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
February 16, 2009

Pros:

for zero to no acne

Cons:

dont use if you have serious acne!!

It made mine worse. I used to have serious acne but i used a line called pca skin care. It cleared right up and u could never tell i had acne.
February 16, 2009

Pros:

it really cleared my skin. sure, there are occasionally bumps here and there, but i believe that if you will be religious enough to stick by the regimen, it will all turn for the better. up to now, i'm still thankful for the miracle it has performed-

Cons:

i super hate the drying, itching, flaking, and the price.

just stick by the instructions and adjust to your own as you go. if your skin is sensitive just like mine, be very slow in the amount because the skin takes time to adjust. don't lose hope! i'm still loving the product despite the cons! nothing's perfect anyway, just be patient and it will be worth it in the end. Ü
February 15, 2009

Pros:

It clears acne fast and clears some pimples.

Cons:

It makes your skin dry at first.

i recommend this product to anyone with light to moderate acne. I started this product about a week ago and my acne has cleared a lot. I like this product better than clean & clear. (That's what i was using before.)
February 13, 2009

Pros:

Affordable, it feels good when you lather it on your skin, even after washing. I've yet to see the results as I am just on my first week of using Oxy.

Cons:

My skin gets a little dry. Use moisturizer after washing.

I've read a lot of good comments for this product that's why I bought it but I haven't seen changes yet except for dryness, and that is maybe because I just started using it. I'm excited though for any positive changes.
February 12, 2009

Pros:

cheap, seem to work fast

Cons:

dry skin

best i have used
February 12, 2009

Pros:

nothing

Cons:

Dried my face out and made acne worse, also made my face very sensitive

i've tried everything, the astringent cleansers from wal mart in all honesty work better than the pro activ. It is NOT worth the money.
February 12, 2009

Pros:

Price and thickness of the lotion

Cons:

I used the product three times and when I woke up my eyes were swollen almost completely shut! My entire face was puffy, including my ears where I had accidently gotten some of the lotion. I was very disappointed because the product was working b 4.

I would use this product if my face didn't swell up like a balloon after using it! I would recommend this product, but be sure to try it when you don't have anything to do for the next few days so your swelling can have time to go down if you have a reaction to it like I did.
February 12, 2009

Pros:

Dries your sh*t out.

Cons:

Doesn't work too well. Constant applications and I still have acne. Not something I'd recommend. Try getting a tan and some air instead.

F**k it.
February 12, 2009

Pros:

*skip*

Cons:

The fact that it doesn't work.

It didn't make my acne better or worse. It just maintained my acne. I wouldn't recommend this to people with real acne. It's for the occasional pimple.
February 11, 2009

Pros:

works temporarily

Cons:

makes acne worse

Proactive contains an active ingredient called benzoyl peroxide. This ingredient does temporarily clear your skin but in the long run, it dries up your skin, clogs your pores, and makes your acne worse than before you started using the product! Try searching for a natural method in clearing up your acne instead.

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.