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
June 23, 2008

Pros:

-

Cons:

Didn't do one positive thing for my face

I used Proactiv for over 1 year and it did not help my acne at all. In fact, it has really made it continuously worse. I kept thinking that it was just the initial breakout that you are supposed to get, but, after a year, it was still horrible! I am very disappointed with this product.
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June 23, 2008

Pros:

It got rid of all my acne

Cons:

Dries the heckout of my skin and made my eyelids swell

I love this cleanser. I hate the fact that it dries out my skin the way it does but I am goign to the MD in another week and I am sure this is what his plan was. I am totally acne free!!! Now I just have to combat this dry skin and get rid of the dark spots the acne left behind.
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June 23, 2008

Pros:

cleanser feels great on my skin, lotion is creamy and not too oily.

Cons:

toner makes my skin dry

Acne free is affordable but it is taking a long time for my face to be clear. proactiv is faster, way more light, and although it may cost more its better than acne free. acne free is good for light acne not for severe acne
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June 21, 2008

Pros:

it makes your skin soft and smooth when you use it and your skin feels very clean. it moisturizes your skin.

Cons:

after you stop using it, it stops working right away. it also takes a while for results. it makes your skin very oily later on in the day.

this product takes a while to work until you start seeing results. on tv they exagerate because it doesnt work that well how they say it does. it makes your skin really smooth after a week or two of using it. it eventually starts working but when you stop using it, your skin will break out really fast.
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June 21, 2008

Pros:

There is none, i tried it and kept at it for 2 weeks with very depressing results.

Cons:

Shrinks occasional breakouts, however leaves a larger red cyst like appearence, cause very bad breakouts.

DO NOT BUY!! I've had acne for 4 years now, which has become progressively worse over the years and it got to the point where ive tried every diet,went to the dermotologist and everything,but feeling lucky i bought this product and the first few days of using it I noticed that my skin was breaking out with larger pimples then what i was used to and on my right cheek which was my not so bad cheek, it was bad but it was the side which i was able to look at. I knew that some products caused skin purging and as much as i wanted to stop using it i thought that maybe there was a possibility of it actually working . Wrong!! After the first week my skin had the worst breakouts i have ever seen on my right side, ive never broken out this much at one time ,and the size of the pimples are big. I couldnt stop crying at what i saw in the mirror . My acne was already horrible and badly pigmented to begin with and the fact that ill have to wait another few monthes for the marks to fade is Ba
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June 21, 2008

Pros:

clears acne, skin becomes very much softer,

Cons:

a bit too expensive

i would recomend getting this product if you have a lot of acne, but dont expect the results you see in ads, it certanly helps reduce acne, but does get rid of them completely
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June 20, 2008

Pros:

Good at drying out smallish bumps.

Cons:

Very drying and didn't stop a new fairly big bump from forming during daily use. WTF?

I followed the regimen. I wash with Cetaphil and sometimes Salicylic Ice Wash, then use the on-the-spot and use Olay Complete moisturizer trying to imitate the videos but I still flaked like crazy. During the regimen a new bump formed. It's really good are removing the top layer of skin. Pretty good at drying out existing pimples. Awful at stopping new ones from forming.
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June 18, 2008

Pros:

Clears and prevents most of my acne.The little I do get isn't very noticable and goes away quickly.

Cons:

Still have trouble with oilier spots such as my nose and forehead.

Pretty good, I have to take medication for it too, but much better than anything else I've tried.
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June 18, 2008

Pros:

Makes my face feel really clean. I like to use it on my shoulders as well. I have been using it for 8 years and I can't live without it. I order a new bottle as soon as mine starts getting low.

Cons:

Bleaches towels, but is totally worth it :)

I found out about the wash 8 years ago on a message board when I was taking Accutane. In 8 years, I haven't been able to find anything that works as well for me. It keeps my face clear!!
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June 17, 2008

Pros:

WOW, an acne product that actually WORKS

Cons:

As I said in my previous review, THE SMELL OF THE STEP 2 CLEANSER!!

A great product that actually works and is UNDER $70.00/month!!!
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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.