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
July 11, 2009

Pros:

Heals acne and old blemishes quickly:^)

Cons:

Can cause drying and redness:^(

This is the best item that i've used...I have tried many things while battling acne for over 3 years.
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July 9, 2009

Pros:

- Cleared Pimples early
- Face feels good once it is used to it
- After a very long breakout after about 3 months my skin is almost blemish free

Cons:

- Dried out skin while I was getting used to it
- Expensive for a youth (me)
- Has a slight odour

For me, it works just as advertised, but as I see not for others. After a year I don't need to use it regularly because the proactiv helped control the oil on my face. I think ProActiv is a great product.
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July 7, 2009

Pros:

Cleared my face up extra fast, in about three days, got rid of old dark spots from years ago, very affordable, better than proactive.

Cons:

cant use every day or it will burn, will make you peel

Use it! it works, I wish I had found this years ago, my acne is finally gone only use this every other day, and you will be fine, all of my old acne, dark spots from me peeling old bumps off are gone, this stuff is the bomb, I have very young looking skin now, very smooth and clear, go get it, only seven dollars at right aide : )
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July 1, 2009

Pros:

i tryed it for a week now and i noticed a real change on my skin,

Cons:

the dryness of my skin,i have to use an other moisturing cream,
the bad smell

i recommend it for all because it's more affordable, and bring quik results
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June 30, 2009

Pros:

IT WORKS! Its simple to apply - providing you follow the instructions which are really easy, its just the best treatment I have ever used!!

Cons:

Only one I can think of, if you don't wash it off well (as the instructions state) then it can stain your towels - but the instructions tell you this too so I can't really complain!!!!

It Works, I know I've said it before but after 20+ years with acne, finding something that does what it says is brilliant. I don't get through a lot of it as I only use it every other day as my skin is so good now I make it last. The soap that goes with the acne lotion has to be my favourite product, it makes your skin feel soft and supple and you'll notice the difference between using that and any other sort of face wash. The moisturiser is so light but effective that I use it every day morning and night. Clear and smooth has changed my life, I feel confident about myself and rarely have break-outs. Its really the best thing and I would highly recommend it, it took my about 4 months before it was noticably working so stick with it!
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June 30, 2009

Pros:

In the first couple of weeks, it clears skin up great!

Cons:

leaves skin feeling itchy, dry and tight. Takes too long to go through the process, and the product is not worth the price.

When I first started, I had very mild acne, but a few bumps here and there underneath my skin. I tried the product and swore by it for the first few months (2-3 months). Currently I started noticing that I am getting big blotches all over my face that never used to pop up when I used cheap brands. It's still nothing that makeup can't hide, but it is safe to say that it works in the beginning, but then stops working. Please take into consideration the stress levels that are in your life when the product stops working...(for those that have similar stories to mine). I am going to keep using it until my stress level is down a bit, and if it continues to not work, I will switch. Hope this helps anyone!
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June 26, 2009

Pros:

Clears skin fast, affordable

Cons:

Must be consistently used

I used ProActiv for 5 months. It cleared my skin sometimes, but I usually ended up breaking out pretty bad. I decided to try OXY as an alternative, and woke up to clean, clear and oil free skin. I don't have to wear concealer anymore. My friends compliment my skin everyday. A+++ If you want to feel good about your face, BUY THIS!! You won't ever have to worry about what your skin looks like in florescent lighting, ever again. :-) If you use the face wash, I'd recommend the OXY PADS and OXY ON THE SPOT TREATMENT too.
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June 25, 2009

Pros:

already my friends said that they see a difference

they didnt even know i had it :)

Cons:

makes my skin scaly

its great
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June 24, 2009

Pros:

Works beautifully on mild-moderate acne. (cystic acne too) I saw results almost immediately and have had one small pimple in the past three months of using this product. Cleanser has a light, agreeable scent.

Cons:

No sun screen, and the the scent of the lotion isn't to my liking. A bit drying if used too close to eye area.

This is an excellent product and highly recommend it!
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June 23, 2009

Pros:

it worked really well,i used it last night and this morning my face was smoother and my zit is almost gone

Cons:

it dried out my skin a bit but it was worth it

Its good and cheap buy 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.

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.