Proactiv Solution is among the most popular of products designed to fight acne. They spend a great deal on advertising, including celebrity endorsements. This product was developed by two doctors with personal experience of acne suffering.
However, Proactiv is not our top pick. At the time of this writing 6,741 people cast their votes for Proactiv at a well-known acne forum. Out of these thousands of Proactive reviews it scored an overall rating of 2.8/5.
That’s a score only slightly above average and if you look around, you can find complete acne solutions that receive a higher score. Proactiv did make it into our top 10, but it didn’t make it into our top 3.
Click here to see how Proactiv compares against our top scoring acne treatments
How Does Proactiv Work?
Acne is most commonly seen in teenage years, but it can affect people of any age. Proactiv is designed to help in fighting moderate stages of acne at all ages. It also fights off pustules, blackheads and whiteheads. There is a special Proactiv teen kit, too, that includes a treatment for blemishes and some bonus gifts.
Proactiv includes a system with three steps to fight off acne. This process should be used every morning and again in the evening, to make sure you’re fighting acne of all levels. Proactiv is easy to use, since you start out with Renewing Cleanser, then use Revitalizing Toner and then Repairing Lotion.
Proactiv uses agents that have been proven to fight acne. Benzoyl peroxide is often used in knock-off products, since it works so well, but it arguably does its best work in Proactiv, according to the manufacturers. Benzoyl peroxide is a true fighter of blemishes and blackheads, and the witch hazel in the toner will clear your skin of dead cells and impurities. It will also clear your pores of excess oils. When these two ingredients are used with the botanicals that soothe your skin, they will leave you with skin that is younger looking and clear of acne.
If you have very severe acne, you will not see enough improvement using Proactiv to make it a viable solution for you. Proactiv is designed to be used even after your acne is cleared, since the ingredients set you up for repeat breakouts if you don’t keep using it. Proactiv can be bought from the manufacturer, and you can now find it in some stores, as well.
“When I was younger I used more intense medications (prescription mostly) and they would make my skin beat red and turn it so dry and flaky that it wasn’t even worth it in the end. Proactive has never had this type of effect on me and I consider myself to have very sensitive skin. Since I have such sensitive skin, my skin tends to have a bit of redness in general…” – Melanie M.
What Information About Proactiv May be Useful to Me?
Each Proactiv component is typical to the process, as well as being of at least standard quality. The company does send you new product periodically if you sign up for that program. The product clears up acne you have now, then helps in preventing new outbreaks.
As most Proactive reviews will explain, Proactive Repairing Treatment is one of the most useful products in the line. It’s a lotion that is oil-free and light, and it contains benzoyl peroxide that is prescription-grade and finely milled. The milling does not determine whether the product is prescription grade or not. If you select a product with micro-encapsulated benzoyl peroxide, it works well over time, without causing as much irritation.
The price of the repairing treatment, compared to other treatments, is reasonable. It contains a relatively small percentage of benzoyl peroxide, but it can still get rid of blackheads and pimples, with less irritation than products with higher percentages may cause.
What are the Advantages of Proactiv?
- Their website is informative and has lots of testimonials from customers
- The 60-day money back guarantee is useful
- All the ingredients in the formula are listed
- Free gifts and discounts on products are available
What are the Disadvantages of Proactiv?
- No specific scientific results are actually cited
- All three products need to be used, for the best results
- There isn’t much information on the manufacturer
- Their products may be harsh for people with certain sensitive skin types
“Acne is complicated and varies from person to person. While this product may not work for some, it worked for me. I’ve had acne since I was 16 (I am now 22) and I tried Proactiv when I was 19 on and off. Sometimes, it would work, sometimes my acne is very stubborn and Proactiv wasn’t very effective. But it worked the majority of the time, so it is worth buying and trying. The only con is that it makes my skin a little sensitive and doesn’t keep acne off.” – Jodie
Proactiv – the Summary…
Proactiv is endorsed by prominent celebrities, which may help in hiding the fact that the formula is not in any way unique. Benzoyl peroxide is used in many acne treatments. But the Proactiv technique does allow it to be quickly absorbed, which helps it to work faster.
Some Proactiv treatments include 6% benzoyl peroxide, which can kill acne bacteria on contact. Unfortunately, it is so strong that it may also cause your skin to become itchy, red and dry, with flaking skin that makes future blemishes more likely.
Repairing Treatment is milder on your skin, and still works well on acne. Body pads oddly contain products that will open your pores, but also ingredients that close pores. This is commonly found in Proactiv products, which give you the correct ingredients but also ingredients that can counteract the positive effects, leading you to need the product on an ongoing basis.
Click here to see how Proactiv compares against our top scoring acne treatments
