Is there anything better than Proactive?

Question

I've been using proactive for about 1 and 1/2 years. It did help, but not much. Also it's so expensive and seems to be damaging my skin. Is there anything else out there that works better, or is cheaper? (Clean&Care, Murad, Differin, etc.)

Answer 1

ive used murad and its basically the same result as proactive and the same price dont use it

Answer 2

OK, so...I tried Proactive for a week or two, and it didn't really work, but I switched to Stridex Dual Solutions, and I have been using it for a month now. I'm in Junior High, and I get white heads and pimples at the worst moments, but since I started Stridex Dual Solutions, I have really clear skin. I have had a couple of pimples since I have started, but that is OK, because if you have a couple of pimples in the first couple of weeks of using it, that's what is supposed to happen. Weird, right? But, actually, its right, because it is cleaning out your pores. I hope this helps!!

Answer 3

Iam a Registered Nurse and I specialize in skin care and teen acne.

In my experience of 12 years alot of  commercial store bought products DO NOT WORK!

The products you mentioned OVER DRY YOUR FACE as do most store bought products. I have been taking care of teen acne for 12 years and I dont recommend them at all!!!

I think I have a great solution for you!

Your question is very broad and you need to get professional advice. I will explain why it's a broad question!

Your age plays a role! How old are you? Do you always have breakouts?

However, acne can result from several factors such an increase in hormone levels. In males testosterone or androgens. In females, androgens respectively. The increase in androgen levels can stimulate the oil glands to become enlarged and thus more oil production is produced. An increased oil production can clog the pores with oil or sebum ( white thick substance) which cause the cell walls of the pores in the skin to breakdown. This process allows bacteria to form and thus breakouts develop.

Genetics may also be a cause. It is a myth that greasy food or chocolate causes breakouts.

However, using make-up sponges that are not changed or washed often can contaminate the pores with bacteria which may develop into acneic breakouts.

If you are a teenager ( which I assume that you are) your hormones play a definite role in your breakouts.

If you have severe breakouts than you might need medication. There are many factors.

The most important thing is that you need products that are AGE APPROPRIATE! Every age group has different products appropriate for them. If you are young than you need milder products as to not dry out your beautiful young skin.

The problem with commercial skin products is that they are manufactured for MASSES OF PEOPLE and are not specifically made for different peoples' needs.

Your skin type is different than mine and your age differs from mine so how is it logical that we both use the same skin product for breakouts. We need different strengths of cleansers and toners. Do you kind of understand what I am getting at?

Here is my STRONG SUGGESTION for you. I refer all my students and patients to this website:

www.aboutyourskincare.com

You need to consult with professionals and on this website YOU CAN ASK QUESTIONS FOR FREE AND A SKIN EXPERT/PHYSICIAN WILL ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS. It would be a shame if you dont take advantage of this free service.

Lastly, they have incredible products for breakouts and they make them specifically for every kind of skin type. That means that if your breakouts are more severe than mine, than while we both will buy the same product yours will have stronger ingredients than mine will.

They have a mild glycolic acid cleanser that's great for your type of skin and also a DRYING LOTION ( I have 3 bottles) that you put directly on your breakouts and the next day it's gone. It's truely magic in a bottle.

A basic guideline for properly taking care of your skin is this ( now if you're a young girl you will need fewer products than this):

Night time:

1. Exfoliate the skin

2. Mild Glycolic Acid Cleanser

3. Mild Glycolic Acid Toner ( cleans off the excess debris and balances the PH level of the skin).

4. Drying Lotion used only on breakouts

5. Moisturizer

Morning:

1. Mild Glycolic Acid Cleanser

2. Moisturizing cream

The above is a standard you may need to only use one or two products. Visit: www.aboutyourskincare.com

As I suggested and click on the ASK FOR FREE section send them an email and you will get free expert skin care advice.

Good Luck to you,

Michelle

Answer 4

yea tootpaste works to help for last minute treatment, but it's not preventative. i've tried everything too. proactive, that other acne kit that's compared to proactive, clearasil, EVERYTHING. nothing worked for me either. the best thing is to go to your doctor/dermatologist and have them put you on acne prescription medication. i use a combo of acne pills AND ointments. they really work,. i don't take the pills anymore, but all my medicated oitntment does just as good. also you can get benzoyl peroxide either 5% and 10%, which you can also apply on your bumps. but the best thing is prescription medicine WITH the benzoyl. usually the doctor will recommend clindamycin, but i use clyndamycin in addition to two more on top of that.the treatment helps prevent bumps, get rid of them basically overnight or in less than a week, and even clearing acne scars ! you should try it, this is better than anything in stores. also make sure you use oil-free acne cleansers, cuz oil is one BiG thing that causes bumps, since your pores are clogged by it. and yup neutrogena is B0MB when it comes to facial wash&& stuff. and use oil-free moisturizers. the less oil, the better. trust me, my skin is pretty much SPOT free. i've come a long way, so even tho our skin types are different, you should see your doctor for the good stuff, and try neutrogena.

Answer 5

acnefree is really good. and cheap ;)

or yu can try toothpaste too.

it wrks. i swear.

Answer 6

Neutragena works well for me and Ive tried LOTS of stuff...Proactive, Clearisul, Clean and Clear but Neutrogena works best for me. But everyones skin is different...

Answer 7

I used Proactive for 6 months myself, and it worked, like you said, but really not much.

I consulted with a dermatologist, which I would highly recommend.

Two medications seem to work well in tandem-- BenzaClin, a benzoyl peroxide and clinamycin duo to reduce facial bacteria, and Retin A, a retionoid cream that coaxes cell turnover, though it makes your face photosensitive.