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
November 14, 2010

Pros:

Feels great on the skin
Not too harsh
Applied very smoothly

Cons:

None

I've just started the regime, however I can already distinguish the quality of Dans' BP. I use another facial wash and moisturizer because they work for me. But the BP is fantastic and of all the products I've tried, feels the best.
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November 11, 2010

Pros:

It can work if you can manage to find a way to work for you. I personally don't use it as directed as when I did I had horrible results which included red irritated and inflammed skin and acned. But when you use it regularily withing a system that works for you it does help with acne.

Cons:

The regime is too strict and doesn't work for everyone one with acne. Some of us can't handle the scrubbing and the effect of these mulitple products when use as prescribed. Its also relatively expensive and for what you pay for you don't have a lot of product (but if you use it like I do, it will last you a long time). I also don't like that if you are not careful it can discolor your clothes, linen and other colored items.

This is how I use it: I use a SMALL amount of cleanser in combination with several pumps of Spectra Gel on an already mostly cleansed face (I use face wipes to remove most of the make up and oil). I gently massage the combined products, not scrub for less than a minute. Then I wash the product off with water taking a face wipe and removing any excess. I only use the combined product once a day. The other time (usually morning), its just Spectra Gel. Once a day I use the toner. It has glycolic in it which I find extremely helpful in sloughing off dead skin and keeping my skin clear. My moisturizers have glycolic in them as well so I go easy on the toner. The other time (usually in the am), I tone with Biotherm's Biopur Pore Reducer. Then I moisturize after letting the toner dry on my skin. I use the Proactive Repairing lotion IF I see my acne flaring up more than usual and once per week, but I use a lot. I find that I do have to moisturize my skin thouroghly after using it. And with the repairing lotion I prefer to use it in the day time so that my pillows don't discolor. The days I use a lot of repairing lotion I am careful to use SPF if I go out and I don't wear any makeup that day. Kinda defeats the purpose, imo. This regime has worked for me. I've had various sorts of acne included cystic, hormonal and recently acne inversa in not so visible places :( I've been treated with Accutanee, antibiotics, spironolactone and vitamins galore. I really find that this works for me as well as keeping hydrated and eating organic while trying to minimize stress. Good luck to everyone out there. Don't give up, you're worth fighting for!
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October 29, 2010

Pros:

it works if you know how to use it.

Cons:

can make acne worse if you're not suitable with benzoyl peroxide or if not properly used

remember that benzoyl peroxide kills p.acnes but if you have a hormonal acne like mine then you shouldn't just use proactiv. alot of people don't know how to use this. first if you are applying a make up or loose powder onto your face then you should wash your face with a make up remover such as st. ives make up remover. And use a pea size amount of renewing cleanser and massage it really gently. wait for 3 minutes then apply the toner and another minutes to apply the lotion. but if you have an oily skin then you should try take 5 g of b5 or 100 mg spironolactone, mine is aldactone.
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October 23, 2010

Pros:

-Dries up pimples
-Can reduce redness

Cons:

-Can also worsen redness
-Didn't really make my pimples go away.

I've actually been using this product for about 2 weeks, & when it comes to a spot treatment, I usually expect for it to work much faster. Well, it's been 2 weeks, & it does dry out my pimples, & makes them flaky, but has failed to actually make them go away. Maybe if I use it for a few more weeks I may get some results, but my tube is almost gone, so I think I will try something else.
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October 21, 2010

Pros:

cleaning feeling
clears all acne
clears redness

Cons:

may cause irritation or/and dryness for some people

cleared most of my acne in just 2 weeks i had about 50-70 pimples all over my face (yeah i know its alot!) and within 2 weeks most of them are gone (i only have 3 small ones left!) it also cleared my redness but remember you have to use a moisturizer with sunscreen i wont recommend this ti people who have light acne or skin that is sensitive but everyone else try it! its amazing and now im confident!!!
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October 18, 2010

Pros:

worked

Cons:

Burned a little

Will clear up acne depending on who you are.
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October 14, 2010

Pros:

None

Cons:

I thought it was working bc it really exfoliated my skin. I had NEVER had acne before in my life and then I hit 32 and bam! my skin changed. I look at my skin before proactive and it was so much better!

The issue is I used proactive long enough for it to change my skin's natural process. I used to use a lot of moisturizer bc my skin was always dry. Then proactive made me break out like crazy at first but by the time 8 weeks rolled around I kept hoping that better skin was just a couple more weeks ahead. then I gave up on it and experienced a TRULY horrible breakout. I am using it again bc I have so much and it was worse when I stopped bc essentially it has created a situation where now my skin needs it. Now I want to stop and then I will have 3 mos of super horrible acne and hopefully then my skin will calm down. I have no idea who this product would work for.
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October 11, 2010

Pros:

None

Cons:

- Expensive
-Horrible Customer service
- They automatically bill you for products that you will recieve well into the future (I'm talking like 5-6 months into the future)
-Canceling your account is hassle. You'll be put on hold for an incredibly long time.

- If you have dry sensitive skin, stay away from this stuff. It makes your skin worse.
- The cream causes whiteheads.

- The toner seems to be completely useless.

Stay away from this crap.
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September 3, 2010

Pros:

- Gets rid of spots really quickly!
- Any new spots that appear will be much smaller and disappear much faster!
- Cheap!

Cons:

- Does dry skin

I have never suffered from bad acne before, however it seemed that no matter what I tried I ALWAYS had a few obvious spots! After reading many reviews I decided that benzoyl peroxide was worth trying out. The first thing that I can tell you from my experience is that the initial drying process was not as severe as I was expecting, and I never experienced any peeling or redness, although my skin did feel quite tight for the first week or so- moisturizing is essential! And the best bit.... my skin was far clearer by the end of the first week and the few spots that creep up now are much smaller than I was used to!! I would strongly recommend this product, I realise that many of you might experience worse side effects than me, however the results will make it all worth while!
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August 27, 2010

Cons:

Watch out! When you order by internet, you are agreeing to belong to a CLUB! The product may work, but no one should need a supply every month - in fact, the last step topical is all you need.

Felt scammed
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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.