Chances are you have seen the commercials, maybe even heard the radio spots, and if you suffer from acne, you’ve wondered, “Does Proactiv really work?” The ad sounds appealing, especially with a free trial and free gifts. Plus since you can get it without a prescription, you don’t even have to shell out a co-pay to try it. So you think, “I aughta try it.” But then you never get around to it… well, at least that was the case for me — for years.
Then one day in college, I gave Proactiv a shot. And I was happy girl. Having suffered from acne since I was a tween, I finally found something that worked. It didn’t cure me, I still had some breakouts, but things were soooooo much better. I continued to use Proactiv for years. In fact, I even introduced my husband (who has mild/moderate acne) to Proactiv. And for years we were a happy Proactiv using couple.
But Proactiv isn’t without its downsides, and the number one downside is that the powerful acne fighting medication is also a severe bleaching agent. We have ruined more sheets, pillow cases and towels… We actually switched to solid white pillow cases because we ruined so many. You have been warned.
As I got older, my skin continued to be acne prone, but it also got more and more sensitive. I stopped using Proactiv when I got pregnant with my first, and I just never got back into using it. I thought this would be my chance to reintroduce my face to my once beloved treatment, but alas it is sooooo sensitive. It is just too harsh on my overly sensitive skin (frankly, I have had to give up all acne meds…) Oh, and thanks to pregnancy my hyper-sensitive nose can’t stand the smell that I once thought was so mild.
My husband, on the other hand, continues to swear by Proactiv everyday. He actually ran out a couple months ago for a couple of days, and I had to hear about how bad his skin was after a few days. (Personally, I didn’t think it was so bad, but I understand the sentiment.)
Proactiv’s hallmark treatment is its three-step system Renewing Cleanser, Revitalizing Toner and the Repairing Lotion, but the line has expanded to include other cleansers, lotions, spot treatments and even makeup. With Proactiv 365 users have 24/7 online access to skin-care experts for all skin care questions and concerns. Proactiv products are available by mail order and in vending machines in some malls. (Personally, it makes me giggle every time I see a Proactiv vending machine in a mall, but I think my husband was close to buying out of a vending machine when he ran out.)
If you have acne and have considered trying Proactiv but never taken the plunge I definitely think it is worth giving it a shot. With the money-back guarantee there’s no reason not to try it. After all, it is the world’s number one acne treatment.
Disclosure – I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Proactiv and received product samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.