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.

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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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Order:
August 1, 2012
Product used: Proactiv Solution (Acne Treatment System)

Pros:

Nothing

Cons:

Dries out skin
Causes break outs
Expensive

I should have done my research before purchasing this treatment. I was so caught up in the hype of it, I thought it would work for me. The product caused my boyfriend and I to break out worse, and when we thought it might be working, we realized it was just drying out our skin. The product says to use less if this happens, but even that didn't work! The insult to injury came when I called to cancel, only to find out the $19.95 + $9.95 s/h lock in rate was a LIE and each system is REALLY $72.00!!!!!! I WILL NEVER USE OR RECOMMEND PROACTIV! WHAT A RIP OFF!!!!
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July 20, 2012
Product used: Clean & Clear (Persa-Gel 10, Maximum Strength)

Pros:

nothing

Cons:

-stains fabric
-dries skin

I used this sometimes for breakouts when I was a teenager but it didn't seem to help my acne any more than 5% bp. It may have even made it worse because it dried out my skin and caused my skin to produce more oil in reaction to the dry/flakiness.
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July 9, 2012
Product used: Clinique (Acne Solutions Clear Skin System)

Pros:

- Works fast
- Gentle
- Evens skin tone
- Clears redness
- Shrinks Pores

Cons:

- If you don't use all three steps it doesn't work

This product is by far the best I have ever used. It cleared my acne after years of trying different products. Not only does it clear my acne but it heals my skin so that I won't have such severe breakouts. I recommend this product to anyone who has stubborn acne that just won't seem to go away.
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June 29, 2012
Product used: Carley's (Clear and Smooth Skin Treatment)

Pros:

Works wonders!! Bottle lasts a long time:)

Cons:

None

I am 39 years old and have had cystic acne for years!! This stuff keeps me clear!! I have sensitive skin and everything burns my face. Carely's products don't. I don't let myself run out, ever!! Thanks so much:)
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June 29, 2012
Product used: Acne.org (Treatment (Benzoyl Peroxide - 2.5%))

Pros:

- Dries up acne.
- Cheaper and better than Proactiv.
- Works!
- Big bottle worth the money.

Cons:

- Not suitable for sensitive skin.
- Can cause irritation of all sort.

I've tried Proactiv in the past and it caused me some severe reactions (red patches, swelling, burning) but then again it was still the 10% formula. This whole system looked great so I bought the entire big bottled kit, which is worth it because these won't run out for a loooong time. My skin is porcelain/combination and I have pretty bad cystic acne. I tried this for about 3 weeks, i noticed improvement but I had severe peeling and itching. Dan said this was normal but after another week it was just something I couldn't handle anymore. I stopped putting it on my face and started again when my face healed, I never upped the dosage this time and only used it at night and had the same reactions. It made me burn and peel really bad and I just can't use it on my face :( I never put it in my eyes but for some reason I woke up with swollen eyes so I warn those of you that are sensitive to certain products. However, this did work on my chest and back, I had no irritation problems and the acne that resided there has disappeared. Overall if the skin on my face wasn't so sensitive, it would work.
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June 27, 2012
Product used: Proactiv Solution (Acne Treatment System)

Pros:

Works pretty well. Ordering is easy. Cancellation easy. Money back guarantee. No side effects. Easy to use.

Cons:

None.

Im 30 years old and have had acne since about age 11. It was managable until aboutage 26 when it became quite persistant and severe. I decided to give proactiv a try 2 years ago. I HATED it. My face dried out so much that it was scaly and red. I cried and cried. I was using extra oil free moisturizer and tea tree oil. Well, that was the problem. I went to using it every other day with neutrogena moiturizer. My face calmed down and i noticed my acne clearing. After a month i went to every day. I quit using it because my face cleared. Silly me. I went back on it about a year ago and have found its the only thing to really help me. Granted my face isnt completely clear. I dont use it twice daily though. I think i'll start with twice daily. Overall i love it. I went from a face covered with acne, to a few pimples on my jawline. For those suffering from drying effects, i suggest easing into and using a seperate moiturizer with the 3 steps.
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June 21, 2012
Product used: Benzac AC (Benzoyl Peroxide (2.5%) Gel)

Pros:

+ soothes angry blackheads and pimples
+ minimizes the size and appearance of cystic acne
+ does work well to rid acne

Cons:

- leaves a white residue if not blended properly
- thick consistancy makes it hard to blend
- expensive

I found the 10% BP strength cream worked much better than the 2.5% or the 5%. I used this product religiously for nearly five years and loved it. Doesn't clear your skin but definitely helps to minimize the appearance of cystic acne.
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June 21, 2012
Product used: Oxy (Maximum Action Advanced Face Wash)

Pros:

Affordable
Fast results
Nice consistency
Helps oily skin
Prevents acne

Cons:

It will dry out your skin unless its naturally oily like mine

It completely cleared up my skin within the first 2 weeks of using it and i haven't had any bad breakouts since. There is also a spot treatment in this brand which works very good as well.
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June 16, 2012
Product used: Proactiv Solution (Acne Treatment System)

Pros:

Clearer and softer skin
Cleared skin in 2 weeks
Variety of products

Cons:

Repeating steps twice a day
Expensive
Subscription is necessary
Website - hard to handle

Overall I'm very satisfied with the product, although I wish they had bigger sizes so I wouldn't have to order every 2 months. However, it's just a bit too expensive and I don't like accessing their website. I feel there is too many obstacles to go around before you actually find what you want. I don't like that you have to be a member to get a "discount."
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June 8, 2012
Product used: Mary Kay (Clearproof Acne Treatment Gel)

Pros:

Gets rid of acne FAST
nice smell

Cons:

dries skin

Ok i used to have bad acne i had little bitty pimples all over my forhead bleack head everywhere around my nose and just it was bad But then i used this bacause i saw it in my moms makeup bag and i saw it had BP in it so i was like Hey may as well give it a shot and i put it on and the next day saw a diffrence after using it about a month i had almost no acne left and i do now and personally i like the smell and its just amazing go get it Now
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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