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
October 12, 2008

Pros:

smells nice

Cons:

cost too much, made skin dry, did not work

I've been using Proactiv for the last 3 months. The first month I used it it totally cleared up my face. It was smooth and clear, I loved it. After that I started breaking out in places I didn't break out before. Now I have more acne than when I started and it's not clearing up at all. I cancelled my memebership and I'll never use it again.
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October 9, 2008

Pros:

Tone of my skin has improved

Cons:

ugh-actually gave me cysts, have a few huge painful pimples at a time that just won't go away, substantial drying

I have only been using it for two weeks, but I had really hoped it would not make my skin worse before it gets better. And it did. I have never had cysts before and such big painful pimples. And I am not even fully sure that it will get better. I had been on tazorac for 9 months and it totally destroyed my face so I am not optimistic about products now. So I am discouraged but hopefully by two months I'll be clear. However, regarding some of the other reviews on this product, it stops working after a couple years..so then whats the point. I guess I just have to wait and see for myself.
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October 9, 2008

Pros:

it works really well i had a hugee zit that was nasty and i put it on that night and it worked so well that by the morning it was just a tiny pimple

Cons:

it costs a lot but it works soo well that its worth it

i love this product. it works sooo great. like serious it is my favorite ever. im soo glad i have it!
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October 5, 2008

Pros:

None...

Cons:

Dried my skin, very expensive, money back guarantee didn't count.

For the $60 I paid for this product, I was hoping to get clear skin. NOPE. It just dried my skin, emptied my wallet, and when they said that if it didn't work, I could send it back within 60-days, they were lying. They didn't except it, and they charged me to ship the bottles back. I'm ashamed that I was convinced by celebrities that have probably never even used this product.
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September 27, 2008

Pros:

it helps in preventing the small pimples.

Cons:

it makes your skin oilier after long term use!

i wish i would have never used anything on my face, it had just made it worse than before, now i can't do anything but stick to this! when i stop using it, i'll break out like crazy..but when i use it continously..it works great! the sad thing is that my face is now oilier than before I started using this. but atleast it works. my advice would be to not use anything containing BP, it will never help you grow out of acne. use natural products or nothing at all. I'd recommend this product if you want to continue using this it forever!! haha
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September 24, 2008

Pros:

Within Days I noticed a difference. Smoother, less oily face.

Cons:

My neck broke out in hives because of the harshness of the peroxide formula. I had to discontinue use.

If you don't have sensitive skin, give it a whirl. I opted for the clinique skin care line which is not so abbrasive and have been super happy with it.
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September 23, 2008

Pros:

Cheap. Thats all.

Cons:

Dried my face out HORRIBLY. MAde tiny whiteheads pop up everywhere. Red skin etc. Way too harsh. IT BURNS!!!!!

i have always had mild/moderate acne. proactive worked for me for about 2 years then bam it stopped. And ever since then the onlty thing to help me is birth control.. which is VERY expensive with no health insurance. SO i have been trying lots of things (i normally use neutrogena) and i thought acne free would work, it DID NOT. I am not going to keep using it in hopes it will eventually start to work. I am going to try neutrogenas 3 step now. They are more gentle.
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September 23, 2008

Pros:

None

Cons:

expensive and ineffective. if anything, my breakouts got worse.

Proactive is a waste of money. It did nothing to improve my skin. All I got out of it was bleached pillow cases. Honestly, don't waste your time and money on this scam.
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September 21, 2008

Pros:

cleared up most acne. convenient as it gets mailed to you every few months or so.

Cons:

i still get horrible deep breakouts once in a while. When i used the program 2 times a day in the winter, caused HORRIBLE flakes and stinging. and not all pimples went away. so flaky and pimply- eww. bleaches towels, bedding even some clothing.

This worked moderately well for me. CANNOT use it twice a day as recommended, so that could be why i'm not getting the amazing results other people are talking about. Too expensive and stinky!
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September 20, 2008

Pros:

There are so many. It is effective, the price is great, the ingreidents are natural, skin is soft and looking better everyday.

Cons:

Still a few pimples here and there (but nothing is a cure!!)

This product is GREAT!! I have tried so many things to clear my acne from dermatologists offices to all natural products. For me most products work for about a month and then I go back to break outs. So far, I have to say nothing out of the ordinary and it has even helped that dreaded acne most women suffer with just before "that time". I have only been using this product for a few months but not only has my acne begun to disappear, my pores are shrinking and old acne scars are fading. I think everyone should give Carley's a try. And make sure you also try the moisturizers they sell. Your skin will thank you for 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.