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:

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February 11, 2009

Pros:

Works really well at first, cleared up my major acne, reduced redness

Cons:

Drys out my skin after a while, expensive,

It worked really well for me when I first tried it. It began becoming less effective after months of use and started to dry out my skin after weeks of use.
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February 11, 2009

Pros:

cheap

Cons:

stinks and doesn't work

i've been using for 3 weeks now and feel like my pimples/acne has actually increased. I keep using it to get past "the point" that everyone talks about, plus I paid about $17 for the kit..
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February 5, 2009

Pros:

it really works!!!!
the first night i used it my skin felt really clean, and the new pimples that were forming were almost gone by the next morning =]
I LOVE IT!!! =D

Cons:

it drys your skin at firs, but your skin adapts to it

this really works and is something everyone should try..acne really messes with your selfsteem and the way that you think people look at you...so definetaly try it!!!
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February 3, 2009

Pros:

fast, reduced swelling and redness of pimples in about 2 days, but also did a great job on blackheads on my nose. also, worked great to prevent pimples and got rid of my oily skin

Cons:

none really, outside of some dryness and occasional redness, but what topical treatment doesn't do that!

affordable, works great, works fast, and it also helps minimize my pores
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February 3, 2009

Pros:

Works wonderfully, very inexpensive, fast acting

Cons:

Burns a little

This stuff is incredible. It worked amazingly at clearing up my acne. Though I do not have completely clear, flawless skin, I believe that eventually I will get there. :) Not to mention, this stuff is dirt-cheap-- $1 at Dollar General? How much better can it get? Warning: Use small dabs at a time. Don't go crazy, like I did. I was so excited about the results of the first night, that on the second and third night I piled on this stuff like mad. BAD idea. It will get very dry and peel. My daily night time acne regimen is using face cleaners with fine particles that exfoliate the skin, then applying a light moisturizer with spf, and finally this stuff. Make sure your cleaner and moisturizer are both noncomodegenic and oil free. Finally, I recommend that you stop using very much conditioner. Use Suave Clarifying Shampoo (only around $1.50 for a family size bottle), and use it frequently. Condition only around 2 times a week, and do not use it in your roots. :) GET THIS STU
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January 30, 2009

Pros:

It works; if you've got moderate acne or better, it starts working really quickly.

Cons:

Sometimes the repair lotion dries out my skin slightly; nothing a little moisturizer can't fix.

I was skeptical of this for a while, but soon enough I realized that nothing else was working for me. I gave it a try and was very pleased with the results. I had moderate acne prior, but Proactiv made sure that my skin stayed clear. Of course, there is the occasional pimple, especially around that "time of the month". But my skin was generally clear, which is all I needed. I used this religiously for almost a year BUT Late this past summer I broke my nose and had to wear a cast for 5 days; the cast was held onto my face by two crisscrossing pieces of tape each going from an eyebrow, across the nose, and ending on the opposite cheek. So I was not able to wash my face for 5 days. My skin absolutely FREAKED OUT. It was so bad. And I've had awful skin since then. It's been about 5 months and it isn't clearing. Some things I'm using help a bit, but I still see new spots every day. So, bottom line: BE CONSISTENT or your skin will freak out. Otherwise, it worked like
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January 25, 2009

Pros:

The stuff worked great! At 21, my acne was taking over - I have acne all over my forehead, and I started getting large ones under my skin in such a way that the skin in that area would swell. Proactive cleared up my skin amazingly!

Cons:

The stuff comes in three steps, so you need to do three things. Also, the stuff was really drying, some times stinging. Costs ~$60 for about 2 1/2 to 3 months worth (pricey, but not bad). Stop using it and acne comes right back!

Works great on the acne, but leaves the skin very dry, sometimes leaving my skin very flaky. But, again, works wonders. Just find a good moisturizer that will take care of the dryness, and there's no problem. Price is okay, not bad for a 2 1/2 months worth of product. Can not stop using it though, the minute you do, the acne comes right back. P.S. I rank my acne as moderate to moderate severe. Never had a week without acne before this product, and my face hurt to touch at times because of the acne.
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January 24, 2009

Pros:

The refining mask is nice occassionaly to help dry out my oily skin and skin felt soft the following day, however has never helped with acne.

Cons:

I have mild-moderate acne with occassional bad breakouts - there was no change on this product. My younger sister had severe acne and this product did not work in the slightest. My friend had very mild and occassional breakouts and saw no results.

I have yet to meet a person in which proactiv has worked for them, I am very consistent with my cleansing routine and saw absoulutely no results - I was also told this is a horrible product for your skin in the long run by dermatologists. The marketing campaign is very good - even when I see them I consider trying it again - then am reminded that its all a marketing ploy and will NOT work.
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January 22, 2009

Pros:

helped clear pimples.........for a short period of time.

Cons:

STOPPED WORKING!

i used acnefree for about 3 years i think? at the beginning, i remember being satisfied. Then, in habit, i just kept buying that product. before you know it, my skin came back just the way it was. people say i dont have bad skin, but i get like 1 or 2 HUGE pimples on my face every week or so. :(
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January 21, 2009

Pros:

**THIS REVIEW IS FOR THE ENTIRE 3 STEP PROCESS**
uhm... the refining mask is the only thing that was usable. it works okay if you keep it on over night, but for big pimples it takes 4 days for it to actually work.

Cons:

sometimes makes it redder!
in my case i got more, and then the pimple became more shiney.

i dont think its a good product, the advertising makes it seem like a miricale product when its really not. i dont have bad acne, only 2 or 3 at a time but i want perfect skin and this product didnt help.
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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.