Proactiv for Acne

Proactiv is an anti-acne product with quite a lot of marketing muscle behind its proliferation.  The official website of Proactiv’s manufacturer features spotlight celebrity endorsements by semi-famous people, quite a number of testimonials and photographs extolling the virtues of the treatment, and a slick, refreshing interface.  The product line features a 3-step process for wiping out acne and preventing it from returning, touted as part of the company’s dedication t a “more powerful, more complete” approach to the treatment of acne concerns. 

The first step of the Proactiv system is the medicated renewing cleanser, which is comprised of micro-crystal benzoyl peroxide.  The active ingredient is apparently designed to rapidly seep into skin pores and destroy any bacteria that the substance comes in contact with.  The cleanser also contains micro-beads, a popular feature of other facial cleansers, which have a gentle exfoliating effect, scrubbing away dirt, excess oil and dead skin cells without damaging the skin. 

The second step of the system is the toner, whose purpose is to revitalize your skin by further removing toxins and accumulated sebum that the cleanser may have left behind.  Unlike harsh astringents that dry up and damage skin, the toner is free of alcohol content, leaving your skin soft and refreshed.  The toner also contains chemical agents that even out your skin tone, instead of creating blotches like other deeply penetrating products.

The third step is a lotion that also enters the pores, and helps to restore the health of your skin by repairing the damage left behind by acne on your skin.  The substance is oil-free and soothing, and is meant to be left on instead of rinsed away so that it continues its effect hours after its application.

This is all quite impressive, but how does Proactiv hold up against the scrutiny of consumers everywhere?  One reviewer has opined that, although the science behind Proactiv seems sound, the actual product composition does not deliver on its promises.  The renewing cleanser is said to be excessively irritating, making it ill-suited for its purpose versus gentler, cheaper alternatives.  This view is reinforced by another reviewer, who remarked that the cleanser made her face burn and was extremely uncomfortable. 

The 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide solution in the lotion is redeeming, but the instructions for the product say to apply a thin layer of the substance on the skin.  Popular opinion seems to hold that one should do the opposite, which is to instead use a copious amount of benzoyl peroxide solution to really achieve dramatic results.  Another concern raised about the lotion is that it smells awful, and can be quite nauseating to deal with on a regular basis. 

Other reviews are somewhat more generous, saying that Proactiv does help with acne treatment, but that it will only be successful with mild to moderate acne cases.  It may well be that all of those positive testimonials out there experienced success with their acne woes, but whether Proactiv actually played a significant role in their recovery is highly suspect. 

In any event, Proactiv does come with a 60-day money-back guarantee, so that’s some protection for your purchase.  Just be sure to read the fine print on the warranty.

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