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
July 25, 2007

Pros:

Works really well. Spreads well. No noticeable fragrance. Inexpensive, except for the shipping.

Cons:

Not free. ;)

Shipping cost is a little prohibitive. When will it be available in stores?

Excellent BP for "The Regimen"
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July 25, 2007

Pros:

clears zits for about two days

Cons:

the zits come bak in days
face will peel and itch and burn and severly swell

i am sitting hear with a warm wash cloth over my chin becuz this stuff made my chin swell up and all becuz i had 1 little pimple i thought this stuff f would make it go away b4 i went to the beach but no im in so much pain
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July 25, 2007

Pros:

After using for a week i can tell my skins clearer

Cons:

My face burns and itches after using it twice a day cut down to once and still burns....face goes extremely flakey when i open my mouth

Way too expensive in Canada... Have to keep buying it...Makes your skin really dry
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July 24, 2007

Pros:

Gets rid of spots, mild acne

Cons:

Harsh on skin
Will leave red marks if you have pale/sensitive skin

I think there should be a warning somewhere stating that benzoyl peroxide is not as suitable for those with very pale skins - as I think although it does get rid of spots, it is harsh and leaves lingering red marks behind
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July 23, 2007

Pros:

This stuff is great and when used with the regimen has produced great results for me. I use it with Neutrogena Sensitive Skin wash and Neutrogena Helahty Skin Face location with AHA. My skin hasn't been this good for years.

Cons:

Does bleach fabrics a bit, especially bed sheets I find, but not a huge deal.

I recomnmend it!
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July 20, 2007

Pros:

Cleansed my skin very well; felt fresh and light after using the three-step process.

Cons:

Never cleared up my acne. Had a tendency to dry my skin out around my menstual cycle.

Still looking for the miracle drug... I began to use Proactiv after seeing the great results my brother got from the system. I was really excited to try it after having a myriad of over-the-counter and prescription acne medications fail miserably. The results really did not live up to the hype. My skin felt cleaner, but the pimples never went away. I expected my acne to get worse and eventually clear, but it just never happened. I have been using the system for around nine months, and there has been relatively no change. I feel like, for me, it was a waste of money. It's quite a let-down because I had such high hopes of finding SOMETHING that worked on my skin. I do not have severe acne by any means. My acne has always been moderate, but stubborn. Proactiv just did not do the trick. Best luck to those who try it. May you have better luck than I did...
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July 18, 2007

Pros:

Wonderful product. If you use if like the instructions say you will see results.

Cons:

Toner runs out kind of fast.

Be patient. The results are worth the wait.
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July 18, 2007

Pros:

i think it clears acne? i used it and im pretty sure it does and im thinking of getting it again but i heard about acnexus and people are saying that doesnt work and they are saying proactiv doesnt work so i dont no what to do i just dont want acne!

Cons:

it really dries out your face, so i stopped using the lotion as much which probably didnt help the drying completely. it costs so much and you run out kinda quick.

its a decent product but if theres something that works better then i would love to know...?
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July 18, 2007

Pros:

A little effective, not sticky, smooth.

Cons:

Doesn't work unless the pimples are really big, but the pimple just gets slightly smaller.

Don't buy it.
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July 16, 2007

Pros:

The Sulfuric cleaner worked well for quick touch ups

Cons:

Inaffective treatement

I used Proactive for over 6 months, with steady use before I gave up. The problem with Proactive, and it is even proven with the infomercials, is that it creates layers on the skin, and so it gets harder and harder for the medicine to penetrate, and be effective. Secondly, and even Jessica Simpson backed this up, that you have to keep using it after the Acne is gone, even she said so, so you must keep buying and buying the kit. If you don't, your acne will come back. It is a good idea, and good start to a great product, but it has its flaws
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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.