Image of Emily
By Emily

October 22nd, 2011

I’ve dealt with acne since I was around ten years old. Like most kids, I bad pretty consistent acne from 12-15 years old. Then when I was 16 or 17 it tapered off, and since then i’ve primarily had acne problems during “that time of the month”. It wouldn’t be so bad if it was only the one week, but it gets so bad during that week that it takes me a week or ten days to get my face cleared up again. By the time it’s over, I only have another week and a half until it starts coming back again. So it’s been a source of frustration for me and I’ve tried a variety of products to help out. In high school I had friends who used, loved and bragged about using proactiv for their acne but I never jumped on board to try it until about a month ago when I lined up this review. The main proactiv system includes three containers that you use 1 to 3 times daily. The first has a creamy consistency but it has some roughness to it, kind of like sand or sugar (except smaller grains) are in it so when you rub your face it scrubs in deep. The second is really watery and goes on very smooth. The third is creamy as well but it doesn’t have the grit to it. None of teh products cause the “burning” feeling like most acne products give after being used, which is nice. It was my “time of the month” when the products arrived, so I had some significant acne going on at the time. I used proactiv for about five days when I started to experience some sensitivity, mainly some really annoying itchiness all over my face. I cut back to using the product just once a day, and my acne cleared up significantly, I would say at least 65% or so. However, a few days prior to my menstrual cycle I started breaking out again. A few days ago I used the proactive 365 service, to see if I could get advice. The service allows you to call or instant message with a acne specialist at any time of day. They will answer your questions and provide you with advice whenever you need it. I explained to the representative that proactiv was working well for me most of the time, but that I was still experiencing breakouts during my period. She suggested that I take advantage of the refining mask, which I hadn’t been using but came with my 3 step kit. She said that instead of rinsing the mask off, I should use it only on the problem spots, in a very small amount and then allow it to dry without washing it off. I’ve been trying this for a few days and it seems to work pretty well on specific pimples, which is nice for situations where you have one large breakout. It greatly reduces the redness of the problem spot making it much less noticeable. Overall I am happy with the system and I think it would be super beneficial for teenagers or other people who experience constant issues with acne, but even for someone like me who has acne at certain times of the month, it certainly helps quite a bit.

Buy it: You can purchase proactiv online at proactiv.com

I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Proactiv and received product samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.

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This post currently has 5 responses.

  • When I was a teenager, I had great skin. Now that I’m in my 30s, though, I seem to have more issues. Right now I have one of those cyst-like pimples next to my nose. You know, the kind turns bright red and hurts when you touch it. It’s annoying! I always wondered how this Proactiv stuff worked, thanks for the review!

  • This is so famous years back on home shopping network. Haven’t tried it because the set is really expensive.

  • I still get break outs. I had a really bad one recently, and I have really been thinking of trying Proactive. People already say I look like I’m 15, and I don’t think having acne helps me look any older, lol.

    • emmy

      Lol yeah I hear ya! I think you are about my age right? I turned 20 this summer. I feel silly having acne because I think it makes me look younger. I’m only 5 foot tall so I get mistaken as being really young as well.

  • Bitt

    My husband ans brother took this stuff for tears. It dyed clothing and towels. Even stuff it does not have direct contact with. All my husband’s clothing from that time was ruined and my brother ruined everyone’s towels who he visited in the time when he used it. I think this warning should come on the label. Beware it will cost you a lot in ruined fabrics. Both eventually quit, it’s too toxic for them.

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