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
January 2, 2009

Pros:

I did feel a very genuine "cleanness" after I used proActive.

Cons:

Too many to count: made little to no difference in relieving acne. Caused huge areas of extreme itchy/redness. Also, way too expensive. They force you to order monthly. I had not gotten through all of it, and they charged me for another month!

Little to no effect on my acne, but a lot of strange changes in my skin. ABSOLUTELY NOT WORTH THE MONEY.
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December 31, 2008

Pros:

reduces redness, clears up blemishes, reduces scarring, works over night

Cons:

requires frequent usage, a little on the expensive side

I've only been using the Clinique Acne Solution system for a couple days and already i see a HUGE differance in my skin! it's soft and clear and moisturized! i LOVE this system!!!
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December 30, 2008

Pros:

definetley does something

Cons:

makes skin reddish

i wouldn't recommend combining this with another benzoyl product, it can make your skin very red. but i know it is powerful and does work for people. my doctor gave me a ton of it for free.
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December 29, 2008

Pros:

Clears up acne pretty quickly

Cons:

Left my skin VERY dry and red. Seems somewhat irreparable.

Do a skin test before using. I do not have sensitive skin, and was very surprised that my skin reacted in such a drastic way. If you do no react in a negative way, this product will help
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December 28, 2008

Pros:

makes skin softer, clears blackheads and whiteheads.
works fast.

Cons:

takes up time, expensive, is used up quickly.
(personally made my forehead shiny).

Proactiv began working after two or three days. It made my cheeks specifically softer and my smaller pimples disappear. However, it left the bigger ones that I was worried about. It dried out the sides of my nose and chin. Works well for younger people it seems.
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December 28, 2008

Pros:

I had moderate acne and it cleared it to light. On good days it looked as if I had almost no acne at all.

Cons:

The pills contain yeast; caused yeast infections! The 5% Ben. Peroxide would dry up my skin.

Good, but watch out for yeast infections. And you must use a cream to calm your face.
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December 24, 2008

Pros:

its effective in diminishing the size and redness of pimples very quickly.

Cons:

my skin feels a little tight so i had to reduce the application- no dryness because i used an effective mousturizer.

used in moderation and carefully is VERY effective, you have to remember that 10% benzoyle peroxide is VERY strong. Dont be a retard and poor it on your face every 5 minutes cause prom is tomorrow. These things take time, and the patience is worth it. I LOVE my skin now.
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December 21, 2008

Pros:

gives your skin a nice glow and pimples and breakouts decrease.
A nice CLEAN feeling after you wash.

Cons:

your face will get addicted to it. Skin may get dry and start to peel.

Proactiv works. I tried not wearing makeup when I started using the product.. and i noticed tremendous changes in my skin in only 2 days! I wouldn't recommend this to anyone who doesn't have acne, it may cause redness and irritation.
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December 19, 2008

Pros:

Proactiv works... I tried everything before to no avail, but this completely cleared my skin.

Cons:

Pretty expensive. $45 (including shipping) for the 3-step kit which is supposed to last 8 weeks, but I don't skimp, so it lasts me a little over 6 weeks.

Absolutely 100% worked for me. I had moderate acne from age 15, which suddenly got even worse after I turned 21. I tried everything; including Retin-A cream, antibiotics, 10% benzoyl peroxide, and virtually every other over-the-counter remedy. With all of them, there would be no change or my skin would dry out and get even worse. So I took a shot and ordered Proactiv despite the unbelievable commercials. My skin completely cleared up within a month. Now 95% of the time I have no pimples at all - the only reason I wear makeup is to hide the red marks from old acne. When I do break out, it is ONE little zit that takes only a few days to disappear.
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December 17, 2008

Pros:

There were none.

Cons:

Not only did it dry out my skin, but although I had midly moderate acne to begin with, it turned into severe. I thought that maybe it took a while to work so I continued using it for about three months and my face was horrendous.

It was horrible, I would not recommend this product to anyone who has anything but slight acne, it turned my face red, and I broke out for months with painful acne everywhere. Now my face is just starting to readjust.
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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.