ProActiv: Worth It?

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Oct 12, 2011

Eliza B.

Does it dry out your skin, and when you stop using it does the acne immediately come back??

Oct 12, 2011

Angela W.

It didn't work for me at all when my acne was at it's worst (literally every square inch of my face was broken out). But I have cystic acne that's hormonal so the only thing that ever HAS helped has been birth control... ProActive worked for several other girls I was in school with though.

Oct 12, 2011

Ashley K.

I used proactiv from high school into my twenties, it worked really great at first and for a few years on. However after using it for so long it actually stopped working for me and not only dried my skin out but caused a lot of redness all over my face. I stopped using it and my skin cleared up. So really it is a hit or miss, it could work great for a long time and then one day just suck. I also am not fond of how they do business as a whole with the ordering system and what not every time I tried to cancel they would just put my account on hold for 30 days and then resume shipments after that period, that happened twice and both time I had to send the package back and even tho it was there mistake they did not reimburse for shipping or anything. To cancel your account with them its best to ask them to send proof of cancellation to you, otherwise they pull they 30 day hold bs.

Now I use the Lush line of face cleanser, toners, and moisturizers that they make and have had no problem since switching when it comes to break out and what not.

Oct 12, 2011

Gabbi D.

going by my friend's experience [I have the wrong type of skin] it works until you stop... then everything just comes back. =/

Oct 13, 2011

Jalaina S.

I've never tried it but at the mall in my town there is a ProActive "vending" machine. Which I find funny.

Oct 13, 2011

Eliza B.

Ok good to know, thanks cuz i wasn't sure, but i've been using clean and clear sensitive skin astringent, and the dual action creme, but I still get acne i mean I'm 15 so its gonna be somewhat hormonal, buut I was gonna try out the Lush line. Thanks for the input! I think im gonna go with a different line than ProActiv :)

i hated it, it was such a waste of money.. I heard that it's not even good for you.. 

Oct 14, 2011

Shelley W.

OMG! I wish that stuff would just go away to keep people from wasting their money. It killed my acne but in the process it totally fried my skin big time. It took 6 months for my skin to recover. At the time I was 27 but it literally aged my skin temporarily. I'm 37 now and I still get acne from time to time...I use Philosophy products to keep my skin in top shape.

Oct 14, 2011

Arie C.

Everyone I know who tried proactiv said it didn't work for them. However, my friend gave me her facial scrub, and it actually worked really well for me. So, I guess It really depends on the person.

Oct 14, 2011

Amanda L.

I used it for about 2 years...it worked great then stopped working. After it stopped working maybe a year later my acne turned into the worst it ever was in my entire life. I think there are much better products out there, not drugstore though.

Oct 14, 2011

Shelly T.

ProActiv is definitely not worth it, IMO. I used to use it years ago, close to when it first came out. It worked for a little while, then it stopped, not to mention it dried out my skin.

Oct 15, 2011

Michelle D.

Imo, Proactiv works depending on what kind of skin you have. It's not going to work for everyone, of course. If I were you, find out what kind of skin you have and what kind of ingredients are most effective for your skin type (maybe consulting a dermatologist). A cheaper alternative I recommend is Clearasil (but that's just me). I have friends that try Proactiv, it works for some, and not so well for others. 

Oct 15, 2011

Dani M.

I've been using it for a good 10 years. At first I had really bad acne and it helped so much as a teen. Now it's just ok. 

Oct 16, 2011

Cameron R.

Hey Eliza! I have senstive, combination, acne prone skin. I didn't like proactiv because it caused me to actually break out more due to the irritation the ingredients caused my skin. Their toner also left a disgusting film on my skin, that also irritated me terribly. I would reccommend if you were wanting a 3 step system to give Clinique or Boscia a try. Clinique especially!

Oct 17, 2011

Lorena C.

I have been using ProActive for about a year now and so far it's really helped clear up my skin, but then again I did stop using it for about a month and a half when I ran out and my skin broke out like mad. I'm thinking of finishing up the stock I have now and trying out something like the Clinique 3-step program mentioned by Cameron.

I'm curious, has anyone tried the Neutrogena Skin ID system? I think it sounds really interesting but I'm not sure I'd be willing to try it without un-biased reviews. (By un-biased reviews I'm talking about reviews that are not on their website.) 

Oct 17, 2011

Caren C.

Eliza -
There is a skin care line for acne called Zap It! It uses a combination of Salicylic Acid to fight acne and prevent breakouts and T36-C5 Melaleuca Oil (tea tree oil) to soothe and condition your skin so you don't get the dryness that everyone's referring to. It also costs about half of what ProActiv costs. The only issue is that the company that makes Zap It! (Melaleuca) is a membership only shopping club and you have to be over 18 to join. 

i say save your money and go to a dermatologist. honestly. it sounds like a derm is more expensive but it's not. my generic RX meds not only keep my skin clear but cost less than 50 dollars for a 6 month supply. compare that to proactive and you still come out better going to a derm! plus, a derm is the only thing that helped me, so i totally believe in them whole heartedly!

No...it will not work in the long run. Its only active ingredient in Benzoyl Per. which only kills bacteria. You need to get at the root of the problem. You need to look for salicylic acid in a 1.5% or higher concertration, glycolic acid, an oil-free moisturizer and a good scrub. This coming from a acne sufferer since age 12. Last pimple was in August and the last one before that was December. Hope that helps!!! 

Oct 31, 2011

Eliza B.

Thanks guys! And Cameron I have the same type skin, so i'll definitely check out the Clinique line! Thanks :D

Eliza B.

Toronto, Canada