Proactiv

lawby2005

Hello ladies:

Have any of you ladies used Proactiv? My mom wants to get this to fight this mild acne that she is having. I am thinking neutrogena or some other pharmacy store brand would do but alas she has been exposed to the numerous proactiv ads and is convinced it is the only one that works.

Can you recommend another product besides Proactiv?

Thanks.

Temp663997437501443

I think that Proactiv works for some and totally doesn't work for others.  I have had adult acne for years and found that, for me, these products just make it worse.  In fact, I have discovered that I am very sensitive to certain ingredients, including benzoyl peroxide. What worked for me-- finding products with as few ingredients as possible and avoiding things like harsh chemicals and preservatives. I have a very simple routine and use products that are very gentle.  I also take a vitamin for healthy skin that I think has been beneficial.

cknud112

Proactiv worked for me, but as PP said, it doesn't work for everyone.  I have also used and like Murad's products.  You can get them at Sephora.

LMRogs

Proactiv did not work for me. I went to a new dermatologist who told me to use Neutrogena Pore Refining Cleanser twice a day and the Pore Refining Toner after the evening wash and, miracle of miracles, it worked wonders. Best part is that it's not expensive and I can buy it at any old Duane Reade/Target/etc.

For really bad "flare-ups" (so not an everyday thing) she did give me a prescription cream that also worked great, but I can't use it while I'm pregnant.

adozenroses

I think using gentle, good quality products is better.  Proactive is harsh and I really don't think it would be appropriate for anyone with older skin.  Maybe for teenagers when they have that super oily skin, but not for anyone over 22... just my opinion.  Also, harsh products have just made my skin worse, even when I was a teenager.

 Amy, what vitamin are you taking?  I found that fish oil helps a little bit, so does copious amounts of yoghurt... like eating two cups a day... which I don't really manage to do...

firedancer22

proactiv did not work for me.  it actually made my skin very raw and inflamed.

my derm gave me a prescription for this amazing gel called ziana.  it is retin-a and clindamycin (a mild antibiotic) mixed together, and it is covered by insurance b/c of the antibiotic in it.  you use just a pea-sized amount every other day at first, and then every day once your skin adjusts.

totally cleared up my skin.  totally improved the tone and texture of my skin (even the borderline rosacea stuff i was starting to get).  TOTALLY GOT RID OF MY LAUGH LINES!!!  this stuff is miraculous, i swear!

citytoshore09

It worked really well for me, and I have combination skin - mostly oily. I use it along with some Kiehl's products every day or every other day. I still get breakouts, but not as bad as I used to!

lawby2005

Thanks for the input.