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
February 2, 2008

Pros:

Cost

Cons:

After using this for about a month, my skin actually got worse. I was breaking out worse than before using this. What gives? And it severely dried out my skin...really bad.

It probably works well for some people, but I don't understand why it made me break out more. It dried out my face to the point that using mosturizers weren't even helping.
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January 31, 2008

Pros:

I earlier had used Proactiv it was ok but nowhere to beat Derma Cleanse hormonal acne system which worked wonders for my acne and pimples.

Cons:

It's pricey and dries the skin like anything, makes you feel older than you actually are.

I heard alot about proactiv and had plans to use it for a long period, but the results after a month made me change my mind and switch over to derma cleanse acne system
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January 30, 2008

Pros:

NONE

Cons:

Amasingly it made my skin worse, worse product i've ever used

Don't buy it, waist of good money. I must admit the ads do make me want to buy it again! But simply it does not work :(
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January 30, 2008

Pros:

The beginning stages it worked perfectly. Lots of compliments, could see noticeable improvements.

Cons:

After using for a few years it totally stopped working and my skin is worse than it ever was before in my whole life. Almost cystic like acne is appearing.

Bottom line is this, it does what it promises but only for a short while. It's hard finding something that works after using Proactiv. One thing that I found out is that it strips/burns off the protective layer off your skin and makes it more sensitive than it probably ever was from the beginning. I would not recommend it to anyone not even my worst enemy. They have a formula that is twice as strong/harsh that is not found on the website, you must call customer service and order through them. How much destroying of the skin do they want to do. I really dont think those stars use it like they claim.
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January 30, 2008

Pros:

The repairing cream helps

Cons:

-It bleaches sheets and pillow cases and is an annoying thing to have to do every day twice a day
-costs A LOT to keep using it
-when you stop using it, acne returns

If I wanted to be chained to a face washing system for the rest of my life, I'd keep using it, but I don't. While using it for 4 years, my face was clear and smooth.. especially towards the end of that time, and when I used a good amount of repairing cream with the face wash-- the toner was too drying for me.. but those two worked great together. After I stopped using it my acne has returned... not as bad as it used to be, but it is still there.
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January 28, 2008

Pros:

Ive noticed a definite decrease in redness of my acne. but im also on a pill called minocycle plus another benzoyl peroxide cream prescribed to me. my family tells me my face looks a lot better.
also, i noticed that my period breakouts arent as ba

Cons:

doesnt work in three days. thats bogus.
face gets red after applying.
initial flaking and dry, itchy skin.

I'll continue to use it. I tried aveda and a bunch of other products and this seems to be working loads better. I use it as a side kick to my other acne medication. Im still a bit skeptical, since im on my third week and it hasnt cleared up completely, but my body's always been slow with everything, so im guessing this is no different. I used to have it very severely on the sides of my cheeks right by my hair line, and the redness and amount of acne there has decreased IMMENSLY. also, i used to have a lot of black heads on my chin and they are pretty much GONE. awesome if you ask me. :]
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January 28, 2008

Pros:

The refining mask and the oil-free daily lotion are good products.

Cons:

Burned a bit during the first 2 weeks of use. Turned the mild acne on my chin and jawline into huge painful cystic acne on my cheeks and neck. I had no luck clearing my with this product.

I used this product at age 32 and had mild acne. I was told to give it a full 8 weeks. Weeks 1 and 2 I saw some improvement and was really excited (despite some stinging). Weeks 3 and 4 no more improvement from weeks 1 and 2 but it was still better than it was before. Then after week 4 things got bad. I started getting very painful cystic acne where I didn't get acne before, on my cheeks and neck. I completed the full 8 weeks and was not happy. The resulting acne took months to clear up then the dark spots left from the acne took about an additional 6 months to lighten (and I was really good, I didn't pick at anything!!!). Maybe this product works on Jessica Simpson but it did nothing but make me unhappy and $75 poorer.
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January 26, 2008

Pros:

- exfoliated nicely

Cons:

- Dried out my skin
- created nasty shine spots
- acne did NOT go away

I bought proactiv thinking it would work for me like it did for all those people on the commercials... boy was I wrong. The last step in the system dried my sking SOOOO badly it was nuts. It would actually create shine spots on my skin where I put the product. My acne did not go away and I used it consistently for OVER a year. It's terrible, and I would not reccommend it.
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January 22, 2008

Pros:

The fragrance wasn't too bad, there was SOME result in acne treatment.

Cons:

It didn't work for me, it only gave me MORE pimples.
Left a white layer of cream on my face.

I dont think other shoulod get this product, it didnt really work for me i really recommend the scrub though. The only good thing about it was that it smelt OKAY and sometimes it worked, just a few times.
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January 21, 2008

Pros:

Works pretty well

Cons:

Thick, white, sticky

I was using salicylic acid, which I thought would be less irritating for my skin than Benzoyl peroxide. I was wrong. Salicyclic acid made my skin red and irritated, I have been using the BP for four days (at night only) and I already see an improvement. Existing acne is healing and I haven't had a new breakout. I got one new blemish but it's already healing up and going away. My skin is no longer red but looks creamy, fresh, smooth, and even. So far so 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.

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.