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
October 22, 2008

Pros:

Micro beads in cleanser leave you feeling like you got a nice clean face. Toner removes anything you might have missed. Lotion leaves your face feeling fresh.

Cons:

Toner and lotion can sting at times for a few minutes before subsiding. Leaves skin dry and flaky. Did not remove acne.

I suppose individuals with light acne might benefit from proactiv, but this product did not give me results worthy of $60. I tried this system for months and it didnt do anything significant. I RECOMMEND ONLY FOR LIGHT ACNE PRONE SKIN
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 21, 2008

Pros:

It worked for me. I have tried a lot of products, even prescription from the dermatologist, nothing has worked this well for me.

Cons:

The consistency of the cleanser took a little adjusting to, but it doesn't bother me now. The consistency of the overnight treatment is a little thick, which I actually like now. I just add a little water to my hand or make sure my face is a bit wet.

It works. I have been using this product for a little over a month. The true test was getting through the menstrual cycle and it worked. I haven't always been consistent on every single night washing and applying the overnight cream, which I can tell a difference when I don't. I will definitely buy this product again. It has worked better than anything I have ever tried. My skin is a little oily, but I am 40 and also worried about wrinkles I have used this with my overnight wrinkle cream and there haven't been any problems. I love it, love it, love it.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 21, 2008

Pros:

smooth skin after a few weeks

Cons:

got a few breakouts though ... and skin peeling... and oily on the t-zone

I'm still in the stage of trying this out... so i'm still waiting for the "end result".. i bought the whole acne system plus i bought the "special" moisturizer, the 7-day scrub cream ...
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 20, 2008

Pros:

WORKS GREAT FOR ME. I HAVE BEEN USING THIS STUFF FOR ALMOST 10 YEARS. I AM SURPRISED BY ALL OF THE NEGATIVE REVIEWS.

Cons:

NONE REALLY

WORKS GREAT!
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 20, 2008

Pros:

Just started using it. my skin already feels alot smoother.
i cant wait for the next 2 weeks to go by to see this product work its wonders!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cons:

redness when u first use it

SERIOUSLY - BEST OVER THE COUNTER PRODUCT! buy it
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 15, 2008

Pros:

cheap price for the trail set, see improvement in 2~3 days, helps reduce oil

Cons:

the skin flakes except the t-area(where it used to be oily...im the combination skin type)

it definitly works on reducing oil n zits but it really dries out my skin!!!!!
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 15, 2008

Pros:

the refining mask

Cons:

everything else

it didn't work at all for me. i used it for about 4 months and saw no difference if not making my skin feel worse at times. it did feel like it was burning, especially during and while working out. im switching back to st. ives for now because atleast that seems to work at keeping the blemishes away.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 15, 2008

Pros:

Helps somewhat, doesn't smell bad, skin feels clean

Cons:

1. EXTREMELY DRYING, it made my face itch, it itches all day long. 2. It doesn't clear you up all the way 3. It takes a while to work

I have always had really good skin with this product...back when i had extremely light acne. So it worked good then. But now, i'm 15 and i'm filled with acne, this product leaves my skin extremely itchy, dryed, flakey, oily, and tight. And worse, my acne has not gone away.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 15, 2008

Pros:

Leaves your skin smooth,Gets rid of pimples, skin looks healthier, more confidence

Cons:

dries your skin, expensive, if you skip a step it won't work, constant use or you'll be back to were you started, doesn't remove the spots or the stains that old pimples leave

Well, i had light acne, in fact i only had pimples( but consistent ones) on one of my cheeks. My cousin gave me her proactiv kit( b/c it didn,t work for her), and told me to try it. I used it for two weeks day and night. My first week my acne got worse, but the sceond week it cleard up. My skin was smooth and pimple free. But i noticed that my skin was gettin' dryer. So, i switched from using it twice a day, to once a day at night. In the mornin i just washed my face with warm water, then applied moisturizing cream( for face) and then my sunblock.At night i did the usual proactiv process but after letting the repairin lotion dry, i applied my moisturizing cream. It worked so well for me, but i still have the spots that my old pimples left. I ran out of the toner and i skip that step and my old pimples are starting to reappear! But for the time i had all my kit, it really worked!!! Except for that stains that i couldn't get rid of!
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 13, 2008

Pros:

Gave me the closest to clear skin that I've had since 14.

Cons:

Broke me out when I first started using.

I had been struggling with moderate acne (constant blackheads & whiteheads, and during "that time of the month" some cysts) since I was 14 years old... But on my 18th birthday I received a bottle of Carleys and it's gone down to very light acne, with only the occasional pimple. Beyond having less acne, I like how smooth it's made my skin. I recommend. :)
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report

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.