Benzoyl Peroxide
Results
Side Effects

Benzoyl peroxide is a topical treatment that kills acne bacteria and dries/peels the skin, helping to keep pores unclogged.

It is usually applied once or twice a day to the acne-affected area. You should see results quickly, but sometimes it takes 4 to 6 weeks of treatment to become apparent.

3.5
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Compare To Other Treatments
5
31.3%
4
25%
3
17.2%
2
12.5%
1
14%

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November 30, 2007
Product used: Proactiv Solution (Acne Treatment System)

Pros:

Skin improved in the first couple of days.

Cons:

Went downhill after that. Skin is worse than ever. Breaking out mostly on my cheeks and along my jaw line. Places I had never broken out before. After I stopped using proactiv after a couple of weeks, my skin still hasn't gotten better.

Proactiv is a waste of money. It pisses me off that they use jennifer love hewitt with her one f**king blemish as an advocate for acne treatment. Even P diddy, a spokesperson for proactiv, is pissed that it made his skin worse. I would never recommend this to anyone. I'm having a bitch time trying to reverse the effects of this sh*t product.
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November 29, 2007
Product used: Acne.org (Treatment (Benzoyl Peroxide - 2.5%))

Pros:

I have been doing the regimen for almost three years now, and it has consistently kept my acne away. The gel does not cause excessive drying or flaking, especially when you've kept at the regimen and your skin adjusts.

Cons:

It sometimes seems like it can take a long time to absorb into the skin, but it still works as long as the skin is sufficiently dry.

I wouldn't use anything else!
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November 28, 2007
Product used: Proactiv Solution (Acne Treatment System)

Pros:

Seemed to work at first

Cons:

I am still breaking out and it has been a couple of months..no significant improvement. My skin is EXTREMELY dry and trying to cover it up with make-up just makes it worst.

Use at your own discretion. I used to use prescribed acne medicine with a stronger benzoyl peroxide concentration and my skin NEVER looked as bad as it does now that I've used Proactiv.
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November 26, 2007
Product used: PanOxyl (Benzoyl Peroxide (10%) Aquagel)

Pros:

it really works i love it! you just have to make sure to be consistent and use it every day.

Cons:

i payed 20 bucks for it! because here you cant get the 10% at a store it has to be prescribed..for some reason.
but it does dry out the skin, just like everyone said...use a vitamin a & e based moisturizer and ur good to go!

BUY it people!
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November 25, 2007
Product used: Nature's Cure (Two-Part Acne Treatment System for Females)

Pros:

easy to take, no side effects at all, works quickly and effectively and has a great price.

Cons:

None!

You can swallow the pills. They say you can on the product's official website, but they recommend you chew them since it gets in your bloodstream faster. The cream did not dry my skin, but I don't really use the cream that much since the pills are enough for me. I'm almost 30 and this product seems to work on adult acne.
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November 24, 2007
Product used: Acne.org (Treatment (Benzoyl Peroxide - 2.5%))

Pros:

Smooth, almost soft texture, goes on clear, STAYS clear, can be worn under makeup and moisturizer, feels clean, non-drying and doesn't burn (for me).

Cons:

None!

I have moderate acne that scars, and I used to suffer from cystic acne. I've tried Retin-A, antibiotics, Tazorac, and Ortho Tri Cyclen. I refused to use accutane because of possible birth defects. I'm not sensitive to any skin product so I put a full finger's worth on (again, my skin doesn't respond dramatically to anything, so this large amount was an amount I knew that I could handle without irritation), rubbed it in gently, let it dry, and went to bed. The next day, my skin tone was improved drastically! The spots had shrunken, and redness was reduced. My face is never stiff/flaky from this product and moisturizer goes on well over it. Within 2 weeks of consistant use, about 80% of my spots were gone. Red marks were fading. Now, after 4 months of use, I get 1-2 monthly pimples, as opposed to 4-5 WEEKLY pimples. What overjoyed me the most is that it's helping to fade my scars. Will NEVER go back to BP creams or lotions. Now being able to go without makeup is wonderful! Thank you Dan
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November 23, 2007
Product used: Proactiv Solution (Acne Treatment System)

Pros:

works after a while, skin feels great after application, no dryness like with other products

Cons:

doesn't work as quickly as advertised, doesn't clear all kinds of acne, caused breakouts where I didn't have them before using this product, takes a little too long to apply because it's 3 products, smells a bit medicinal

I think how well this product works depends on what kind of skin you have, i.e. how sensitive your skin is, oily/dry/normal, what kind of acne you're looking to clear up and maybe even things like race/gender. I have somewhat sensitive skin and have never really been able to tell whether or not it is abnormal or oily. I tend to get acne that leaves scars/dark spots on my face that take a long time to go away, and Proactiv didn't really help that. I also never had acne on my forehead or chin before using Proactiv, but now I seem to have that problem for life, even though I don't use Proactiv anymore. My skin seemed to break out before it cleared it. It also didn't work any quicker than regular, cheaper products with Salcylic Acid in them for me on my more standard acne, and that is what I'm back to using, plus the Clearasil 3-day tube that has the same active ingredient that is in Proactiv but at a higher percentage which results in standard pimples going away quicker than with Proactiv
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November 22, 2007
Product used: Carley's (Clear and Smooth Skin Treatment)

Pros:

I have used it for years, you can't get a better product. Takes care of acne and wrinkles. Great!!!

Cons:

Not in stores, mail order only

It make you skin look great!!
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November 21, 2007
Product used: Proactiv Solution (Acne Treatment System)

Pros:

smoother, clearer skin
less oily skin
smells great

Cons:

makes your skin REALLY dry if you dont use a good moisturizer
skin gets worse before better

for the most part, it works. for everyone that said it makes your skin too dry b/c the 'lotion' doesnt help it.. its b/c its not actually a 'lotion'.. its just the medication. you still have to use a moisturizer or else it dries out your skin too much and causes MORE oil. i have really oily skin and this makes it way less oily. and one more thing.. for some your skin gets worse before it gets better (like me) when you start using it, which is b/c it has to clear out the impurities first.
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November 19, 2007
Product used: Proactiv Solution (Acne Treatment System)

Pros:

softer skin, removed dead skin cells

Cons:

more acne

had light clogged pores before I got it, now I have pimples all over, which I've never had before. It's been 2 weeks so far. I'm going to finish these little bottles and decide afterwards, but so far .. not looking good.
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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.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

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.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website