Proactiv skin care...what are your experiences?

[kimmar067]

My only warning -- it will ruin all of your towels. The benzoyl peroxide will bleach anywhere it hits a colored towel. The sulphur in it will stain any white/light colored towel. That being said, my son's girlfriend has used it and it works well....

....that's why we only have WHITE towels in our home....
[BTW ~ both my 2 older DS's used Proactiv when they were in their teens, with good results - within 2-3 weeks, their skin was very noticably clearer! ]

 

[DebbieB]

I'm 50 and I used to get an occasional bad pimple. I've been using just the cleanser and it has really helped. I use it in the shower so I haven't had a problem with it ruining towels.

 

[Momvic5]

I have been using Proactive now for about 3yrs. It works great for me; however, I only use the cleanser. I never use the lotion, toner, or mask. I am in my late 30's so I am not sure if my skin is clearing on its own or if it is the Proactive. My DS13 started using the cleanser as well, and his skin looks great most of the time too. At first, he was applying the mask to individual pimples, and the mask did dry his skin and cause his skin to be blotchy. Now, he only uses the cleanser, and we have seen huge improvements in his face. He has an occassional break out mostly due to the fact that he often "forgets" to wash his face.

By the way, we have never had a problem with the cleanser staining, but we use it in the shower most of the time.

 

[SueM in MN]

I used Proactive for years. While it didn't give me 100% clear skin, it was better than NOT using it. However, I couldn't use it exactly as directed because it was just too strong for my skin. I would get itchy, red welts on my cheeks or my skin would peel. About 3 or 4 months ago I switched to Clinique's Acne Solutions. Wow!!! What a difference. My skin is 100% clear, with the exception of a few tiny breakouts just before my period. But with Clinique, those breakouts clear up very quickly. I love Clinique!!

My DD has been using the Clinique Acne Solutions too and has had good results with it. After about a year of using it, her skin is much better than it has been in years.

Here's a link to a website with over 5,000 reviews of Proactive and over 4,800 reviews. Only 43% would recommend it.
http://www.acne.org/proactiv-solution-reviews/91/page1.html

 

[disneyfan007]

It did not work for my son. I tried Serious Skin Care from HSN and it has helped him tremendously. It is rather expensive though.

 

[busyshrew]

A lot of people are allergic to sulfa meds. I know I am. So I veer away with anything that contain sulphur and sulphites too. (I know, you chemistry people out there will tell me that they aren't the same and that I'm silly, but I'm just paranoid). I thought about Proactiv but stayed away because of the sulphur issue.

I'd recommend a visit to your doctor & dermatologist. After 3 years post-baby acne, I gave up and went to my doctors. I was worried that they would laugh at a grown woman coming in and complaining about acne, but not at all! My GP was very sympathetic and the dermatologist got me on a program of antibiotics (low dose) and creams that are working well for me. A doctor can best assess your own individual condition.

 

[SueM in MN]

A lot of people are allergic to sulfa meds. I know I am. So I veer away with anything that contain sulphur and sulphites too. (I know, you chemistry people out there will tell me that they aren't the same and that I'm silly, but I'm just paranoid). I thought about Proactiv but stayed away because of the sulphur issue.

I'd recommend a visit to your doctor & dermatologist. After 3 years post-baby acne, I gave up and went to my doctors. I was worried that they would laugh at a grown woman coming in and complaining about acne, but not at all! My GP was very sympathetic and the dermatologist got me on a program of antibiotics (low dose) and creams that are working well for me. A doctor can best assess your own individual condition.

Just wanted to clarify that the problem with ProActive is mostly with the Benzoyl Peroxide. That is the active ingredient in most of the 'regular' ProActive products. I don't know if their 'gentle' formula has sulpher.