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
January 15, 2009

Pros:

It clears up your skin, makes it softer.
{If you have a disgustingly huge pimple, continue using this product and try Clean & Clear Pimple Cream stuff. I think it's 10% benzol peroxide too. Use it at NIGHT. Wash off in morning!}

Cons:

It will probably make your skin dry, so I recommend you use OLAY Moisturizer in the morning and Clean & Clear OIL FREE Sacylic Acid Moisturizer at night. :)

THIS PRODUCT TAKES TIME!! I used it over winter break and continue to use it. Yes, you WILL break out slightly more for about a week or so. After that, they'll disappear. GIVE IT ABOUT 3 OR 4 WEEKS!! I've used it since December 23rd 2008 :) It's only January 14th and my skin feels so much better and looks clearer.
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January 12, 2009

Pros:

It made my skin soft.

Cons:

I suppose I have some strange skin but in the first night of using it I woke up to 5 new white heads. Then 4 more the next day. Then 7. Then 3 more. By the end of the week it looked like connect the dots party on my face.

It works for some skin types. But if you're skin is really sensitive, skip this product. No really, skip it. It'll ruin your skin.
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January 8, 2009

Pros:

dries those juicy suckers up

Cons:

redness, some zits get more irritated, dry and tight, flaking typically...

it may get rid of a localized zit...but it is not good for your skin. period. I actually found that where i put it on, and after the initial zit shirveled up, i'd get a new one bam right there next to it! One day i put on this bp during the afternoon sunday and left it on until i washed my face at night. i didn't put it on at night...i put on moisturizer. When i woke up i saw the texture of my skin was hell....and very red. So I used coverup for the first time in a long while (i usually wear mineral poweder). by noon all of the makeup had FALLEN off with my skin flakes! it looked like a desert.... BUT I had used this stuff religiously a few years ago (with no good affect actually, i used to put it like all over my face all the time even though it didn't do much) i didn't react too badly back then tho.... this stuff has been around me for years...but please don't make a habit of using this sh*t.
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January 8, 2009

Pros:

Complete 3-step system that contains benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid.

Cons:

You are enrolled in their membership program. If you order online, it takes a long time to receive your order, and if you purchase the products at a kiosk at a mall, it's way too expensive.

I've been using Proactiv Solution for one year now, and I honestly would have to say it is working for me. I know there are lots of people out there who have had horrible stories with Proactiv and I understand that everyone's face is different. But just remember that diet and stress are also big factors. Besides the Proactiv Solution system, I also use Dan's AHA+ at night (love glycolic acid!), take cod liver oil (vitamin A and omega-3s), and I stay away from cosmetics containing bismuth oxychloride (a skin irritant). I love the repairing lotion the best because it is gentle on my skin and the toner is refreshing and moisturizing. The cleanser can be a bit too harsh, so be careful when rubbing it on your skin. Good luck!
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January 7, 2009

Pros:

Affordable,takes minutes a day to use,easily found in stores.

Cons:

The cream makes my eyes water and burn when used,still have some zits even after a month of use.

I have been using it for a month after trying numerous other face systems without results.The pill is easy to take though the cream burns my eyes everytime I use it and I have used BP for years.I would recommend closing eyes while applying.It did not help me see results after 2 weeks though but I am hoping to see a better improvement with future use.I will keep everyone updated as I continue to use this product.
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January 7, 2009

Pros:

Does reduce acne, tightens pores

Cons:

Redness, flaky skin

ProActiv worked for a while for me. And then I guess I achieved a tolerance and it stopped working, possibly causing additional breakouts. I personally think the product is average. For some it works, some it doesn't. I would say it is worth a shot though!
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January 6, 2009

Pros:

Works well, kept my face acne on check, didn't really use it on my back though, only my face. I didn't get the redness effect. Cheap too.

Cons:

Takes a while to actually get rid of acne's, it just helps prevent new ones from appearing.

Good, I would recommend it, unless you have really sensitive skin I guess because some people say their face got swollen. I don't know, but it's working really well for me.
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January 5, 2009

Pros:

*great price
*clears acne
*leaves no white residue

Cons:

*dries out skin

If you are suffering from acne, you owe it to yourself to really give the regimen an honest try. I had written off bp as something that didn't work for my acne until I came across this website during a serious bout of acne. I have faithfully followed the regimen for the past 3 months and it has drastically reduced the severity of my acne. This product is of high quality and for a very reasonable cost when you consider how long it lasts. I'm still on my first bottle! But, as with any bp product, it will dry your skin. I have sensitive combo skin that is oily in the T-zone. Even though I am in my 4th month of the regimen, I am still not to a full pump of bp! I have had to go very slow in increasing the bp or else my skin gets extremely dry and irritated. Make sure to use a very good moisturizer!
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January 5, 2009

Pros:

Very few actually.

Cons:

Seemed to work great after two days, but then broke out in a very red, raised rash that hurt alot to touch and to talk. Took Vitamin E on my skin to help the pain and bring the redness down.

Not recommended unless you know you don't have an allergy to the product, Benzol peroxide. May try on a small area if your absolutely needing to try it.
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January 3, 2009

Pros:

It worked well in the first 3 months of use. I loved the mask.

Cons:

It was very time consuming and it stopped working after a while. It left my skin worse than before. Now I have a lot of trouble with my skin and it hurts!

It didn't work for me, but everyone's skin is different. I'm glad if it worked for you.
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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.