ProActiv

[Chrissy]

Has anyone ever used this? I was thinking of ordering it for my 13 year old son. Is it worth the money?

[feisty redhead]

I've heard bad things about it, especially as far as continued use and the effects of the chemicals in it.

You & your son might want to check out truthaboutzits.com I used to use Differin a long time ago and I loved it; it's truly good stuff.

[kimberlily]

It worked for me, but only for about 6 months, then the cysts came back worse than before. I've heard that the Acne Free system works better. I don't deal with acne anymore since my skin decided to clear up, so I haven't tried it.

[.Amanaka.]

My friend is using the system from Clean and Clear, and his face is like... 10 times better than it was. And he's lazy about using it, so I can only imagine what actual continued use would do.

[Chrissy]

Thanks everyone. I will check into all the things you guys mentioned.

[Delila]

I may be late to the party, but thought I'd mention that I got results that were just as good with other brands.

IIRC, ProActiv is based on an assortment sort of like this: Benzoyl Peroxide Cleanser, Glycolic Toner, Benzoyl Peroxide spot treatment, Benzoyl Peroxide treatment mask.

If you shop around and read labels, you can find similar products for FAR less money.

Also, if you find that your skin doesn't cope well with THAT much Benzoyl Peroxide, you can switch it up, and use other products with active ingredients.

For example, I've been happy with Peter Thomas Roth's salicylic acid wash, DDF's glycolic toner, a DDF 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide spot treatment, and a sulfur/clay mask (DDF?). Product sizes are MUCH more cost effective, and I had the flexibility to switch things up and find a balance of active ingredients that worked well for me.

One thing that was a BIG help was a book called 'The Acne Cure' by Terry Dubrow (http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Acne-Cure/Terry-J-Dubrow/e/9780446692410/?itm=1). Check your local library for a copy, the information I found useful was mostly about controlling inflammation. There's a six week intensive routine that really helped me get my skin under control, then after that, you maintain things with a less rigorous system. The book seems to have been written before there were glycolic toners easily available, and recommends some other thing, but I just went hunting for active ingredients and was satisfied with the toner I found.

If you decide that ProActiv is a good choice for your son to try (It does work well for some people), I strongly recommend buying products individually from a local retailer. (I've seen kiosks at shopping malls). Years ago, I tried the mini-kit, and realized that though the general idea was helpful, the amount you pay for what you get is not sufficient.

ProActiv is extremely well marketed, product prices are high compared to the amount of product you get, and if you're unlucky enough to wind up in some sort of club with automatic deliveries, good luck persuading them to let go of you. Shop in person, pay cash, and decide for yourself if you want to get involved with more.

Well, I've rambled, but I hope it's helpful. :)

Ack! Editing again, now that I've managed my typos. I also recall that drugstore brands just didn't work well for me. Brands like Peter Thomas Roth and DDF have been much better for my needs over time. The bottles are large and last a long time, so even though they aren't cheap, you get a lot for your money.

Also, I've found that my skin much prefers treatment products with just one active ingredient at a time. (i.e., Salicylic wash, BP spot treatment, Glycolic toner, but no salicylic/BP/Glycolic cleansers etc. )Too much of a good thing seems to overwhelm my skin.

[yogachic]

I haven't used it personally, but my sister did for quite some time. She said it works, but it bleached out her towels, and once you stop using it, your acne comes back pretty bad.

I also want to add, I get cystic acne, as my sister. I used to use a prescription cream. Since I have been taking Biotin supplement (for hair,skin, nails) I no longer need my prescription cream!!! It has cleared the cystic acne up.

[Chrissy]

Hi just checking back in. For now I bought the Clean and Clear kit. Hopefully my ds will use it regularly to see how it works for him. I just remind him to do it and so far he does. He's only used it for two days so far. Thanks again for everyones input.

[musicmomma]

up until last week i was using the new neutrogena acne care system and it worked well. i am now trying the oil cleansing method and hope it works better.