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
May 3, 2009

Pros:

clears up skin very fast. Guys, using the shaving cream is even more helpful.

Cons:

makes face slightly dry

this is by far the best acne medication out there. You have to be an idiot not to even try it!
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May 1, 2009

Pros:

It feels really good on the skin! I like the packaging a lot and I actually lilke the feeling of the toner. It prevents acne very well.

Cons:

It takes a long time for any acne scarring to go away. It can be very drying, so an additional moisturizer is needed. It's a tad bit on the expensive side, but then again clear skin is priceless.

It prevents acne very very well, but it takes a long time to heal existing acne. It's actually cheaper than proactiv and it's funner to use. The moisturizer, step 3, is drying, but you're only supposed to use it on your acne spots, so you need an additional oil free moisturizer elsewhere.
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April 29, 2009

Pros:

It has reduced my acne by about 75% and the breakouts I get now are not as severe.

Cons:

Doesn't seem to help with blackheads.

It costs me about 40.00 a month, but it is enough for myself and my daughter. We both use the product once a day. I think the most important part of the process is to wash with the cleanser for at least one minute. I actually have to count to 60 while I wash. I think my biggest problem before was not washing for long enough.
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April 28, 2009

Pros:

Great kit, I used this on my back and really worked. Liked the idea of the towel included as I then had a clean towel to treat the area. Good results.

Really worked and would use again
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April 25, 2009

Pros:

-cleared my moderate acne when many perscriptives wouldn't
-improves skin texture over time
-eliminates shine

Cons:

-slight initial inflamatory reaction to using this product that went away after 2 days(redness, drying, etc.)

As a beauty fan, having a clear complexion was really desirable to me but was impossible owing to my moderate acne in itself, and the many blemishes that would come with it. Clinique made all that change. The results were visible the very next day. The blemishes would clear out without overdrying, my skin broke out much less, and the redness in my skin was almost completely eliminated. In addition, this product worked to prevent acne, oil and shine over time. Now, when talking about an anti-acne product, it is important to have one's expectations in check. Acne can be controled, not cured. What 'cures' or 'eliminates' it, according to the research I've done is age, since acne is in part a function of hormones. In the meantime, it is important to control acne and the damage it can impart on the skin. Clinique works wonderfully to do just that. Bottom Line: Stock up like you're about to go hibernate!!! :)
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April 24, 2009

Pros:

the mask, the oil free moisturizer, and the skin lightening cream.

Cons:

toner does sting a little sometimes, and rarely i do notice some dryness (that is eliminated once i put moisturizer on)

When i first started using proactiv, i thought that the ads were a fake because i didn't see results right away and stopped using it after less than a month. but i started using it again last year, and its worked great. my problem initially was that i wasn't consistent which is definitly a key factor with whatever you use. I use it twice a day now and my skin has definitly cleared up. Acne scars that I've had for 5 years plus have faded thanks to the mask and recently i've begun using the skin lightening cream. i recomend proactiv to all of my friends. My main piece of advice is to not get discouraged when results aren't seen right away. give it time. sometimes it gets worse before it gets better, but it does get better!
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April 23, 2009

Pros:

Clears acne pretty effectively from what I can tell.

Cons:

It's eating the skin off my face. My face is red, raw, and feels like sand paper. And I've only been using this once a day. I see now why it works... it kills your skin. My skin is 10x more oily and flaky and rough @ the same time!!

I h8 it. I'm going to stop using it immediately.
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April 21, 2009

Pros:

NONE!!!!

Cons:

Very pricey!!! And makes your skin very dry.

I ve been using it for about a month now and I have seen no improvement in my skin. Actually my skin is very red where the pimples are and it has spread to my jaw line and down the side of my neck. Very disappointed as I paid $50.00 for this product.
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April 21, 2009

Pros:

Gets rid of dead skin cells that lead to further break outs, lifts away dirt, excess sebum oil, reduces redness, refines and improves skin texture

Cons:

I havent found any , READ MY ARTICLE IT WILL HELP YOU.

I'v suffered acne on my back, shoulders, chest and face for 2 years and went throught literally hundreds of products and remedies on the market. I spend thousands of $$$$ on treatments. Proactive works as long as you only use a small amount and practice the technique of massaging it in the skin for the 2 minutes. I found eating ony fruits, vegetables, fish and drinking water and drinking Oolong tea helped. Acne starts from the inside and you need to do more than just 'use' proactive. It is a topical treatment and you need to use something in my case Oolong tea to cleanse from the inside. I think proactive is a credable topical acne treatment but should be used with care and used CONSISTENTLY for results. Its like exercise....... If you dont do it you'll gain weight. Same as you skin, you dont CONSTANTLY AND SUSTAINABLY treat it, it will break out. So i give it 4.5/5 the only thing is that you need to use the $th step which is the SPF 15 moisturiser for extra hydration.
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April 18, 2009

Pros:

worrks very well wif using the cleanser and a moisturizer. No smell, makes skin look better, does get rid of acne.

Cons:

does cause dryness and peeling but can be coverered with moisturizer. costs alot

relliii good product but should be used after using a cleanser and waiting around 10min before applying the BP, then followed by a moisturizer.
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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.