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
August 15, 2009

Pros:

quick treatment, works off and on.. Love the SPF moisterizer.

Cons:

Will dry skin out horrible if u dont use a moisterizer, time consuming! Not consistant. Very sun-light sensitive after use.Very expensive.

I can use Pro activ for about two-three weeks, an it works great, instantly clears my skin. But then it starts to dry my skin out(even with the moisterizer), an i have to switch to another more gently wash to almost heal or replenish my skin, when my skin starts to break out again i return to pro-activ.(after another 1-2 weeks) I know it cant be healthy but its the only system that keeps my skin clear consistantly! I would only recomend as long as you use a moisterizer religiously and stop if it starts burning. u have to be careful with pro activ its very harsh.
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August 14, 2009

Pros:

Works fast and makes face look very clean and not oliy

Cons:

If you dont have tough skin can be drying (but thats why it comes with lotion)

I love this stuff. Unlike proative when you stop using it you dont get huge zits! I started using it again because i went some where that made my face break out badly and i need a fast fix me up. What you gonna use: NEUTROGENA
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August 13, 2009

Pros:

Clears major spots.

Cons:

Drys skin. stings eyes just being on the face from how strong it is. Adapts to

I'm not sure whether it is helping now or if I'm being superstitious without it. When i first started using it, it worked really well, now however my skin has gotten to use to it and all it does is scab big spots... which leaves them on my face for a while until they fall off.
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August 13, 2009

Pros:

It made most of the redness go away quickly. I've been using Deferine for 4 months and only saw a little change. My derm gave me Vanoxide and I noticed a difference in less than a week.

Cons:

You have to be careful to use just a little to start until you see how your skin reacts. Too much will make your face red.

So far it's been the best I've tried. I got samples of Aczone from from derm but didn't see much difference plus it's way too expensive.
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August 12, 2009

Pros:

The corrective toner makes my skin feel light and clean and so does the face cleanser.

Cons:

The repair lotion makes my skin oily throughout the day, though naturally I have oily skin. I get a couple pimples here and there and the blackheads are slightly visible. But the product doesn't seem to be getting rid of any of that.

I've been using this product for about a month and I'm still getting breakouts. I have yet to see any results but maybe being patient may work. So far though, nothing about this product has cleared my skin. And honestly, the retinol renewal complex is pointless.
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August 11, 2009

Pros:

Got rid of my acne plain and simple. Friends started commenting on how flawless my skin looked. No one had ever said that before! My skin tone and texture was smooth and even.

Cons:

Product will bleach clothes so avoid applying it on your neck. My skin was irritated at first so I took it slow and my skin adapted.

Worth it hands down. I've tried plenty of other acne products, but this system works the best and will get rid of acne.
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August 8, 2009

Pros:

It cleared up my pimples better than anything I've ever used.

Cons:

A little bit drying.

I really like this. I used to have moderate acne, and this cleared it up to mild, if any at all. I still have 1 or 2 bumps, but this definately works. Get it!
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August 8, 2009

Pros:

Dries the pimple fast and reduces the size effectively it speeds the healing process

Cons:

Takes time to fully get rid of the pimple and dries out the skin fast

PEOPLE your not suppose to put this all over your face because it dries up ur skin thats why its callled ON THE SPOT read the directions and i put it on my cheek and the next morning when i washed the product off my skin was brown and was flaking it was horrible but it went away in about 4 days ummm this product overal is a great product that dries the pimple well! this does not prevent breakouts people it just gets rid of the ones u put it on so ya
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August 7, 2009

Pros:

none that i can think of.

Cons:

proactive gave me the most serious case of closed comedones i have ever seen in real life. my forehead, where i dont usually break out, was a thick, lumpy layer of whiteheads that couldnt be popped.

i usually don't write on these boards, but i felt i had to comment on proactive. i started using only the face wash it and saw some instant, promising results. my skin initially looked polished and clean, and i thought i might have won my lifelong acne struggle. when my forehead started erupting in whiteheads, i washed more to try and get rid of them. bad idea. i cant even find a comparable picture online of how bad my forehead was. i also became 10x more oily on my face than i usually am. it was terrible and i became depressed. i decided to stop proactive to see if it was the problem, and viola! 3 days in and my forehead is almost clear. please, beware and good luck.
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August 3, 2009

Pros:

it really clears up your face fast

Cons:

but it didnt clear up all of the acne

it doesnt work for all acne.
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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.