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
August 9, 2012

Pros:

Clears Acne.

Cons:

Dries skin like you've never seen before.
Irritates and makes skin Itchy.
If you stop using it, your acne will immediately come back.

Dont use this product. You can defiantly fine better, and cheaper solutions to acne.
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July 29, 2012

Pros:

Acne Cleared
Oil diminished
Skin feels great

Cons:

I can only find it in the set- wish you could buy each component individually

I've tried absolutely everything- over the counter and prescription. While some products work, they turn my skin dry, flaky, and red. I don't want my face to hurt, so its been difficult finding something that is effective without side effects. AnceFree Sensitive, combined with Alpha Lipoic Acid supplement, has cleared up my skin! Now, if only I could find a way to make the scarring go away from the years of struggling with products!
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July 27, 2012

Pros:

Felt very cleansing, skin didn't feel too tight after using, refreshing feeling immediately after.

Cons:

Irritated skin and made it red and itchy.
Didn't really do much for the acne (Didn't get better or worse).
Expensive

After giving this a proper trial run and using all the accompanying (recommended) products, I felt that I was spending a lot of money on a product that did not work and left my skin very sensitive and sore. Would not try again.
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July 22, 2012

Pros:

Actually Works!

Cons:

A bit pricey but worth it if you want to get rid of your acne!

I have normal acne prone skin and tried absolutely everything you name it! I tried proactiv hoping for good results and my goodness my skin is flawless! I suggest giving it a shot! It worked for me and I couldn't be any happier! :)
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July 20, 2012

Pros:

-gets rid of Acne in less than a week
-leaves skin soft and feeling fresh

Cons:

-dark acne marks are still there

It has cleared up about 97% of my acne, but my dark marks are super visible (the toner doesn't really work).
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July 10, 2012

Pros:

Gets rid of my acne! Period!

Cons:

None

This is the first product that has cleared up my acne. I use this once a day and witch hazel twice a day. For the first time in many years, I have control of my acne. I still get an occasional zit but not all over my face like I used to. Btw, proactive is benzoil peroxide and an astringent agent ie witch hazel.
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July 8, 2012

Pros:

NONE.

Cons:

Expensive.
Burns your skin, and peels the top layer of your skin off.
Your skin gets used to it after a couple months.
Works at first, and gets you excited that you're going to have clear skin! But then stop working!
COMPLETELY RUINS YOUR SKIN AFTER YOU STOP USING IT.
Full of harmful commercial products.

I started getting acne when I was in 7th grade. I tried alot of products and after spending alot of money and time, my parents bought me proactiv. It worked at first, and gave me hope that I would finally have clear skin. It worked about 2 months, and my skin got worse then ever. I stopped using it and switched to some acne cleansers and demolished my skin even more. I went to my doctor and he prescribed me Clindamycin and Retin A. HEAVEN. These to products are absolutely stellar together. I also use Cetaphil to clean my skin. It's so amazing. These three products have changed my life. I definitely recommend them. DON'T BUY PROACTIV. BUY CETAPHIL, AND GET RETIN A &I CKINDAMYCIN FROM YOUR DOCTOR! (:
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July 4, 2012

Pros:

Only thing to ever clear up my acne
Leaves skin feeling clean

Cons:

Can be drying

Although Proactiv worked miracles for me, I know it doesn't work for everyone. Often I think it's because people do not use it every night like recommended and also people can't seem to think for themselves and be able to know how much their skin needs. I also think it depends on what type of acne a person has. For me: Skin type: Dry, Semi-sensitive Acne: Mostly surface acne with whiteheads, sometimes under-the-skin acne that doesn't come to a head. Past tries: I've tried everything. Clearasil, Clean & Clear, Neutrogena, Nature's Cure to name a few Thoughts on: Cleanser: I personally love the microbeads. They really seem to help open my pores and allow the medicine to get into them and help heal them. And also my skin loves to be exfoliated. Leaves my skin really smooth. Toner: I love the toner as well. I feel like it's the extra boost to squeaky clean skin. It also helps me to see if I cleansed well enough because it takes off what's left behind. Lotion: I don't think people realize this has benzoyl peroxide in it. It's not meant for moisturizing but to treat the acne. I think that's a common misconception. I personally put it all over my face to prevent the acne as well as treat it. However, doing this can also result in drier skin. I tried the Oil-Free Moisturizer from them and it wasn't enough. My suggestions: APPLY MOISTURIZER!!!!!! I don't know anyone who has tried Proactiv who didn't have a resulting drier skin. Use your brain and buy a moisturizer that works for you. I just use an Olay one. Also, I don't use the system ever in the morning. Too much for my skin. If you still have dry skin after moisturzing, cut down on using it and use it only at night. If you still have dry skin after both of those, stop using it. Where I purchase: I just purchase at my local mall kiosk. I purchase the 2-month supply which is about $50 however it lasts me longer than the 2 months because I do not use it
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July 4, 2012

Pros:

Works great, good consistency, not gritty, big bottles last forever!

Cons:

Will bleach clothing, may be irritating

I started developing acne for the first time in my 30s, and I was desperate for something to work. I tried the Clinique line which worked great, but was so pricey. I decided to get the big bottles of the cleanser, the treatment, the moisturizer, and the AHA and I am so glad I did. I would purchase them again, except for the moisturizer. I like the Neutrogena oil-free moisturizer better, so I use this moisturizer now as a make-up remover.
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July 1, 2012

Pros:

cleared up acne a little
left skin feeling soft
Felt like I was really cleansing my skin

Cons:

Burned my skin
I eventually became immune to it

Proactiv is a great idea, but for me it didn't work. All of the products were too harsh for my skin and it's type (which is combination). The last step in the system (which is the acne cream) ended up drying out my skin to the point where my skin needed to produce excess oils. I think that instead of using proactiv, It's better to use more natural, less abrasive products. (They tend to be cheaper as well). Look for a natural moisturizer, cleanser, and toner. A good example is lush handmade cosmetics.
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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.