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
February 1, 2009

Pros:

cleared up small acne growing on the surface.

Cons:

-it caused my skin to breakout with cystic acne
-dried out my skin completely

even with the moisturizer and jojoba oil throughout the course of the day my skin ends up being really flaky with the BP and it takes too much time to do and wait for everything to dry to apply the moisturizer.. I am sad it didn't work for me - but happy to hear it's working for so many! :D
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January 31, 2009

Pros:

My skin was smoother after about a week.
It also exfoliated my skin.

Cons:

It dried out my skin really bad. I'd put tons of moisturizer on and I'd still have tons of little flakes. It also never really got rid of the acne.

It's done a better job at clearing up the acne than anything else I've used, but my skin has never been this dry before in my life. Before I started using this, I had oily skin. I'd rather deal with oily skin than dry skin. After about a month I stopped using the toner and repairing lotion because those dried my skin out the most. My skin still hasn't completely cleared up.
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January 29, 2009

Pros:

I cannot believe this worked. I never had very bad acne, but I always had little bumps on my forehead that would never go away, and always ONE disgusting zit on my face as well. I bought this as a last resort because I couldn't get into the derm

Cons:

pros cont'd...for a month and I was fed up with never having smooth, clear skin. Within a week, ALL my bumps were gone, and I've been using it for 2 wks and have not broken out once. I just hope it continues to work...

Awesome, awesome, awesome! Great purchase-- surprisingly. I haven't even had to use the cream yet, so I can't speak for that, but the pills are great.
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January 26, 2009

Pros:

This product makes your acne visibly better in 1 - 2 days. It doesn't smell like other BP products.

Cons:

Dries out skin, has a sticky feeling on skin.

I love this product. I clears up my skin super fast. The only downside, as stated all over this page, is that it does dry out your skin. BP products have a tendency to do that but as long as you use a moisturizer you'll be fine. I use and olay moisturizer with this.
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January 26, 2009

Pros:

nothing. nothing at all.

Cons:

-it dried up my skin so bad that nothing could moisturize it.
-it made my skin oily
-it made my face break out even worse than before

It didnt work for one day, even. i thought my skin would get used to it after two weeks, but it didnt. i am now repairing my skin. THIS IS NOT A GOOD PRODUCT, PEOPLE. it's a scam, waste of money. use what works for you, try different things. you can purchase great products that are very cheap and work amazingly!
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January 26, 2009

Pros:

Product cleared up my existing acne amazingly! I have tried most produts on the market, and even ProActiv didn't work for me. This cleared up my skin very quickly.

Cons:

The dryness factor. Of course I expected that with the BP but I really had to use a lot of moisturizers, esp because it is winter and my skin is already dry.

Clears up skin quickly, only downside is drying out of the skin.
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January 25, 2009

Pros:

NOTHING NOTHING AT ALL!

Cons:

EVERYTHING

IT MADE MY ACNE WORSE THAT BEFORE! IM PAYING THE PRICE FOR TIHS PRODUCT 6 MONTHS LATER! I HAVE HORRIBLE ACNE SCARS! MY PIMPLES ARE GONE BUT NO THANKS TO THIS PRODUCT! IT IS HORRIBLE I HAD DRY SKIN! My pimples hurt! everything I raised my eyebrows i was wince in pain. overall. please people do not use this product i was lucky no one saw my face because it was summer. the worst acne product ever
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January 25, 2009

Pros:

Worked the first night..! Doesnt dry out my face at all. Cleared acne in 3 weeks.

Cons:

Doesnt really have a smell, but its better than a smell you cant stand.

Its great but I'm just a teenager in high school, acne breaks out around my pd, but nothing like it use to..I'm not use there will ever be anything to clear acne around pds. I think thats just something that comes with being a female. This stuff really worked for me!!! 8)~
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January 19, 2009

Pros:

cleared away oil and pimples

Cons:

didnt do much for black heads, not suiteable for sensitive skin

i loved this, it worked, and left my skin feeling fresh and clear quickly
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January 16, 2009

Pros:

when i got this product i thought that it would work due to the fact of all the stories i say on tv about this product. Yes i must say that this product did work i say the changes on the first day i started to use it.

Cons:

Well yes i did say that it works but only if you keep using the product. i missed one day of using pro-active and i had two large pimples on my face. The product does not get rid of the blemishes and pimples it covers them up

I feel if you wan to use his product by all means but just know if you want healthy skin forever never stop using this product dont miss any days and your skin will look perfect. But if you do hapen to miss a day of using this product you wil regret 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.