Proactive Acne Treatment

The Proactiv Solution line promises to clear your skin of acne within 3 to 6 weeks in 3 easy steps. Step 1 instructs users to use the renewing cleanser. The renewing cleanser cleanses the skin and contains grains to remove dead skin cells. Step 2 is the toning stage. The revitalizing toner is meant to get rid of more dead skin cells, excess oils and unclog the pores. Step 3 is the moisturizing stage. The repairing lotion is oil free; it promises to soothe the skin and prevent future breakouts. The renewing cleanser and repairing lotion both list Benzoyl Peroxide as their active ingredient.

What is Benzoyl Peroxide?
Benzoyl Peroxide is an oxidizing material or it readily gives off oxygen. When applied to the skin, it releases oxygen or it “oxygenates” the skin. This prevents bacteria from infecting or accumulating on the skin. Benzoyl Peroxide also softens and dissolves or peels off the topmost layer of the skin.

The antibacterial and exfoliating effects of Benzoyl Peroxide make it an ideal anti-acne agent. Today, Benzoyl Peroxide is one of the most commonly used active ingredients in leading anti-acne products.

Is the Benzoyl Peroxide of Proactiv Solution different from other acne treatments?
If we are to believe the claims of the infomercials, the Benzoyl Peroxide “molecules” of Proactiv are “smaller” and hence penetrate the skin more effectively.

If we are to believe dermatologists and chemists; no, it contains the same Benzoyl Peroxide found in other commercially available acne treatments.

Does Proactiv work because of the 3 steps?
It should. There is nothing really special about the 3 steps of Proactiv. It follows the golden rule of skin care: cleanse, tone, and moisturize. In effect, following the 3 steps will not harm the user. But neither does it bring to the table an innovative way of treating acne.

Proactiv is not cheap; the Solution line costs anywhere from $30 to $65. It is available online or through TV shopping only.

So does Proactive really work? It has worked for some. I have a cousin who uses it religiously and so far his face is acne free and is as soft as a baby’s. Then there are those of the disenfranchised. Some say it did nothing for their acne, others claim it made their acne worse.

The bottom line is Proactiv will work for some and not for others. Each person’s skin chemistry is different; therefore each will react to commercially prepared products differently.