Proactiv

Updated on February 05, 2007
A. asks from Lakeland, FL
33 answers

Has anyone ever used Proactiv? I was considering trying it, but it's pretty expensive so I wanted some feedback on it first. I only have breakouts on my chin area and neck (nothing like the people on the commercials) but I haven't found anything that will stop it. If anyone has any advice on this product I would appreciate it.

Happy New Year!

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So What Happened?

Thank you for all of your advice; I am going to try a few of your suggestions before going to Proactiv, so thanks!

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T.J.

answers from Orlando on

Hi A. - I have never used Proactiv. There is another product on the market called Clear.Now that uses a 3 step treatment, but is different from Proactiv in that it stops the cycle of breakouts. It gets down into the skin and breaks up the molecules before it has the chance to develop into a pimple, and continues to work to stop the cycle. It costs about $50, but has 100% money back guarantee if you're not satisfied. I have access to this product through my business. I am an Artistry consultant and have spa parties for clients and their friends. Please let me know if you need more info!
T.

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J.M.

answers from Gainesville on

I have used Proactiv and I recommend it. I never had terrible acne, just the occasional break out. But proactiv works the best. I don't even use it everyday. When I see or feel something coming, I just put a little proactiv on it for 2 or 3 days and then its gone. Nothing else has worked for me like this has, it really delivers.

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W.H.

answers from Daytona Beach on

I have used proactive for years. It is fabulous. I have even tried to use other products, but I always go back to proactive. I have issued in the same area as you (chin) and the only thing that works is proactive. They have a small travel size if you want to try it. You can also find it in many malls. They have kiosks lots of time. Good luck.

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C.R.

answers from Washington DC on

HI A. I personally haven't used this product, however my 18 y/o brother has. He has really bad skin and nothing any dermatologist gave him ever worked for him, except proactive. He was so desperate he finally bought some and has used it for the past 2 years and his skin stopped breaking out. The only problem is that if he ever stops using it at any given time he breaks out horribly. So I guess it works while you use it but once you stop your skin goes back to the way it was before, and I know this product is really expensive.
Hope this helped some good luck!

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L.B.

answers from Daytona Beach on

Hey A.,
I have tried Proactiv and it is definately worth the expense. My acne wasn't really bad, it was sparatic, but the places I broke out were not easy to conceal and when I broke out, Oh boy did I break out. After using it for two weeks as recommended, I noticed a difference. My face was brighter, acne was completely gone, and the blemishes started to fade. I used it for about 6 months and after the acne disappeared I switched to a simple over the counter acne wash and astringent (Neutragena is good) because it was a little expensive. I suggest you try it, the usually have trial offers so check out the website. A word of advice, you face will look worse before it looks better. When first starting to use this product, your face will be raw, itchy, and irritated - it will almost feel like sandpaper, but this will subside in a few days, it's just the medication working. Just continue to use the face lotion and drink water to hydrate yourself. If you are a makeup wearer, I suggest you try Bare Minerals, it covers acne well, has good sun protection, and isn't oily like most makeup. Hope this helps, good luck!

L. : )

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J.H.

answers from Fort Myers on

Hi A.-
I have used Proactiv and it DOES work, it is expensive......so if your breakouts are limited, I would maybe exhaust other less expensive avenues. Have you tried Tea Tree Oil? They make it in soap form, too. California Baby is a bit on the expensive side too, but they have a product line that is all natural and has Tea Tree oil and Lavender in it, it's actually a shampoo and body wash, but I use it on my face and it works just as well.......it works on cradle cap, dandruff and even combats lice, so something that versatile, even though a bit expensive, is worth it in my opinion.

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K.F.

answers from Tampa on

Hello A.,

My name is K. & I am a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant. Mary Kay has several facial products for normal/combination to sensetive/oily skin. We do have skin products for the acne area on your chin & neck. I have serveral women use it & they love it. If you would liek we can schedule a FREE facial for you & I can show you how they work & what works best for you. If you have any other questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at ____@____.com

I hope to hear from you.

Thank you,

K. Frotten

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M.W.

answers from Miami on

Happy New Year A.! My daughter had breakouts on her entire face. We tried everything with no results. So, we decided to try Proactiv. She put it on her face, and I kid you not, within one day the redness had already disappeared and her face was totally cleared up within two weeks! Although Proactiv is expensive you cannot put a price on feeling good about yourself and getting your self confidence back. I can honestly say that you should buy this product. Good luck, I know that you won't be dissapointed!

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T.N.

answers from Lakeland on

I tried it. It worked pretty well as long as I used it twice a day just like it said. Honestly - I like my AVON stuff just as well though - and it doesn't cost as much.

Oh - and I still had the major breakouts once a month...

~ T. ~

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K.C.

answers from Fort Myers on

It is the only thing that works. Try it. Try the promo starter kit just to see for $19.95, and then when you sign up...the basic 3 items are like $39.95-$60+ every 2 months depending on the package you choose, they take it automatically from your account and send the products. Piece of cake and money well spent for clear skin.

I may add that you will save on dermatology bills and prescriptions if you have been that route because you won't need to bother with it anymore, seriously.

Go to the website and check it out. www.proactiv.com Even if you have a small acne/pimple issue, you will see results within days, everyone varies, but truly, you will notice a difference. AND u may even be one who can discontinue using it after a period of time since u do not have an extreme case. Some use it forever or longer. Everyone has an acne gene, and it can be triggered at any time in life according to Proactive. Read the info., talk to a consultant on the phone, and go for it. U won't regret it.

Also, here is a small tip from me that I picked up in a magazine, tried and can say it has validity to preventing breakouts. Clean your cell phone and home phone regularly with alcohol solution and a cotton ball or cotton pad. This helps if you have neck and chin breakouts...Also, if you wear sunglasses, do the same..this will prevent breakouts on the temples and between eyebrows.

I am not a MD, but I use the product, have a plethora of knowledge on it, read the site, spoke with consultants at length before buying and again, currently use the product and am estatic. It really works, it is the only thing that really works! ;)

And I too was never and extreme case, but it was enough of a problem that I went to derms, tried topicals and oral medication...etc...and then thought I found a few things that worked from over the counter when the prescriptions did not work... but I wanted something that was enough to really get rid of the issue and keep it under control and I was tired of dealing with it, wanted a regime that worked for problem or sensitve skin. So after dileberating for a few months...and a few calls, I took the Proactiv plunge and have no regrets...it was and is amazing!!!!!!!!!

Slim chance that it won't work for you...everyone is different as you know, but why not give it a try. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. GOOD LUCK!

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M.P.

answers from Orlando on

it's very harsh on skin almost burn type I use clear.now formula is resonable in price and very good I have my sister on it and my babysitter on it and they love it aswell this is the website I order from http://mpease.qbeautyzone.com/Default.aspx
let me know how it works A.!

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J.U.

answers from Daytona Beach on

I have been on Proactiv for six months and my skin has never looked better. I tried every prescription strength medicine there is and nothing ever worked. Proactiv is my miracle drug. If you can work it into your budget, try it!

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S.E.

answers from Melbourne on

Absolutely works wonders...It does feel harsh at first, you get past that though. You should definitely try it, I believe you can get your money back if it doesn't work although I've never heard anyone say it doesn't. I didn't have it as bad as the people on the commercials either, so once I got my skin under control, I only do the steps once a day instead of twice. Now I'm at the point I don't even do it that often...They send it to you once every other month. I just went onto the website and changed my frequency so it comes after like 4 months, so it's not quite as expensive if you aren't going through it as often...

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J.M.

answers from Miami on

I recommend Arbonne's Clear Advantage instead of Proactiv. I would be happy to show you how you can get the product at wholesale, too! Clear Advantage also includes a supplement to help improve your skin from the inside out.

I am an Independent Consultant for Arbonne and I use and love all of the products! I have a try before you buy system...I am in Homestead, would you like to get together so you can test the products for yourself?

My email is ____@____.com
Warmly,
J. Milne

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J.E.

answers from Orlando on

Hi. I have the same problem with the chin area(my skin was clear until I turned 28..I am now 34!!!) I use beauticontrol products (the all clear line) and my skin seems to be much better. They have a website you can order from (beauticontrol.com) and are pretty reasonable. The proactiv line was a little too harsh for me...I have sensitive skin...and made me even more blotchy.
Have a wonderful new year!
J.

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L.B.

answers from Boca Raton on

I used it and it worked really well for me.. cleared my skin up nicely!

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S.B.

answers from Fort Myers on

I never used proact, but i have done alot of the over the counter things. I had a makeover one time and the beutician put moisturizer on me. I asked, now why when i have oily skin, would i put moisterizer on. I can't remember how she explained it, but it made sense. I then bought Neutrgena, from any store like walmart. They have a Cleanser (i use in teh shower), then Clarifyer morning & night, then Moisterizer (morning and night). I swear since i have done that i break out so muhc less. I am 32 and break out 2 times a month in my t zone. Moisturizer is necessary! Never would have thought, that is what i have not been doing all these years. Hope this helps! i just ran out of my Neutrogena, but am going to get all 3 bottles again. But i did read that after a while, you skin becomes immune to what you do use. So you might have to expirement with other brands, go back and forth.
S.

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D.T.

answers from Orlando on

I tried it once, it works, but don't waste the money. I got the same results by just using a regular face wash and then using Benzol Peroxide (same active ingredient as in Proactiv) acne cream. If you get Walmart brand it's less then 2 dollars. Trust me I have tried everything and have had horrible acne. But now it's pretty clear most of the time as long as I wash my face morning and night. I hope my advice will help you. Good luck!

D.

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D.D.

answers from Daytona Beach on

Both of my nieces use it and love it. Really I think they were sold on it with the celebrity endorsements. But I can't see it being any different than some of the other products out there. The only thing I've ever used on my face since being a kid is Seabreeze. It works great and I've got great skin and never had a pimple problem. And it's cheap!

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A.M.

answers from Orlando on

A.,
I have tried proactive but was only able to use it for a week before my face and body started breaking out in a rash. I gave the rest of the proactive to my mother and she also had an allergic reaction worst then mine. My husband gave the remainder to his 15 year old sister and she keeps using the product still to this day with major improvement. The product does work but you do have to make sure your not allergic to the product. If you have sensitive skin I do advise you to be careful when trying new things. The product does work though. It is worth the try. My sister-in-law's acne was worst then mine, she had breakouts all over her face and forehead and now she has clear skin. You know, not all products are intended for everyone but you can use it, trust me use it, it really does work.

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B.M.

answers from Orlando on

Hi!

I have never used this product, but if you would like to read more about it, I found a website that gives reviews for all beauty products:

http://www.makeupalley.com/

Hope this helps!

B.

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R.M.

answers from Boca Raton on

My sister uses is and it works wonders for her.. Good Luck

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B.C.

answers from Fort Myers on

Hi A.,
Proactiv and dermatologist RX stuff did not work for me (and I'm going on over 20 years with lovely acne!)
The only thing that has made it a little better is jojoba oil (it mimics the oil in your skin so your skin doesn't produce that much) with a few drops of tea tree (antiseptic) oil....
good luck!

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S.C.

answers from Miami on

Proactiv is only $29.00 and lasts for 3 months. We had a teen visit us from Peru last winter. He was here for 3 months. He had acne, but not too bad. After a few weeks, his face looked like pizza. He was so gross that I couldn't look at him while we ate. I ordered Proactive for him and saw a big difference in just a few days. After 1 month, his skin was clearer and the color was not glowing red as it was before. I could not believe how fast it worked.

I would say, go for it!! The cost is actually very low. You can get it at Coral Square mall or order on line like I did.

Good luck to you!!!

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B.J.

answers from Fort Myers on

Hi!

I LOVE Proactiv! I used it for the first time and I was skeptical at first but I was surprised to see how well it worked! I stopped using after a while because I thought maybe I'll try something cheaper, and NOTHING worked as good! And believe me I've tried all kinds of products! So I recently ordered it again and on my third day of using twice a day I already was seeing results. And right now they have a risk free "trial" pack which is cheaper and if you dont have results just return the empty bottles and they will refund your money. Everyone has different skin but I suggest that if nothing seems to work give Proactiv a try. And in agreement with one of the last posts... once a month you might get one or two pimples regardless of what you use! :)Hope this helps!

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A.S.

answers from Gainesville on

A.,

I have used proactiv and it works. For a less expensive alternative, you can go to Walmart and purchase a product called Acne Free, it is very similiar and half the price.

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K.

answers from Port St. Lucie on

I would reccomend using Cliniques 3 step other then Proactiv. Clinique is super gentle on your skin, they have been around since 1965 and they skin type you according to your skins needs. Like if you have dry skin, you need ingredients that won't irritate your skin anymore then it already is. And if you have oily skin, you don't want products that will add more oil to your already oily skin. Proactiv does not skin type and Iv'e heard horror stories! Go w/ Clinique!

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E.A.

answers from Orlando on

Hi A.,

It looks like you have gotten some pretty good advice from fellow moms. I too would like to add a suggestion. I have had a few friends of mine use the proactiv line either for themselves or their teenagers. Sometimes it worked and other times the products were too harsh and caused irritation which only made it worse. There is a product line out there that is made by arbonne. It is called the CLEAR ADVANTAGE. It comes in a set much like the proactiv does. There are 3 steps and a vitamin that would be taken daily. The cost for the set is $66. Results from using the Clear Advantage System may not always be immediately visible. How quickly one sees the results depends upon several factors, such as the severity of acne. With proper and consistent use, those with mild acne may see improvements in four-to-six weeks; cases with more severe acne can take six-to-eight weeks or longer. The Arbonne Clear Advantage System may last one-to-four months, depending upon the frequency and amount of product used. If you want more information on this product or other skin care lines please visit my website udeservethebest.myarbonne.com. If you decide that you would like to try this out please let me know by signing my guestbook at the bottom right hand corner. I have free samples so that you can try before you buy and I would be happy to get it to you. I hope that this helps!!

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Z.H.

answers from Naples on

Hi A.,

I am in agreement with Erin. Proactiv is great for short-term relief; unfortunately this product strips the skin of it's natural oils, making it very difficult to maintain healthy skin when it's not being used. Clear Advantage is a system that works from the inside out which is important with anything that you use. I definately recommend this system. My son uses it and he just has slight teeneage acne but has much healthier looking skin because of this product. You can also try using a witch hazel based toner on your skin. My Mom used to make us use this when we were kids. Good luck.

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B.C.

answers from Mobile on

Hi. I have used Proactiv and I really liked it. It is a little rough on your skin. I just dont use as much and make sure I put on the lotion (step 3). The one thing I did notice is you really have to keep up with it and once you stop the acne or problems will come back. I think its worth the money I'm just too lazy to do all 3 steps 2 times a day LOL... I like other products too (esp the mask).. there is a place in the lakeland mall (by the food court) that sells it.

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G.G.

answers from Orlando on

This is a late response, and I didn't read through all the responses, but have you tried changing your diet?

Things like eliminating dairy products, eating more *raw* fruits and vegetables (at least 50% raw of the 9-13 you should be consuming each day), drinking more water (1/2 your weight in ounces), getting more exercise...these changes can have a dramatic impact on your skin and your overall health.

You can make a lot of your own facial care treatments very inexpensively. My favorite book for easy to make skin care products is "Better Basics For the Home".

Hope that helps!

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S.K.

answers from Lakeland on

HI A. I'VE USED PROACTIV FOR YEARS AND I LOVED IT UP UNTIL RESENTLY IT WORKED GREAT FOR ME. IF YOU WANT TO TRY IT CHEAPER LOOK IN YOUR GROCERY STORE ON THE BULLETIN BOARDS THEY HAVE FORMS WHERE YOU CAN GET IT FOR $20 INSTEAD OF $50 OR CHECK WITH YOUR MALL MINE HAS A PROACTIV STAND IN IT AND YOU CAN GET A TRIAL AND IF IT DOESN'T WORK FOR YOU AS LONG AS YOU HAVE A RECEIT YOU CAN TAKE IT BACK. GOOD LUCK

C.

answers from Daytona Beach on

Hey A., just wanted to let you know that my friend tried Proactiv and she loved it!! She wears a gallon of makeup all the time b/c she was so upset that her face would break out just a little, not even really noticeable. Well, she used Proactiv for one month, and she started going without makeup. For her, it was a miracle, she has never had anything bad to say about it. I say try it, just make sure you continue to follow the same beauty routine, which means using it at the same time every day. Good luck!

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