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:

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August 27, 2009

Pros:

None

Cons:

After about two days of using this I got a severe skin rash all over my face. I even bought the product for sensitive skin. I would not recommend this for anyone.

This product is harmful to your face and skin.
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August 27, 2009

Pros:

It shrunk all my pimples and cleared out most of my blackheads and the cleanser, toner, lotion all felt nice. :)
the lady told me that i will be getting a lot more pimples since my face needs to detox, but i never got more pimplse and it worked fa

Cons:

AT FIRST. But after couple days, it dried my skin like craaazzy (it really burns). The spots where my pimples shrunk are super red and itchy and inflamed. And, the spots where some of my blackheads became large pores.

try not to use it unless you really have oily skin! or use an extra moisterizer! i don't recommend if you have pimples only in the T-zone like me :( i also recommend that you get the starter kit if you have very light, light, or moderate acne because i think your face willl heal fast enough with that amount. DON'T get the big pack, because it will completely dry out your skin.
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August 26, 2009

Pros:

A bit of work to do the regimen and took a while for results - but am now so happy I stuck it out, has worked wonders and I think the BP is the main reason! Switched to this from a drug store brand and it is far superior - seems more pure for sure.

Cons:

Of course, have to work your way up, and yeah some nights it is a pain in the butt and my boyfriend thought I was crazy taking forever to rub this in and not letting him touch me for fear of bleaching his clothes. Annoying, but worth it.

Sometimes I do just want to skip my BP because its a messy, time-consuming endeavour but then I remember how vastly improved my skin has been lately! I go to work most days with no makeup, something I wouldn't have even considered for running to the corner store a few months ago. My skin is also just so much smoother which makes it easier when I do want to apply my mineral makeup. The smell of Dan's BP is a little medicinal - but honestly I like that because I know its a really high grade and will be pure on my skin. The consistency is fairly runny but you will get used to it and find it helpful once you're piling on globs of the stuff. I only bought the 8oz. size (old pump version) and it has lasted me close to 3 months while I was trying it out - will definitely invest in the huge size now! (Although I wish there wasn't the big ACNE label on it!) Bottom Line - thanks Dan and everyone with advice on this site!
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August 26, 2009

Pros:

Works GREAT!!! It gets the job done and you don't have to wait weeks to see results. I see results after just a day or two.

Cons:

The creme dries my face out but it's worth it, and it's nothing a little lotion can't fix.

It's AMAZING! I love it. Works better than any other thing I've tried.
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August 26, 2009

Pros:

Proactive has a wonderful toner it immediately smoothed my skin and gave me a glow ,as did the day cleanser. I had immediate resu

Cons:

Sometimes the products burns my skin (like one third of the time) and its dries out my skin so I have to use lots of the toner and daylight cleanser to retain moisture.

I've used proactive for about two and a half months now,my skins really never been better,I used to have gross over exfoliated skin that was dry and almost cracked,whenever I had a pimple or two would pick at it and make it 10000 times worse. Since theres usually product on skin I dont want to mess it up and have stopped picking. THE ONLY BAD THING about proactiv is that it wont clear up the mild acne on my nose,and when I use more then small amount on my nose it gets gross and shiny.
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August 22, 2009

Pros:

it really began to clean my skin, is gradually.

Cons:

very dry my skin, but moistening whith cetaphil it improves
my skin became sensitive in the sun,I have to use pfs every day

sometimes just I used it once a day, when I play soccer.
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August 22, 2009

Pros:

Clears a little bit

Cons:

drys skin, makes skin oily, to expensive, not enough in bottles

This product is not really worth it, they make the same kits like neutragena or acne free at walmart for half the price and the same ingredients.
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August 21, 2009

Pros:

it gets rid of my pimples as far as i know.

Cons:

if i have a really big pimple on my face and i aply a generous amount to it doesn't seem to get rid of the. dries your skin

clears your skin up but if you have a really big pimple on your face don't squeeze cause it just makes it look really yucky. but love this product because i never really had that bad of skin but now its close to perfection except for 1 or 2 pimples and a few scars but thats my fault i squeeze and poke with needles. BUY THIS PRODUCT IT ROX
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August 20, 2009

Pros:

Dried up my pimples, smoothed out my skin

Cons:

redness, stinging

this stuff worked almost immediately and the results are spectacular
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August 20, 2009
I'm 20 years old. I dont have hard core acne but i do suffer from severe break outs especially on my chin and forehead. My skin is combination. I feel that pro active is best for my skin type due to the fact that it could dry your skin out. I tried it for the first time yesterday and I was suprised with the results already. I notice a lot of redness was gone from my skin and it was left feeling EXTREMELY fresh after I followed the three steps that came with the kit. "Cleanser, toners, and lotion" I love it! I'm looking forward to the results in the future and to have good clear skin. I got a 4 peice kit that incluced the refining mask as a bonus for less then $30.00!!!! Cant beat that! I always heard great things about it so I decided to give it a try. I sometimes can be senstive so if you are too just add a oil-free moisturizer on after you use the products. I use a dab of Neutrogena's Oil-Free Moisturizer for Combination Skin and it stops me from getting that too dry feeling. :)
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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.