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
October 22, 2006

Pros:

It does a good job clearing up existing pimples.

Cons:

Does not prevent new pimples from coming out. Dries the skin a little but you can solve that with some good skin moisturizer.

It's worth it for spot treatments but not for prevention.
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October 20, 2006
wow this stuff really works
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October 19, 2006

Pros:

It's gentle. It works!

Cons:

It gets a little grainy at the end of the tube.

It's a less expesive alternative to the other treatments that spend more money on marketing and famous representatives.
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October 16, 2006

Pros:

Cleared Skin for the most part took a couple weeks

Cons:

Still have some breakouts of Cystic pimples, and blackheads, also scarring from past breakouts very visible

if its this or Proactive get this.
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October 16, 2006

Pros:

It seems to work.

Cons:

Unpleasant smell and quite pricey for the amount.

I've only used it for 2 weeks, along with my boyfriend. We already finished one box and on our second box. It only comes with 28 pads along with a price tag of $7.99. If I can recall, we have already finished a box and halfway with our other. On the bright side, my boyfriend agrees that it is working, but mostly it is convenient. As of me, I have to agree with him. My skin seems to be clearing up. By the way, the smell is not too pleasant.
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October 16, 2006

Pros:

Works for a little while...

Cons:

It dries out skin and can trigger MORE zits after a while...loses its momentum!

The product dries out skin which can trigger even MORE problems...you're much better off using an over the counter product!! PROACTIV IS HOLLYWOOD HYPED!!!!
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October 10, 2006

Pros:

gentle, it works!!! takes abot 2 weeks to clear skin, unbelieveable product

Cons:

you have to buy as a set each time

worth it
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October 10, 2006

Pros:

Absolutely None, PROACTIVE = SCAM

Cons:

made my skin get those reddish pimples everywhere, only used to have about 3-4 on the entire face, but the proactive results have produced acne everywhere except my forehead... rubbish product

AVOID AT ALL COSTS, i dont know whats out there that can fix my acne, but im sure as hell, going to only try what the chemist gives me, NOT GIMICKS OFF TV.
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October 10, 2006

Pros:

it did work for a while

Cons:

it stopped working the second time I tried it

this product helped clear my skin the first time I tried it but the second time it just made it worst. Now, my skin is dry and I still break out. I have scars on my chin and cheeck from these new break outs, and I had never had acne on those places before. It's disappointing and, in all honesty, it makes me feel stupid for ever beliving it would work.
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October 9, 2006

Pros:

Smells good, but that's about it. Started clearing a little in the first week but then....

Cons:

...my skin started itching and it DRIED MY FACE OUT!!! They said it won't but it does.

This is at least not for people with very sensitive skin. I have that. I was super excited because I started breaking out bad on one side of my face and I figured, I've tried everything but this. Let's try it. It started clearing the zits but after about 4 days it started drying my face out really bad and it was red and itchy and flaky. You'd thought I'd gotten a bad sunburn!! It might work for some but definitely not everyone. I would recommend St. Ives scrub for cleansing normal to oily skin (like mine) and then I use Mary Kay moisturizer and It's working for me very well. This is just me though, if you are allergic to either, which I've met some who are, don't use it. But as for Pro Activ, they will not receive a cent more from me, especially because they don't cover shipping when you send it back.
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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.