin, but once I was done with the pills I broke out again). Yes, at first it burned my face and stung, but honestly I kept using it and and the stinging and redness went away within a week. I have super-sensative skin and thought I had just wasted my money; however, if you read the directions correctly it says that if irritation occurs to reduce usage. You won't know what exactly is irritating your skin unless you keep using it and try different methods of usage. For example, my face dried out terribly. I had to use a lotion along with the lotion that comes with the product and it still didn't work. I tried reducing using it to only using it once a day. Well, that didn't work. It stopped the drying out, but didn't clear up my face. After I realized that didn't work I realized it was the lotion that was drying out my skin. The lotion is "repair lotion" which means it has Benzoyl peroxide in it. For me, it was the Benzoyl peroxide that was drying out my skin. Since I was using the lotion twice a day, I I use the other steps 2 times a day and the lotion only once a day and the drying out stopped. The only Con I really don't like is that if you forget to use it even just one day, you will break out; however, if you can get the package that comes with the "terminator zip cream" (you can even buy the "terminator zip cream" separately at some drug stores like Rite Aid) I would suggest getting it. It's only a couple dollars more for the extra cream but it's worth it! This stuff really does work. Just remember that if your skin dries out to reduce using the lotion to once a day.
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April 4, 2010
Product used: Carley's (Clear and Smooth Skin Treatment)

Pros:

None

Cons:

Too harsh, broke me out like crazy

I bought this due to all the positive reviews on here. Apparently it works great for a lot of people but definitely not for me. I used this for 9 weeks, yes over 2 months and my skin just got worse and worse and worse the longer I used it. It broke me out in TONS of tiny little pimples all over my face and about 5 weeks in I started to get lots of big tender, puss filled zits too, my face was a absolute nightmare. I didn't want to go anywhere or do anything, I was so embarrassed and self conscious. I had myself believing this was the "purging phase" and mine was just taking longer because I used BP and AHA prior to using this. But after 9 week of hell I threw in the towel. I have been back on the regimen for almost 2 weeks now and my skin already has cleared up quite a bit. It was stupid of me to ever go off the regimen but this stuff just seemed like a miracle product because of all the great reviews and I liked the idea of just washing and using a moisturizer (no BP gel to apply then wait for it to dry and so on) this just seemed more simple and faster. Getting this stuff was a HUGE MISTAKE, I'm still paying for it. I think this was just WAY to harsh on my skin. My skin was used to being treated super gently from the regimen then went to scrubbing with a harsh scrub then scrubbing it with a wash cloth right after. I followed the directions exactly for the 9 weeks. This stuff was a HUGE disappointment BEWARE!
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March 13, 2010
Product used: Clean & Clear (Continuous Control Acne Wash)

Cons:

-didn't work
-i used this back when i had mild acne and didn't need makeup yet, it didn't help at all.

it depends on your skin type and/or condition. it might work for you, but it absolutly did not work for me. my advice to you is if you have acne don't expect that a simple wash will cure you. what you need is a treatment. yes, start off with a clean face, the cleanser you choose doesn't even have to be an acne wash, just make sure you have a salicylic acid cream or astringent or you could use benzoyl peroxide.
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March 8, 2010
Product used: Clean & Clear (Persa-Gel 10, Maximum Strength)

Pros:

clears up skin dramatically!
clears up all kinds of acne
doesnt sting at all

Cons:

may take a bit longer to start working on some skin types.
the smell may bother some (basic lotion/cream smell)

This product is amazing! I had a REALLY BAD breakout during exams and it cleared all of the acne up in about 3-4 days. I would recommend this product to anyone! I use it every night to make sure my skin is clear.
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February 22, 2010
Product used: Proactiv Solution (Acne Treatment System)

Pros:

Dries zits, better than clean & Clear, Clears skin!

Cons:

Smells funky, a little painful (only if your zits are huge) too many celeb testimonials.

This product really works, if you keep it up. I turned 17 last year and i have been using this product since I was 12. The products are all different and most of them I actually own. After years of using Proactiv I have came to my own conclusion that Proactiv is the best freakin' acne system out there, especially the refining mask, so good and feels good. My skin is super clear and it will stay that way. (senior prom here I come) So if you want clear skin definitely get Proactiv. NOTE: People need to stop hating on Procativ, because I am pretty sure half of the people on this site, who write nasty reviews about it, probably didn't even use it.
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February 20, 2010
Product used: Carley's (Clear and Smooth Skin Treatment)

Pros:

Never had acne until the age of 31. Tried EVERYTHING! I lost all hope when even the acne system you see on TV made my face worse. I was searching for solutions on ebay and came across this. It's not a quick fix. I didn't see results for 6 weeks. But using it as directed and also using the natural soap and moisturizers they offer eventually brought me clearer skin. I'm also seeing improvement in my sun damaged skin.

Cons:

Barely any.

Excellent product for a low price. No funky ingredients or medicinal smells. No burning toners to use. No frills, excess fanfare, or false promises - they stand behind their product and use it themselves. Can be drying to sensitive skin, but what acne product isn't? Use a good moisturizer like the ones made by Carley's (I use the daytime and midnight moisturizer) and you can't go wrong. I could take up pages listing what I've tried on my picky adult acne. Bottom line is, not everything works for everyone, but I'd suggest this product to anybody.
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February 17, 2010
Product used: Carley's (Clear and Smooth Skin Treatment)

Pros:

All natural

Cons:

None

I still get a few pimples here and there but they are not cystic like before and this really clears them up faster then anything I've ever tried before. These products are great and a great deal as well.
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February 16, 2010
Product used: Carley's (Clear and Smooth Skin Treatment)

Pros:

controls acne, smooths skin, isn't harsh on skin, a little goes a long way!

Cons:

The price for one bottle might seem at first to be pretty high compared to store bought products, but that one bottle will last for many months! So no real cons that I've found!

I've used Carley's Clear & Smooth Skin Treatment for a couple years now. Every time I've stopped using it or have run out, I regret it- because it really works! I do still get occasional zits here and there, but usually just around that certain time of month. It leaves my skin really smooth, and doesn't dry it out or sting like other, acid-based products. I also use their day & nighttime moisturizers for acne prone skin, which work amazing on my combination skin- its not heavy or oily, and it takes care of dry and flakey skin. Bottom line- I'm a real person (not a robot or paid by the company), I was tired of having acne, so I use this stuff, and it works pretty well for me! I definitely recommend giving it a try.
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January 25, 2010
Product used: Neutrogena (Advanced Solutions Complete Acne Therapy System)

Pros:

I noticed after about four days my acne was clearing up, it was amazing. This was literally the best thing for acne i have ever used.

Cons:

It dried my face out like no other. Never have i ever had a product dry my face out this badly. After five days my face was terribly dried out. Even with moisturizer, it didnt help. I had to stop using the product and moisturize everyday to get my face not dry anymore. And i have normally oily skin. :(

Its too bad it dryed my face out because it was amazing to my face. The redness was completly gone! I was acaully tannner!! Because the redness was GONE.
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January 22, 2010
Product used: Carley's (Clear and Smooth Skin Treatment)

Pros:

Everything about this product is a pro, I've tried many many products, but this is the only one that works, I've been using it for almost a year, and the great thing is it's inexpensive. I tell everyone about it.

Cons:

I think you just have to use their moisturizer, I like the midnight moisturizer, this prevents your face from getting a bit dry.

Definitely recommend this, I had given up, but I thought what the heck I'll try one more product. I love it.
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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.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

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.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website