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
December 17, 2007

Pros:

-free prescription in CANADA!
-drys up acne over night
-use moisturizer to fight dryness

Cons:

-new acne threw out the day(might be because i just started using it?)..
-little drying/stiffness of face
-little red ness

-we'll see if its the real deal within a few more days if acne stops..
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
December 17, 2007

Pros:

it made my skin softer and im stating to clear uo

Cons:

if i miss a day im screwed

i works well but its pricey
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
December 16, 2007

Pros:

This is the best product by far,ever.I have tried everything for myself since 1977, and nothing worked, I also have 1 15 yr.old son and this is the first product that worked for him.His face is so clear now,it is amazing.

Cons:

It needs to be available by the case,so we don't run out.

Don't waste your money on all the over the counter promises,it's a waste of money.Or, these miracle wash cloths on ebay, you might as well use those to dust.If you did,you will just throw it away after using Clear & Smooth and you will never go back to anything else, they do not work.Believe me,I am 47 years old,and I know the difference.I even tried something else after using this, a cloth and some miracle Mexican soap & creme,what a waste of money,and it smells bad too!! Buy the Clear & Smooth,you will be hooked for life!!!!
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
December 15, 2007

Pros:

it cleared up my face really well and i didnt have any dryness or a lot of break outs.

Cons:

after using this proactive for a year it made my face worse and made me break out even more. i had to stop using it because it made my face so horrible.

i dont think this product is very effective and i have had acne for many years and it doesnt work as well as it's advertised.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
December 15, 2007

Pros:

I've had acne for over 30 years, seen doctors, tried pills, etc. This stuff works

Cons:

I was very dry. It began the next day

THis stuff dried up a cluster of vits and I would rather have dry skin than pink pustules all over! But I don't remember what store it came from! I need to get more for my nieces! Someone, please help!
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
December 13, 2007

Pros:

dries up yellow heads reall quick!

Cons:

drys your skin, and can make it go red when you first use it.

its really affordable! and it really dose work if you have tryed everything like me. but you need to use a good mostiriouser or face cream, as it may dry out your skin. but other than that i feel more confident as it dose dry your spots out!
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
December 13, 2007

Pros:

fast shipping

Cons:

EVERYTHING

i've never had worse acne in my life than when i used proactiv and then stopped! what a waste of time and money! DO NOT USE THIS STUFF
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
December 13, 2007

Pros:

Works well (If used correctly), lasts more than 2 months since you don't need that much.

Cons:

Maybe expensive for some, packaging could be better. (Little cheaper since Canadian dollar is at a better rate!)

This is my 2nd attempt with Proactiv. The 1st time was in 2004. I used it for a month & hated it! It made my skin worse & it peeled so badly that I returned it. My cousin is using it (She's 16, I'm 25) & it's been good to her for 2 years now. I reluctantly decided to try it again after my family noticed my own skin getting worse. I started on 10/13/07 & I now wish I got it sooner! The key is patience & using it as recommended. Since I was on Dan's regimen, I was already used to BP so I started at full strength. It recommends to use very little amounts (Dime-size of cleanser, couple dabs of toner, & pea-size of BP). Definitely made my skin HORRIBLE (Peeling, insane acne everywhere) for the 1st month but instead of being annoyed & giving up, I continued with it. Now I'm pretty clear, except for the odd pimple from touching or getting hair product on my face - clears in a day or two. I do use makeup everyday (Everyday Minerals) & eye makeup remover from Neutrogena. Hope this helps!
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
December 12, 2007

Pros:

This works better than anything I have tried, and I'm 35 and have dealt with moderate acne my wole life.

Cons:

I did get pimples in areas I had never gotten before, like the cheekbones. And the cost is a bit high, even for me... a well-paid professional.

My skin was so bad, I was getting comments on it (people were just trying to be helpful of course). Out of desparation, I decided to try Proactiv. I have used it for over a month. My overall complexion has drastically improved to the point I am comfortable not wearing make-up and my husband actually pointed out to me that my skin looked good! I did strangely get a nasty pimple or two on my cheekbones where I had never ever had pimples before...so I think it does have the potential to irritate. However, I think in the case of acne...you want to focus on the big picture. Is you skin overall better using it? Yes, in my case.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
December 12, 2007

Pros:

You can buy that personal make-up artist and photo airbrusher you always wanted.

Cons:

Uselessness, cost, smell, Jessica Simpson.

I have NO IDEA why I ever fell for anything advertised on TV by celebrities. This stuff is overpriced garbage. I bought a trial for a few whiteheads on my nose and chin. Next thing I know, I have two HUGE, red, painful lumps on my chin. They have finally come down after several weeks, but have left scars. Proactiv irritates your skin more, causing even more acne then you ever imagined. It is WAY overpriced. Their "trial" is nothing of the sort, but signing onto their never-ending contract. If you don't call and argue with them for a half-hour (not unlike AOL) they will automatically charge you and ship you more of their horrible product. Oh, and returning it is worthless, because after $20 + $6 shipping, they don't reimburse your shipping or give you a prepaid label. So, your minus at least $12, bringing your refund to $8...What a headache! Get some over-the-counter stuff. WAY cheaper and more reliable.
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.