Proactive - medication? How long does it take to work?

[LuvLuvLuv]

i would check with the derm. just to get an idea of what may be causing it. this will help treat it better.

once cleared up, if scarring is there... clinique's even better clinical will help take it away!! i've been using it since the original came out and all my eczema and acne scarring is gone.

 

[Irin997]

I also suggest going to the doctor. You can go to your primary care; it's not necessary to go to a derm. The primary care is a great first step and hopefully last.

The only thing you need to keep in mind is that with anything the doctor prescribes, the acne will get worse before it gets better and it can take up to 4 months or longer to see full results.

I've been on Retin A for close to 3 years now and it took a good 6 months to see full results. I've been clear ever since. I'll be 30 in 2 months and have dealt with acne for a LONG time. Good luck!

 

[ancestry]

ProActive never worked for either of my kids. I agree with talking to a doctor.

 

[MrsPete]

I also suggest going to the doctor. You can go to your primary care; it's not necessary to go to a derm. The primary care is a great first step and hopefully last.

I disagree. I went to my primary care physician first, and he gave me a prescription that initially worked . . . but then began drying my skin so badly that it literally was coming off in painful flakes. Ouch!

When I went to the dermatologist, I took that presciption along to show him what I'd been using, and he said it would've been a fine choice for a teenager, but it was too strong for my aging skin.

 

[alabamagirl]

Oh me. Acne is so horrible and especially hard on a teen or pre-teen. Proactive didn't work for me either. I tried so many things and I found that using cetaphil face cleanser and a good benzoyl peroxide creme for spot treating bumps worked best for me. Good luck!

 

[Irin997]

I disagree. I went to my primary care physician first, and he gave me a prescription that initially worked . . . but then began drying my skin so badly that it literally was coming off in painful flakes. Ouch!

When I went to the dermatologist, I took that presciption along to show him what I'd been using, and he said it would've been a fine choice for a teenager, but it was too strong for my aging skin.

I'm sorry you had a bad experience with your primary care doctor. That's how these things happen though. You had a bad experience and I had a great one. I only suggested a primary care because:

1) I had a great experience w/ mine.
2) It's a LOT easier/faster to get an appt w/your primary vs a derm.
3) There is generally a cheaper co-pay w/ a primary.

Good luck with whatever you decide OP but at least we are in agreement that some sort of doctor should be seen.

 

[mhsjax]

Dietary is such a huge factor, things like soda, chips. greasy burgers, all that contribute, dd has the Walmart cleaner and stopped all soda drinking green tea and water...peaches and cream on her face. her back we need scrubs, and witch hazel.

Actually it has been proven that diet doesn't have anything to do with acne. This is an old wives tale.

 

[canopynut66]

I know everyone's skin is different but was wondering if it worked for your son or daughter and how long it took to see dramatic effects. My DD-13 has been using it for almost a month and it hasn't magically made her acne go away yet. Maybe it takes 2 months

did not work for my 17 year old grandson so she took him to skin doctor and he now on antibiotics and that is working

 

[NYCDiane]

Dietary is such a huge factor, things like soda, chips. greasy burgers, all that contribute, dd has the Walmart cleaner and stopped all soda drinking green tea and water...peaches and cream on her face. her back we need scrubs, and witch hazel.

Diet has nothing to do with it. Pimples, etc are caused by dirt and bacteria in the pores/on the skin, hormones, blocked pores, etc.