Acne solutions?

Aug 8, 2011

Krysten B.

Does anyone have any experience with Proactiv or SkinID? Also, recommend a good moisturizer that helps with acne issues? Thanks!

Aug 9, 2011

Drea L.

I have oily - acne prone skin w/ moderate to severe acne.

Proactive gave me a chemical burn. I don't think their formulas are formulated for people with actual acne problems. If you have minimal acne, then it MIGHT work. But it's not very reliable.

I've also tried Skin ID & this was 1000x better than proactive. It didn't heal all of my acne, but it did an ok job. If you have light-moderate acne, this MAY work.

BUT - I've been using the AcneFree system for YEARS now & it works best for Moderate to severe acne. (Currently on sale for $14 at Target
http://www.target.com/University-Medical-AcneFree-Clear-System/dp/B0013V037U/ref=br_1_1?ie=UTF8&id=University%20Medical%20AcneFree%20Clear%20System&node=2972364011&searchSize=30&searchView=grid5&searchPage=1&sr=1-1&qid=1312851937&rh=&searchBinNameList=subjectbin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&searchRank=pmrank&frombrowse=1

AcneFree has ALL Benzoyl Peroxide ingredients. What Benzoyl peroxide does, is that it goes deep into the skin & actually kills any foreign bacteria into the skin.
The moisturizer has %3.7 BP & the Cleanser has %2.5 BP.

When combined, these two are fantastic. I HIGHLY recommend this.

Aug 9, 2011

Shelly T.

I used Proactiv in the mid-to-late 1990s. It did virtually nothing for me, not to mention it dried my skin out despite following all the steps.

Aug 9, 2011

Krysten B.

Thanks! I'll have to give AcneFree a try! 14 bucks is a lot less than SkinID too. Haha. I appreciate it! :)

Aug 9, 2011

Drea L.

No problem! It's definitely worth a try. Plus, the moisturizer works nicely under makeup too! That's a huge plus. :D

Aug 9, 2011

Kimberly N.

ProActiv is best for people who have very oily skin. Benzoyl Peroxide is the main ingredient and dries up the natural oils. If you don't have oily skin, this would probably make your problems worse!

I really like Dermalogica. They have a wide variety of products and I would definitely recommend the Active Moist Moisturizer. It's very moisturizing, but it's oil-free.

I would try to stay away from moisturizers or leave on products that have acne medicine like, salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, on a daily basis. Over exfoliation can cause more oil production and you could end up with a real mess. I would use this once a week, mostly at night. 

Aug 9, 2011

Drea L.

^ Benzoyl perozide doesn't exfoliate. However, Salicylic Acid does. BP is just an antibacterial agent. It penetrates pores, kills bacteria & makes it difficult for bacteria/infections to grow. BP is safe for everyday use.

Aug 9, 2011

Kimberly N.

Correct, Benzoyl Peroxide does not exfoliate. It is a drying agent though, using it everyday can cause sensitivity, dryness and more oil production. You skin will also build up a tolerance to Benzoyl Peroxide, meaning more needs to be used in order for it to be effective. It is safe for everyday use, but it's not the best idea.

I typically recommend that my clients take a hands-off approach to skin care and acne solutions. Using a gentle cleanser and a skin-type appropriate moisturizer. Exfoliating shouldn't be done on a daily basis, 2-3 times a weeks should suffice.

Our skin is smart, but sometimes it needs help along the way. I would try backing off of product first before you jump into a whole ton of product!

I have to say that I've seen more clients have success by backing off than by being over diligent!

Aug 9, 2011

Krysten B.

I understand. My skin doesn't get super oily except around my nose. I've tried the Neutrogena Morning Burst cleanser (the green one) and it works well to keep my skin from getting oily. I've also tried the Neutrogena Skin Clearing foundation which is actually not that fantastic. I've seen no improvement in my skin whatsoever. Finding a body wash that helps with acne has been a troubling feat also. I don't break out bad on my chest and shoulders but I do have a problem with very tiny bumps.

Aug 9, 2011

Kimberly W.

I used Pro active and I paid for it later it dried my skin out really, really bad use Aveeno with the spf 15

Aug 10, 2011

Jacki C.

I used proactive but was allergic to one of the ingredients in it so it did not help my skin. However, to correct the problems that proactive cause I used The Body Shop's "Tea Tree Oil" skincare line. It literally SAVED my skin. It's very gentle but works fast to soothe irritation.
However, I have LOTS of friends that have used proactive and have beautiful skin now so it really depends on the individual.