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 7, 2006

Pros:

All-natural. Feels great!

Cons:

The natural essential oil fragrances of lavender irritate my skin.

Would work for most people. I am in the small percentage of people who have extreme skin sensitivities.
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November 6, 2006

Pros:

smooth skin, less acne

Cons:

doesn't work over night - have to use consistently

I've had acen since I was about 12 (I'm 22), so I've tried just about everything there is out there for acne. I was very disappointed when I first started using Proactiv, because I broke out even worse than before... BUT my friend told me to keep with it, and sure enough after about 2 weeks, my skin was clear! So if you've tried this product and got frustrated because your face stayed the same or got worse - try it again, and give it a couple weeks. Proactive cleanses deep within, so it causes all the "yucky" stuff to come to the surface, therefore, it gets worse before it's better, but it's worth it!
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November 6, 2006

Pros:

I am a teen with very oily skin, and I HAD bad acne. Acnefree definitely made my acne dissappear. After a few days of using it, I looked in the mirror and my acne was gone, and even better-my face wasn`t greesy with oil! I love acnefree!

Cons:

As with any product, if you don`t use it consistantly, your acne won`t be treated as effectively. Like sometimes I would only use it in the morning, my acne was fading a little bit,but my face was definitely better when I used acnefree day and night.

Acnefree is a really GREAT product! It not only treats and heals your acne, but it also makes your skin oil free, so your hands won`t be dripping with oil after you touch your skin. I also use the acnefree scar treatment, it totally faded my acne scars! Now I can go out in public and not have to worry about an embarrassing boulder on my face!
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November 4, 2006

Pros:

Clears up them annoying spots that linger for days

Cons:

does sting a bit and drys out skin

I didnt know about this cream until I saw it in my boyfriends mums bathroom... I thought Id give it a try and I must say it is brillant my forehead is completely clear! Its really refreshing to pick up a cream for a couple of pound and does exactly what it says on the tube! Its fab stuff!!! I have been taking dianette and I think I may come of it and stick with quinoderm... its probably better to do..but I will keep using quinoderm as it is good. BUT dont over use it or you'll just end up with very sore skin... stick to a rountine that will help your skin! good luck
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November 2, 2006

Pros:

Got rid of the blackheads within the first few days.

Cons:

Pretty much didn't do anything else. It overdried, which wouldn't have bothered me if it had actually worked. My acne wasn't that severe to begin with, so I thought it'd work well, but I guess not--if anything, it's worsened slightly.

I'd say try it, and if you're one of those special people for whom it miraculously works, then more power to you. But if it's not working like it's supposed to within the first few days, then I'd try something else.
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October 31, 2006
Where the hell would I be without it? Works amazingly well. I LOVE PROACTIV.
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October 29, 2006

Pros:

Smooth skin & no acne.

Cons:

Too expencive; Doesn't help blackheads; having to wake up early to make sure i have enough time to use it

WORKS WONDERS. I've been using this product for almost a year now, and my skin has never been better. I admit, I still get the really bad zit around my mouth now and then during 'that time of the month', but I use Panoxyl 5% on them to get rid of them. I really do not know how I would be right now without this product. It has helped me SO much. I can go on now without pounds of foundation on my face, and when I don't mind now when I get my picture taken. I have to use it twice a day in order to have clear skin, my brother only has to use it once. So it's different for everyone. Downfall -- product doesn't help BLACKHEADS. And do NOT buy their skin ligtening cream either -- it caused the blackheads I have now. ;x ew ew ew.
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October 28, 2006

Pros:

It helps to maintain my skin. Doesn't burn as much as some products. It's affordable and very availible.

Cons:

WILL BLEACH STUFF (Today I was wearing a new shirt and when I finished washing my face I noticed my shirt had a big pink spot on it). I am always in a hurry in the morning and since there are like 4 things to do it can be a little time consuming.

Helps clear up skin. Dries it out if you don't use a moisturizer.
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October 28, 2006

Pros:

This is a great product it worked really well for me and i have been using it for lil over a month now. I had pretty bad acne and now its almost all gone. only a few small tings here and there. and its very affordable.

Cons:

It doesnt always work for everyone. make sure that you are not allergic to the BP which is the active ingredent or it WILL make your skin worse due to an allergic reaction. but for me so far is that only had drying the first few days of useing it.

Ok here it is. this product does work for many. and will work all day long yes yes due to the BP ingredent it can cause drying. however i have started to mix the reparing lotion with vitamen E gel and have seen not only does it not cause drying but it also help clear up some old scars and actually is fading my freckles so if your having an issue with it get some vit. E GEL, not cream, the gel. i was skeptical at first to. i was walking through walmart and seen it right inthe middle of the ailes and kinda would just glance at it. to embarressed to actually go and read it but one day i got sick of trying everything else even the clearasil ultra didnt help much. so i got the nerve picked it up and got it and i will say i was very happy with my choice so all i have to say is that its cheap and it works for most so if you have done what i did and tryed everything else y not this? its worth it and what do you got to lose at this point?
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October 25, 2006

Pros:

ProActive works to an extent

Cons:

Too high, It works if you use it the way you are supposed to, but if u stop using it for even a day, the pimples & black heads return

Proactive does work. But, if you plan on using it to keep your skin clear all the time, once u start using it, u can't stop. And after using it for almost 6 months, it kept my skin clear, but i still had blackheads, and a few reoccuring pimples. I prefer using ivory soap now, it keeps my face softer, and cleaner, and it never gets oily enough to so-call "trap oil" in my pores. Plus, You Dont Have To Spend 15 Minutes Of Your Time every day washing your face!
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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.