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 16, 2008

Pros:

Refining mask

Cons:

Dry flaky itchy skin; Didn't work; Expensive when bought outside of Clear Skin Club

I had used Proactiv for a few years, and finally gave up on it last year. It made my skin itchy and irritated and only got rid of the small pimples--not the bigger ones--and my breakouts didn't go away completely. It was the only thing that semi-worked for me so I used it for awhile, but gave up on it because it never fully worked for me. Plus, I even tried the extra strength Proactiv line, but that made my skin severely dry and flaky and even more irritated. I have to say that I was really disappointed by this product. The only thing that I still actually use is the Refining Mask--it dries up pimples pretty quickly.
October 14, 2008

Pros:

results after using for one day

Cons:

dries skin if yoiu use too much, put ion affected area only

Definatley worth while using
October 14, 2008

Pros:

NONE

Cons:

EVERYTHING

Seriously...don't buy this stuff. It is completely worthless and doesn't work for hardly anybody. You would be MUCH better off choosing another product with better reviews and success. Anything out there is better than this (well you know....)...plus I HATE getting sucked into a monthly membership thing where they automatically charge you and keep sending the crap!
October 13, 2008

Pros:

Cleared skin initially.

Cons:

After a week or 2, less effective.

Not worth the hassle for me... only worked initially, then the results were gone...skin is back to oily and breaking out!!
October 13, 2008

Pros:

None

Cons:

Smells terrible, expensive, leaves skin dried out and itchy, does not help with acne at all.

I used this stuff for almost a year with no improvment what so ever. I started to break out more often due to the dryness of my skin. I would not recomend this to anyone.
October 12, 2008

Pros:

simple application
not too drying
smells decent

Cons:

fairly drying
cleanser is a bit slick

it's worth a shot, it did help improve my acne
October 10, 2008

Pros:

Cleared up my skin in days. I was using Proactive but it was making my skin break out in different areas and different forms! I noticed a drastic change immediatley

Cons:

Don't have anything yet

IT WORKS!!! WAY BETTER THAN PROACTIVE!!!!!!
October 10, 2008

Pros:

it smells good, it works pretty well, smooth, easy to apply

Cons:

costs too much

buy it! it really does work! it has a great smell! it goes on smooth! see results in 2 or 3 weeks! i very much recommend it for people! listen to the commercials cause they are right! it is a wish come true and it is a miracle and it can be for you too!
October 9, 2008

Pros:

Cleans dirt off your face

Cons:

Costs a lot, doesn't remove acne, dries out skin too much for 15mins after use, then leaves skin crying like a battered rape victim.

No good, no good at all for acne. Go see a Dermatologist.
October 8, 2008

Pros:

it works

Cons:

doesnt work right away
occasionally u get a zit or two but very rarely and it goes away in two or three days

get it it actually works unlike manyother products

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.