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
November 15, 2007

Pros:

i don't break out when i use this product

Cons:

does not get rid of blemishes. after the pimples subside, it leaves red marks on face

i've tried other products including proactive. those just make me break out like crazy! this is the only product which makes me not worry the following morning that i have a big zit on my face...so even though it does not clear out blemishes, i use it still because at least i'm not developing any zits anymore
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 14, 2007

Pros:

Kills 90% of acne is less than one week. Goes on clean and smoothly. Large amount. Doesn't dry my skin out. Works great on back acne!

Cons:

Bleaches fabrics.

Try this. You have to be very patient.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 11, 2007

Pros:

kept new acne from coming

Cons:

didnt get rid of the old acne

it kind of worked for me
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 11, 2007

Pros:

its really good and makes my face feel really smooth but i dnt know wen to use it ??

Cons:

leaves skin very dry

does get rid of spots but can anybody tell me the routine they use please
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 6, 2007

Pros:

It seems to work

Cons:

But as it works it creates other problems! Dryness Peeling itching

I think everyone is different. It works for some but it definitly did not work for me!
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 5, 2007

Pros:

It works!!!

Cons:

Bleaches your towels. I've gone to white towels for my face.

I've used many many products and none of them worked as well even the medications. Proactive worked so well, I have people stop me on the street to tell me how nice my skin looks. I'm over 50 and have oily T Zone skin causing adult acne which is a real drag. My trick is to use the scrub only at night with just the toner and lotion morning and night. That way it doesn't dry your skin so much. It works for me. I've been using it for over 2 years.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 31, 2007

Pros:

It is the only thing that has worked for me and I've tried EVERYTHING! It doesn't irritate my skin at all. I now have 0 acne and my skin is soft and smooth!

Cons:

I can't think of any.

Used as part of Dan's regimen, this gel can't be beat! It is such a relief to be rid of acne after years of trying a gazillion different products/regimens.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 30, 2007

Pros:

Works Great!!

Cons:

You must be consistant with the routine!!!

I was 30 years old...never had clear skin. Not severe acne just spots and it was so annoying! For once I wanted to just wake up and be ready to face the world before caking on make-up! My face cleared up in a couple of weeks after strickly following the routine!! GO for it! Excercise is great too! My dermatologist put me on several perscriptions including tetracycline that made me whoozy...now I'm drug free and clear!!
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 29, 2007

Pros:

umm u can now get it at the mall. FOR THOSE WHO WANT IT.

Cons:

man o man. I thought maybe it was just me. But i read all the others comments and i see that its not just me. I broke out every single day with proactiv. I got at least two new pimples and i used it as directed. I HATE IT!

I DUNNO IF IT REALLY WORKS FOR OTHER , BUT IT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME. get a free trail and cross ur fingers.I even got the rapid removers and the mask.. threw them all away!
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 28, 2007

Pros:

Reduces the number of spots as well as their size. Reduces oil production on skin.

Cons:

You have to chew the pills, not just swallow them and they are chalky and odd tasting. It takes a while for it to work. If you already have somewhat dry skin, this may not be a good product for you.

It worked alright for me. After 4 days, I felt my skin clearing up quite a bit, then it broke out terribly around week 2. I stuck with it, and now I am in week four and my skin is looking better. I get less pimples,and the ones that do pop up are small and go away quickly. This product is good for women with hormonal acne. I get bad breakouts when I'm stressed and right before I get my period. Well, I just survived midterms week in college with no new pimples! People need to realize that this product is NOT a substitute for good skincare. You still need to wash regularly and avoid touching and picking your skin. Also, the cream that this stuff comes from is too drying. I didn't use it.
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.