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
January 25, 2007

Pros:

smells ok and sometimes it works

Cons:

expensive and only 50% of job done and kind of thin doesetn feel like it works

VERY expensive for about 5 bucks worth of liquid that is basically the same ingrediant as anyhting cheaper and it runs out reallly really quickly nad the worst part is that it only does about 50% of the job and only calms your acne doesetn get rid of
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January 24, 2007

Pros:

Clears up acne and unrelated blemishes; tightens pores and provides a smoother skin surface; helps diminish the appearance of acne scars.

Cons:

Skin-types differ so the product may not be as beneficial to some as it is to others. It's probably best to consult a dermatologist before usage as, depending on the person, some of the ingredients may cause side-effects.

If used daily and as directed, the product can have a great impact. My skin is smoother than before, acne scars are fading, pore size has decreased and blemishes are disappearing relatively quickly. I've never experienced any of the dryness expressed by some (this is probably because I use a very thin layer of the repairing lotion). I initially had dry skin, but the texture has actually normalized since usage. ProActiv worked relatively quickly for me. I've been using the product for less than a month and I'm satisfied with the results so far.
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January 23, 2007

Pros:

good for oily skin

Cons:

not known yet

I do not have acne,I have oily skin with big pores.my beautician told me that im overproduce skin so the pores are constantly blocked (black heads ,white heads)heaps of little bumbs,for whole my life.i have only used proactiv for 2 weeks and the bumbs are actually gone,the texture feel much better,still a bit oily but maybe the queensland climate,so I thing it definately works for oily ,tough skin
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January 22, 2007

Cons:

this was horible...i never saw results in the first couple weeeks and still have not. My skin is at its worse and i have acne where i never had it before. i have found hat i have tons of hudg zits that are very painful, since i started it

dont buy it unless you want to look like a goalie for a dart board team
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January 21, 2007

Pros:

After 3 days I can say this product is remarkable. I am 40 and have two or three continuous blemishes and extremely oily skin. My skin feels smoother and must less oily with Proactiv.

Cons:

The bottles are too small. I would rather purchase 8 oz bottles. It is pretty expensive as compared to Mary Kay, my previous product. Also, I don't like the idea or recurrent purchasing. I finally found it at the mall and purchased it there.

I will keep using it because my skin looks so much better. I do have very, very oily skin and I can see how someone with more sensitve skin would experience irritation with the strength of this product but it works great for me.
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January 21, 2007

Pros:

-Works fast
-works consistantly
-evens skin

Cons:

-gives a burning sensation(which stops after a while)
-dries out skin
-smells a lillte, but isn't really noticeable

Use a moisturizer with this product. It will clear your skin up in about 2 weeks, It works even better after a month or two. You must use it consistantly. Use your hands to apply becuase it is less irratating.
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January 18, 2007

Pros:

Makes my face feel really smooth. My blackheads are finally disapearing. Keeps my skin from breaking out.

Cons:

When you first start using it, it will bring out the zits that are already developing under your skin and then it will make them go away. Kinda pricey

I love it! I use it everyday. I don't use the repairing lotion everyday though. Whenever I feel a breakout coming on or a blemish that is itchy I can go use it right then and it goes away. I have always had blackheads and I tried everything to get rid of them and nothing would ever work.....until proactiv. My blackheads are disappearing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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January 16, 2007

Pros:

Feels good on the skin, non-irritating, effective, lasts long, CHEAP!

Cons:

I still get a pimple here and there.

I followed Dan Kern's regimen using Cetaphil cleanser I already had, this gel, and Cetaphil moisterizer, and so far I'm really happy with the results. My skin's noticibly clearer, and not dried out like it was with the Murad products. I still get a couple pimples every once in a while, but I'm fine with it because my skin honestly hasn't been like this since I hit puberty. I'm really happy with this product!
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January 16, 2007

Pros:

It works. It cleared up my acne for the most part.

Cons:

It bleaches your towels. It makes your skin age faster. If you use it long term, your skin will try to defend itself against the bleaching effect & it won't work. It will make you break out initially.

Bleaching anything will be effective, but it is way too harsh for your face. This product is not a good idea if you care about aging. It has been known to burn & damage skin permanently. If you try to return unopened product, they won't give you your money back if it's been too long. With auto ship, product will collect in your cupboards & you won't be able to return it later. I loved Proactive until I realized it was ruining my skin in the long term. I'm 31 years old & now I am seeing the effects of using proactiv for years. Please use this product with caution!!! I have switched products & my skin is WAY BETTER!!! lada68@[link removed]
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January 13, 2007

Pros:

great product

Cons:

there are none

get it its great no foolin around with acne anymore
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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.