Pro Activ

I've had acne-prone, congested skin since my teens. When my doctor put me on birth control in my 20s my skin basically cleared up. However, as I got older my skin kept getting cystic breakouts on my chin and neck. I kept changing pills every so often which would temporarily fix the problem but I was tired of changing pills. I tried drugstore and high-end products to combat the problem. Nothing worked. I remember using Proactiv back when I was a teen with ok but not profound results. I was pretty desperate at that point, so I ordered the 3-Step System. The Proactiv+ was different than the old system I used as a teen, but I still didn't have high hopes. I recieved the kit on a Friday and started using it that night. By Sunday morning, my skin had drastically improved. I remember this because my husband and I were going to spend the day together going to the movies and restaurants and I didn't particularly want to leave the house because of my skin. But it had cleared up enough that I was more comfortable going out and with continued use my acne cleared up altogether. I do not use the system every day, as it will dry out your skin and the older I get the more focused I need to be on dehydration, hyperpigmentation and wrinkles. So I cycle this with my other products, using it when I feel like I need more attention to preventing breakouts. I get the automatic shipments, and felt like I was getting it too often for my needs so I changed the frequency, which is easy to do on the website. I will also say that the 3rd step, the complexion hydrator is not enough to hydrate my skin so I use it more like a treatment (since it has salicylic acid) and then use a moisturizer I like. Also, if you're using this system with products that contain vitamin c, be sure NOT to use both products at the same time as vitamin c and benzoyl peroxide will cancel each other out (one is an oxidizer and the other an anti-oxidant). I completely understand how this product might not work for most but I was thankful it worked for me.

This is a moisturizer for acne prone skin. It keeps skin soft and supple. Even though I stopped using the 3 step system, I continue using this moisturizer as it does not clog up my skin. On winter nights, I apply a thicker layer before going to bed and wake up with soft, supple skin. This is not a heavy moisturizer and more suited for combination and oily skins. Dries well.

This cleanser is pretty harsh. Would never recommend it for someone with acne skin. I don’t use it as a daily cleanser but as an exfoliant and it is nice that that.