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
July 20, 2008

Pros:

It starts working overnight and once it dries it's hardly noticable in texture or smell.

Cons:

I have slight skin sensitivity in the sun.

For the price it's a deal. I have tried Proactive and expensive laser treatments and nothing has worked this well before. If you have tried everything and nothing has worked then for $20 give this a try.
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July 20, 2008

Pros:

doesn't work makes your skin redder

Cons:

it is not worth it and a load of junk im using something much better now.

i wouldn't trust Proactiv Solution again it has ruined my skin for life
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July 20, 2008

Pros:

it's available everywhere

Cons:

it worsened my acne.

after trying this for a week, my acne started to clear up. after using this for two months, my acne came back with a vengence. i'm glad it's worked for everyone else though! and based on the reviews i would probably reccomend it.
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July 19, 2008

Pros:

noticeable overnight results. pimples all went within the second week of use

Cons:

leaves skin quite dry

i found that if you use it constantly at first (eg. the first two weeks) then use normal non harsh, sensitive skin body wash every second day and a light moisturizer instead of bervoxyl, alternating between the both, your skin feels more soft and moisturized.
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July 18, 2008

Pros:

Umm.... gonna have to get back to you on that one.

Cons:

Expensive, doesn't work, burns, drys out skin

I used proactiv a looong time ago and it did wonders for my skin, so when my skin starting breaking out again I thought I would try it again. Big mistake! My skin is worse than it has ever been. I have big cystic pimples on my cheeks, a new whitehead or two every day, and scars from all the new pimples. Proactiv does not work for me at all. I wish I never purchased it. The cleanser does NOT remove dirt and oil, because when you use the toner you can see all of the dirt and oil on the pad. The beads in the cleanser scratch my skin, and the repairing lotion drys my skin out so bad it turns white around my mouth. I would not recommend this product. My skin is sensitive and proactiv has done nothing except make it much much much worse. I purchased exposed today and hopefully that will clear up all the damage that proactiv has caused. Please save your money and find what works for you. Do not buy into the hype of proactiv
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July 16, 2008

Pros:

Product can be found at many convenience stores, cheap, has worked great for me.

Cons:

It will dry your skin the first few times you use it, but I used a vasoline deep moisture lotion overnight and it helped a lot.

As with most acne regimes (especially in more serious cases), the key is to BE PERSISTENT :) Don't use this product and give up after a week or two. I've been using it for a little more than a year, and it's really made a *huge* difference. I use it in the morning and the evening, and very occasionally in the afternoon too, if it's icky out. I use a neutrogena gentle wash/no fragrance, and all I can say is this is excellent!
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July 16, 2008

Pros:

It's Cheap!

Cons:

May Cause Dryness!

I Love This Product At Frist I Tried Everything. Like proactiv, Differin, and Acne-Free Severe! None Of Them Work, But When I bought Oxy It Started Clearing My Face Up In a Wwwk! At First I Got Severely Dry! But Then My Skin Got Used To It! Also I Used a Moisturizer. To Heal The Dryness! The Bottom Line It Work! Also Buy The Pads & The Cream!
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July 16, 2008

Pros:

Cleared up most of my blackheads, nice texture and made my face smoother (through exfoliation).

Cons:

Made my face red, caused an overproduction of oil, and did not treat or prevent pimples.

Overall, while I used this my skin was better in some ways, worse in others. After two and a half weeks of use my face started breaking out in very large, painful cystic acne, which I almost never get, even when I'm not using anything medicated. I'd only recommend this to someone with fairly severe acne, as I think it would help, though not completely clear it up. I'm also a bit miffed by the company's assertion that you have to use it for 6-8 weeks for it to start working, which conveniently coincides with the bi-monthly shipments of new kits. In my opinion, if a product really is effective, then it should be sooner than that.
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July 15, 2008

Pros:

+Mostly cleared my skin
+A system with products that are all designed to work together
+Ease of use/relatively quick

Cons:

-Never cleared up my skin/red marks entirely
-Made my skin very red and irritated
-Because you can only get the components in a pack, I would end up running out of cleanser and having to buy more of all three even when I had extra of 2/3 compon

I've been using this for nearly two years now, and am only now switching as I've become aware of less irritating alternatives. The system was good, but it always irritated my skin, and even as it made my skin relatively clear, it did little to nothing for hyperpigmentation. Even when I didn't have acne, my skin was always red and ruddy. In the end I think this system was just too strong for me: the cleanser has SA and the "night" cream contains BP. Not recommended for sensitive skin types. Also, even as the price seems reasonable, you will find yourself building up extra bottles of the "day" and "night" creams as the cleanser runs out long before they do; in effect, you end up paying $20-30 just for cleanser. This is also a large part of why I am switching. I wish Neutrogena would sell these components separately.
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July 13, 2008

Pros:

Smooths out the skin.
Gets rid of redness.

Cons:

Expensive

This did work. I saw results from day one. It makes your skin very very very soft. Don`t use if your skin is extremely sensitive (mines not) If you got the money- GO FOR IT! but its not that incredibly bad since its worth it.
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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.