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
December 18, 2006

Pros:

The best thing ever!!!!!!! the refining mask is a MIRCALE WORKER..it takes away all my zits after i use it!!!

Cons:

i love it...i would die with out it!

The best thing ever!!! Step one: Clenser Step two: toner step three: repairing lotion 2 or 3 times a week refining mask!! this is the GREATEST PRODUCT EVER!! my face would look horricle without this thank to god for PROACTIC SOLUTIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!
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December 17, 2006

Pros:

UV moisturizer gives skin a nice "glow"

Cons:

caused many more large red pimples!! I didnt have bad acne before, yet i seeked the "perfect" skin. A couple weeks after I started I noticed these large painful blemishes, along with very dry skin!

If you dont have many pimples to begin with, i do not suggest using this product, or any other costly skin product.
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December 13, 2006

Pros:

AMAZING! totally cleared up my skin. am always complmented for t and honestly, my face has never looked better!

Cons:

international shipping?

whatever the annoying, stingy over-exagerators say above:this WORKS! im totally serious, i started seeing results on the second day! and it makes your skin glow and feel so smooth and fresh. get it, its worth it!AND, it DOES NOT make your skin worse when you dont use it, i stopped for maybe 2 months and my skin stayed clear.
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December 12, 2006

Pros:

Excellent staying power, nice consistency, keeps face clear

I love it. I can wear it so thick at night and it dries to make my face feel nice and like it's working hard on the zits. I tried BP for awhile and cleared up but then it stopped working because I didn't use enought. I thought I could go all natural but that was a disaster, and I broke out SO bad. i think you need to use some harsher methods to get clear skin, sorry. Natural products slowly made my face go from bad to WORSE. They tout that going natural will clear your face up, but I think you really need something to kill the bacteria. My face is clear and I feel so much better about myself. i will continue to use this until there is a cure. Having acne is something that someone who has never experienced it will never know what it feels like to feel ugly every time you glance in a mirror (glance because yeah I would never look full on into a MIRROR before!) now I feel fine about that. Get this if you want a clear face, I really think it will work. I have tried everything else.
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December 12, 2006

Pros:

Absolutely none.

Cons:

Too expensive and makes your skin worse. Smelled horrible. Dried skin out instead of "refreshing" it. Enhanced redness.

This product just flat out sucked. I used it as directed religiously and it only made my skin more dry. Then I used it every other day, and my skin seemed to clear up a little, and then it would just break out again.. DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT IF IT WAS THE LAST ONE ON EARTH!
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December 7, 2006

Pros:

clears up existing acne

Cons:

doesn't work if you don't consistently use it

i like Proactiv, and faithfully use it, but if you skip one or 2 washings it really shows
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December 7, 2006

Pros:

DOnt Like It

Cons:

First I had mild Acne,then I ordered the product.

The first tie I used it , my skin looked clear no breakouts for a month, then a year passed by the product was finnished *used 2* I stopped using it 4 a while then suddenly acne all over my face then I began to go to a dermatologist so I would be guided. She said that she also used pro activ and had bad results 2 so she offered me a good medication that cleared my skin. REMEMBER: If one product works 4 a person doesn't mean it works for everyone.
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December 1, 2006

Pros:

Cheap, works.

Cons:

Brutal, and drys the skin.

It seems good at the moment, been using it a week on back acne. Apply 1-2 times a day with moisturiser.
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November 29, 2006
I have been using Proactiv since 2003. It is a good product. You have to use system as what they say in order for it to work properlyAcne is a chronic problem. It will come and go. You will have breakdown every now and then. So, don't expect for miracle. I have acne since I was 10 and 25 years later I still get it. But Proctiv helps in
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November 20, 2006

Pros:

affordable, works well

Cons:

very drying to the skin

This product is affordable and works well. However, I only use it when my skin gets really bad because it is very drying and can make your cheeks look sunburned.
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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.