Topical Antibiotic / Topical Antibacterial
Reviews
3.9
172 Reviews
Topical Antibiotic / Topical Antibacterial
Efficacy
58%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Topical Antibiotic / Topical Antibacterial
Side Effects
Low-Medium
Topical Antibiotic / Topical Antibacterial
Acne.org’s Real World Take
A more dangerous way of using benzoyl peroxide that studies show works a bit better than benzoyl peroxide alone. However, when used properly, benzoyl peroxide on its own can completely clear the skin without the addition of antibiotics.
Topical Antibiotic / Topical Antibacterial
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this medication. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one.
Read All About Erythromycin / Benzoyl Peroxide (Benzamycin®)
Compare To Other Treatments
5
36%
4
30.2%
3
24.4%
2
5.8%
1
3.5%

Used Erythromycin / Benzoyl Peroxide (Benzamycin®)? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
July 11, 2008

Pros:

Originally saw some improvement, helped keep minor acne, whiteheads and comedones under control.

Cons:

After prolonged use it is no longer effective. Dries skin out. Terrible taste. Bleaches clothes.

Skin develops a resistance to the antibacterial effects and after many years of use, Benzamycin just won't cut it any more.
July 11, 2008

Pros:

I cleared up all those smaller blemishes fast so the one that take longer started healing too but looks alot better without all the littles and helps put my oily skin under control.

Cons:

the dryness and peeling at first bothered me but it doesn't last long.

It works!!! I love it i stop using it though and i still get breakouts but its helping to clear up the scaring. I'm 21 now and its hard to find something that works i've tried everything in the store but the doctor said those wouldn't help. I tried this and it took only a few days b4 i noticed improvements.Somedays i don't even need much make up if any.
March 23, 2008

Pros:

It started clearing my skin up after a couple days, but now my face is breaking out!

Cons:

I've only used the product for a week and I thought I was seeing results. But after a couple days of being clear, I started breaking out whereever I put the medication. I'm not sure if this is the whole "It gets worse before it gets better."

I'm not sure if this is just me because I've read really good reviews about the product. I'm hoping my skin will clear soon. If anyone has had the same problem as me, please let me know.
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March 6, 2008

Pros:

- works well
- works QUICKLY

Cons:

- extrememly drying
- must be refrigerated

I broke out ridiculously bad out of nowhere and I had horrible PAINFUL acne on every area of my face with the exception of my forehead and nose. I even had terrible acne on my cheeks, which I previously never had. My doctor prescribed the the cream and I noticed a difference the next morning in the size of the blemishes I had on my face. It didn't completely clear my acne, but it did help. The biggest downside is any area the cream is applied to becomes extremely dried.
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November 26, 2007

Pros:

works when used consistently, stops my sking from producing so much oil

Cons:

a little harsh, can really screw up sensitive skin; will not work unless used every day as a regimen

This product is great for my moderate acne. It keeps my pores clean and my skin pretty matte. It seems to thicken the outer layers of the skin so pimples may pop up but will heal better and will have less trapped sebum. One tip - be very gentle and kind to your skin because this product is a huge irritant. Do not pick or squeeze zits every when you're using this product and use plenty of vitamin E oil to moisturize flakey or dry parts (which are pretty much unavoidable while using this product)
July 26, 2007

Pros:

Very good at drying up pimples that are already present. Feels cool to the touch when applied. No need to worry about contamination because they come in packets. & easy to travel with. (Can take on the plane!!)

Cons:

Very drying when first used. Can leave a white -looking film on your face(use a moisturizer if necessary). May not be enough product in the packets.

The first night I used this product, I saw how drying it was. So I ONLY use it at night. Never in the morning. Always wash your face with a gentle cleanser (e.g. Cetaphil, Dove, Basis) & nothing with harsh chemicals. It works because its a combo of two different gels 5% Benzoyl Peroxide & 3% Benzamycin. So best of both worlds! My face started to quickly clear up pimples that were already on my face, but since it was drying, i only used a gentle SPF moisturizer in the morning.
December 25, 2006
well I've been on and off this stuff for about a few months now and my acne goes away and then comes back it really makes my skin dry to the point where it peels. To those that moisturize with this stuff do u put on the lotion / toner before or after you put on the creme and i have the toner that they give you with proactive would that work ??? please respond
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October 25, 2006

Pros:

I've been using Benzamycin for years! My brothers used it too, but they don't any longer, and their faces are still perfectly clear. Clears quickly and effectively

Cons:

Since April 2006, found it is not having any effect on me anymore. They say you don't become immune to BP, but I seem to have? Have not changed any other aspect of my skin routine, but am going to stop using a few things to see how it goes.

I had a great experience with it for several years (at least 5 years!), so I do say use it! Don't know what's going on now, but my face is the same now when I do or do not use it, it makes no difference anymore.
October 24, 2006

Pros:

I notived improvement after a few nights of usage. The pimples started to slowly fade away.

Cons:

The dryness of course. Rather be a little dry than pimply though. Is rather expensive if your insurance does not cover it. In Toronto I paid $10 CAN after my college drug plan coverage.

My acne is mild, but my skin, especially in the cheek area, has become uneven over the years, not red, just not as smooth as I want it to be. This stuff helps improve skin texture. I actually just purchased another container so I shall soon see whether it is as good as I thought it is. I guess it's important to use it daily and consistently, not miss a dose and all. I'm thinking also about washing my face less often as that adds to the dryness.

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.