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 12, 2007

Pros:

I tried antibiotics,dermatologists,OTC products,even Accutane.nothing worked but this.people say it made thier skin worse,but as with any new skin regimen,the first few weeks it will,until your skin gets 'used to it".it may take up to 1 1/2 months to

Cons:

bleaches cloth, may dry out skin.i recommend in the morn,mixing the lotion with your normal face lotion

use it. if you do half and half of the repairing lotion with your normal face lotion, you shouldn't get to dried out.
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January 11, 2007

Pros:

This is the best face wash on the market 100% gauranteed. I have been using this product since 1999. No other product could keep me clear for even two weeks. This has worked for going on 8 years. I love it I love it I love it. Thanks Alot guys!!

Cons:

To be honest, if you use this product exactley how the label describes to. Then there is no Con that can be seen. Now if you try to abuse it and use it to much or keep it on to long, then it may cause minor irritation. But it says so on the label

The bottom line is I have gone through 3 girlfriends since 1999, I have converted all 3 to this product do to the simple fact it works. I didn't think it could get any better, then a few years ago they added in the natural soap. If these guys keep on inventing new things they will have the face wash capitol of the world. They already do in my book. Again I just want to thank you guys alot for creating this product!!
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January 10, 2007

Pros:

Results within days with this product, after having tried dozens of other products. Six months after starting to use this, and my very acne prone chin is clear as a bell

Cons:

Dries your face out at first, but you just need to adjust the frequency of use.

Worked extremely quickly and well for me. I was desperate, and couldn't really quite believe just how effective this was for me. May be expensive relatively speaking for a BP product, but I don't care with these results.
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January 10, 2007

Pros:

It does work when i have an emergency*.

I didn't work in me. it just make my acne worse, i dont know why , and te package is very disporpotional and they dont really say how to use it .
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January 8, 2007

Pros:

Works Fast, is cheap, available without a prescription & Is Effective for the most part

Cons:

Doesnt completely get rid of acne, The smell can be controversial (i like it), but works better as a way to keep acne to a minimum rather than a complete cure

This stuff really works. I use it to keep my acne breakouts to a minimum. I cant say it gets rid of the acne completely but it certainly does a good job of reducing the severity of breakouts. I am scared to think what my face would look like if I didnt use it.
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January 8, 2007

Pros:

It's an EXCELLENT product which gives you healthy looknig(NOT PERFECT..ITS NOT MIRACLE CREAM) skin that you can feel confident with. It also helps fade spots so thats good too..It works for my skin and i am happy with the results.

Cons:

Its a bit pricy...and because of my location its a bit hard to get sometimes...and when you run out its not very pretty at all because your skin breaks out even worse than it did before.

If you have acne THIS THING WORKS LIKE A CHARM!! Trust me. Those who've had problems with it either didnt need it, didnt follow instructions, didnt use it consistently enough or had an allergic reaction to it. Follow the instructions and get yourself familiar with the product first(thats the smart thing to do). It comes with a booklet...read it!! Call them if you have a specific question, they're more than willing to answer SO TRY IT!!!
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January 7, 2007

Pros:

There are no pros to this. Before I started using proactiv I had just a little acne, now I it's so much worse than before.

Cons:

It doesn't work.

This product must only be for famous people because it doesnt seem to work for anyone else. I only had acne in my t-zone and it really wasn't all that bad. Now, I have acne all over my face. I tried to talk to one of the sales people, but they told me to give it time. I did and it diddn't work. It made it worse.
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January 7, 2007

Pros:

I have used Proactiv since my sophomore year of high school and am now a senior in college. I use all three steps twice a day and sometimes the mask at night. It works great- the few zits I get clear up soon and my skin tone has evened out.

Cons:

PROACTIV IS LIKE CRACK. One time my shipment didn't get here for like 2 weeks after I ran out and I had HORRIBLE skin, way worse than before I even started it. Running out of it is so bad, its like I have an addiction to it.

If you start using Proactiv and you find that it works for you- be prepared to keep buying and using it until you are to the age that you stop getting acne altogether.Unless you want to look like a teenager with really, really bad acne. It is blessing and a curse at the same time. When I use it consistently, I get compliments on how beautiful my complexion is but I know that if I stop my good skin will be out the window along with my self-image and confidence. Having skin that you are very confident about is not something that you can just be ok without once it is gone. That is why tomorrow I am going to drive 2 hours to a mall that has a Proactiv kiosk so I can get my hit of the Proactiv three steps. I ran out like 2 days ago. I pretty much worship Proactiv. So only use Proactiv if you are rich enough to afford it and buy backups for the next like ten years.
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January 4, 2007

Pros:

Clears up acne, very soothing, smells fresh, shows results within 3 weeks (mask works VERY well)

Cons:

Bleaches towels, takes a while to apply, too expensive

I use the mask alot for big pimples and it clears them up really well though sometimes not. I hate using it cos it takes a while but its worth it those who dont make it work for them eitehr dont use it regularly enough or dont have the "right" skin for it.
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December 29, 2006

Pros:

Had a few pimples on my face and got rid of the redness in one day.

Cons:

DO NOT USE IF YOU HAVE SENSITIVE SKIN! Used it the second day and developed a mild contact dermatitis - severe dryness and a rash.

Only good for those who do not have sensitive skin and have actual acne, not a few pimples.
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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.