 This is all I will use, irreplaceable!! |
| Review Date: April 6, 2009 |
| Reviewer: A. Boston, Boston, MA United States |
I started using proactiv when I was around 22. I had never had acne problems as a teen, but all of a sudden around 21, I would get these large painful cystic blemishes maybe once or twice a month on my chin. They tore down my self esteem whenever I had one. I would be afraid to leave the house and try and schedule my life around the stupid things. These were not little baby white heads, They would take a week or more to come to a head and hurt like you would not believe during that process. Then, they'd take forever to heal. I'm fair with freckles, so a honkin' red mountain the size of a nickel or dime was not good.
I ordered proactiv and have never gone back. Though there has been a time when I tried using only the face wash/scrubby stuff, it doesn't work by itself and I started to break out again. The key really is using the three steps together. Once you get used to it, it's not so tedious to have to go through all three steps. I'm 28 now. I rarely breakout and they're SO much smaller now and really can be attributed to 'that time' of the month. Everyone gets a blemish now and then, but no one should have to live with them every day. We're a household of proactiv users, as my boyfriend uses it daily as well.
For the price I wouldn't hesitate to go and try it for a couple months(thru the proactiv website). I know it's NOT super cheap, but now knowing how it works, I would pay double in a heart beat. And honestly, it takes me probably about 6 months to go thru one kit, so it the end it's not bad at all. Also, some simple tips: Make sure your pillowcase is clean, never go to sleep with makeup on, don't touch your face unnecessarily and don't lean your face on a phone/cell phone. Those few things actually helped a lot as well!
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great product
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| Review Date: January 12, 2009 |
| Reviewer: C. aguilar, usa |
| I have used this product for over a year and after 10 years having acne i finally got rid all my pimples. I am so glad this product exist |
ProActiv Works
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| Review Date: December 20, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Michael R. Jeffers, Hereford, AZ United States |
| Bought the 3-step system for my son, and we seen his face become really clearer. |
excellent results
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| Review Date: April 22, 2009 |
| Reviewer: C.W., |
| Works very well. Allow a few days to a week or two before best results are seen. |
Proactive
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| Review Date: December 28, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Cathy, Florida |
| Recommended. This was a Christmas gift. Great price. No hassles with having to sign up for monthly shipments (autoship) like you have to when you order direct from Proactive website!! Will definitely order from seller again. |
Customer Report
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| Review Date: June 7, 2010 |
| Reviewer: J. Davis, |
| I am pleased with my purchase. The products were as listed and arrived in a timely fashion. |
Proactive
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| Review Date: June 25, 2010 |
| Reviewer: cheerbear, |
| It was shipped promptly and would buy again from this seller! The product works great! |
Happy Daughter
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| Review Date: August 6, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Reagans Granny, |
| This was purchased as a gift for my daughter and she has been very impressed by this product.Worth the money and great service |
Best Secret to Beautiful Skin!!!!
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| Review Date: August 26, 2010 |
| Reviewer: MissHolley, |
| I used Proactiv for several years as a teenager to treat breakouts. As I got older, I quit using it thinking I had grown out of my teenage acne. Boy was I wrong! I am now a 20 year old newlywed in nursing school. Even though I try maintain a healthy diet and drink tons of water, my skin has experienced horrible breakouts lately. Out of despair, I ordered this Proactiv kit and my skin feels so much better already! I have no pimples, oil is little to none, and my skin feels amazing! Proactiv solution helps keep my self-confidence strong and keeps me feeling like I can handle anything! Definitely recommend this product to anyone! |
Worked wonders for me!
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| Review Date: May 26, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Sophia Williams, california |
Before I started using ProActive I was really embarrassed about my skin problems. I'm 26, and it wasn't just acne. I have very sensitive skin, that tends to be on the dry side. So dry before, I would apply a face lotion several times in the morning before putting on any make-up. NOW I can even leave the house without make-up! I didn't have problem skin until a few years ago, and now thanks to ProActive I don't anymore either! Jeez, I know I sound like an infomercial, but I am so grateful my hubby talked me into trying it.
I have found that the face wash can be drying and harsh. So I only use it at night when I need to take my make-up off. In the morning I just splash some cold water on my face, followed by the toner and then the lotion. My face feels great now, and is perfectly clear! |
2nd Times a Charm
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| Review Date: July 10, 2009 |
| Reviewer: S. Smith, PA, USA |
My skin was fairly bad. I was using the Proactiv Wal-Mart equivalent to no avail. I bought the real Proactiv, and had no luck with that either. A few months later I decided to give it another shot. I followed the steps by the book- step 1, dry my face, wait a few minutes. Step 2, wait for it to dry (less time than step 1.) And then step 3. This time, it has worked amazingly. I don't know that maybe my skin has realized I am no longer 14 and decided to stop ruining me, or that it is because of the Proactiv. I'm still going to keep using it, because I do not want to find out.
Also, I follow step 3 with Equate medicated acne gel. It's not even a gel, but I use it all over my face each time. And, these products WILL bleach your towels/clothes. Definitely wash your hands thoroughly before touching anything else. |
A highly effective ance treatment product, but...
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| Review Date: July 16, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Skin Care Geek www.cureacneathome.com, |
Proaciv is a highly effective acne treatment brand but, here's the catch - you have to keep at it. Firstly, it takes a few weeks before you see significant results. This is the case for any acne treatment product really - you just HAVE to be consistent and give it time. So, folks looking for a quick solution to their problem (i.e. - clearing up your skin in time for prom or a wedding, for example) will be disappointed.
Secondly, it is not a magic potion capable of "curing" acne. Once you stop using the product, your acne will return unless you take active steps to maintain the health of your skin. It is often believed that merely using a product can be the only change made to help your skin. Clear skin is about more than just using the right brands.... having clear skin is about understanding skin.
Overall, I'd say use this product if you can afford to consistently buy it. If you can't, understand the ways to help keep your skin healthy since, if you don't take those steps, it's HIGHLY likely that you will be disappointed once you stop using Proactiv. |
GREAT PRODUCT!!
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| Review Date: March 5, 2010 |
| Reviewer: K. Abel, Baton Rouge, LA |
Just like any other acne medicine it works for most, but not for all. But for me it worked wonders. Never having an acne issue, I really never worried about my skin. Then I got pregnant and my hormones knocked me back into puberty I guess. Zits everywhere. I have been using Proactiv for 7 years now and I wouldn't use anything else. In fact after using it for an amount of time, I don't have to use it near as much as when you begin. I skip days and most days only have to use it once. If I start to get a zit, just zap some of the "mask" on it like you would clearasil, and it gets rid of it within a day or two. It is a terrific product and I recommend it so much that I even got it for my 14 year old step-daughter. Who also swears by it.
DO NOT get it from the proactiv website unless you want to pay more and just throw your money away. You pay $30 a month no matter how often you actually get your set. And if you only get your set every 3 months that is 90 bucks plus other shipping fees, etc. that would only pay $60 at the mall for (or less than that on certain websites)... you are paying way over the price it is really worth! And if you deactivate your account you still paid that last 30 bucks for nothing, because if you cancel before your next shipment, you are never going to get that money back even though you didn't get product.
Give it a shot for a few months and I am certain it will work as well for you as it does for me & my family. |
Excellent
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| Review Date: July 2, 2009 |
| Reviewer: W. Schultz, TX, USA |
I have been using proactive since 2005 and it is an excellent product. It literally leaves my face glowing. I use it only once a day, as well.
If you have ever suffered from blemishes I highly recommend it.
Bottom line: Do you want clear, glowing skin? If so, buy this! |
Great buy, price and shipment time.
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| Review Date: August 27, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Lotus Lee, Miami |
| The product arrived within 5 days and was exactly what I ordered. The only suggestion that I would make to the seller is to maybe think about wrapping the bottles in some bubble wrap, provide a little more cushion for the bottles, or ship the product in a box v.s. a large mailing envelope. The bottle tops were slightly dented, but not broken. |
Proactive is a Great System!
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| Review Date: December 3, 2009 |
| Reviewer: K. Barnes, Montrose, CO USA |
| I have had great success with this product! I have never really had a problem with acne until this year. After trying many systems from the store I decided to give this one a try. Proactive is amazing and works quickly. You will love the results jsut like they say you will. |
great product
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| Review Date: December 6, 2009 |
| Reviewer: J. Davis, Portland, OR |
| I purchased this product for my grown granddaughter (21) who was experiencing severe breakouts on her face, especially her chin. With in a matter of three days of use she began to see results. She loves this product and I am sure she will continue to use it. |
Looooove Proactiv!
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| Review Date: December 25, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Sassy Scientist, Menlo Park, CA |
When I turned 30 and saw acne on my forehead and chin it was the last straw for me. I ordered Proactiv from the company and in combination with my birth control regiment (ie, hormone control), Proactiv is extremely effective for me. When I was younger I used more harsh medications and would cry as my skin would peel off and turn so dry and flaky. Proactiv has never had this type of effect on me and I consider myself to have very sensitive skin. Because I have sensitive skin, my skin does have a bit of redness, but once I put on foundation (I use this mainly as sunprotection), it appears more 'pink' and radiant. Proactiv makes my skin very smooth and even toned and I NEVER have a breakout while using Proactiv along with my hormone control--but if I take a break from the product I can predictably expect a breakout in a week. I do recommend using a moisurizer along with the product. Also, I only use the cleanser once a day (in the morning). At night I use Aveeno clear complexion foaming cleanser (which does not container any scrubbing particles and is quite gentle) along with the other two components of the Proactiv kit.
Now that I am 33 I still love the product, but I hated dealing with the company. For some reason, when you order the product it takes >2weeks for the product to arrive doing the standard $4.99 shipping option. Also, sometimes they would charge me $39.99 for the product and other times $49.99. On Amazon, not only can you always find a $39.99 option or less for the same product, but with Prime I get FREE shipping and it arrives on my doorstep a couple days after I order it. Yay! |
Worked for me
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| Review Date: December 10, 2009 |
| Reviewer: G. Mahaney, |
I started using Proactive last January and I started noticing a difference within days. I did have an occasional pimple at times but my skin was so much smoother and felt great. I recently stopped using the product and my skin is a nightmare. It is amazing to me how well it worked. I didn't realize it until I stopped using it. You can bet i will be rejoining the club.
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Works good but don't use more than once a day.
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| Review Date: March 1, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Lori, Portland, OR USA |
| I think that this product works good and so many people have complemented my skin since I started using this 2 months ago. I think that it is a bit strong so I only use it once a day instead of 2 to 3 times as the package says to do. For the first wash in the morning I use an antibacterial soap and then a lotion with vitamin E in so that this product won't dry out my skin. And then I use the 3 step system before I go to bed at night. I didn't have super bad acne until I moved from a dry climate to a very humid one. This product not only seem to help with my breakouts but also made my skin tone more even. I think it helps but should not be used as many times a day as they say to. |
my 2 cents...
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| Review Date: July 27, 2009 |
| Reviewer: sibylvain83, |
| I am a 26 year old woman, and I have had acne since I was 16. When I was about 17 I started to use proactiv, and my skin looked great. Then, when I was about 20, I stopped using it. I don't know why, maybe because it was inconvenient to order, and expensive after a while. But my skin became horrible. I tried everything at the drugstore, but nothing worked. So, when I was about 21 I returned to proactiv and again my skin was pretty good (but not perfect). Really, my skin looked fine, nice in photos, and with a little makeup I could cover anything up. Last summer one of my friends recommended Murad, and said it was better. So I decided to try it out, but it was really bad for me. Then I went back to proactiv (but I was just using the cleanser, not the other parts). This spring I went to a salon and was advised to use some other products, so I switched. Big mistake. Now I am out of the US, so I have started to use clinique (have been at it about 3.5 weeks, with some improvement but not much), so as soon as I can I am going to go back to proactiv. It is not perfect, and you really need to use all 3 parts (not just the cleanser), but for me it has been the most effective (and I really have tried almost everything). |
Less expensive solutions available
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| Review Date: December 28, 2009 |
| Reviewer: IT Security, |
- Works for 13 yr child; you should see positive change within a week. If acne reacts badly, try only once a day at bedtime.
- Expensive since you really pay for the commercials and a known brand name and have to order by phone/online.
- Simple and easy to use, rinses clean. Need cotton pads to apply.
- Other brands available that may be effective for you. Currently trying AcneFree kit since other customers report similar results and it's cheaper and available at drugstores or on Amazon.com.
- Go to acne dot org website and enter "acne" to read about other recommended acne treatment products with same or similar ingredients. Visit acne dot org website to educate yourself about acne and the ingredients to combat it. There's also a product line made by [...] that people seem to like and maybe more cost-effective. |
This system truly cured my acne. A+++
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| Review Date: May 19, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Clara Brown, Salem, MA |
| I have had life-long problems with moderate to severe acne. I'm 30, and before now, the times when I didn't have at least a few blemishes were far and few between. I rarely, if ever, had perfectly clear and balanced skin. My skin was always blemished, oily, and flaky in places. About 2 years ago it got alot worse for some reason, so I went on Ortho Tri Cyclen hoping that would help. My acne got much much worse after that. It exploded all over the place. I looked like I had smallpox. I went to the dermatologist and started doxycycline (which I liked and continued to use as it helped a lot - though I would still breakout) and also tried using several prescriptions topicals, all of which burned my skin all to hell and my skin peeled all over the place in spite of using a very good moisturizer. Then I tried natural remedies: manuka honey, oatmeal, olive oil, witch hazel, apple cider vinager, vitamins, eating very healthy foods, and so on and so forth. Nothing worked. So finally I tried proactive. I use this system in conjunction with two moisturizers that I LOVE by Lush: Vanishing Cream at night and Gorgeous during the day. A top of the line moisturizer is the key to making this system work, imo. I saw results within a week, and now my skin is ALWAYS clear. If I don't wash my face at night (I wear Mac Studio Fix) I may get a very small blemish that quickly goes away with regular cleansing/maintenance. My skin is also BALANCED for the first time ever. It isn't oily nor dry nor combination. Just soft and balanced. I find that the cleanser runs out very quickly - much faster than the other products ( I only use the toner and lotion - not the mask or anything else by proactiv) - so I use it at night, and use another scrub I like, Aubrey Organics Jojoba Meal and Oatmeal Mask and Scrub with Rose and Lavender for Dry Skin, in the morning. It really, really softens and brightens your skin. I've also found that since using the proactiv and lush moisturizers my acne scars have faded FAST. I bought a skin lightening gel on ebay, but I haven't needed to use it. I'm very please with this system, and I hope it never stops working for me. I don't know what I'd do. This has been the only cure for my acne, which I believe might be hormonal. Do not use this system without an excellent moisturizer and expect good results. What don't I like about these products: the packaging. The bottles are ugly and cheap looking. But the ingredients do produce results. Eventually I was able to stop using doxycycline and my skin has remained clear. I never worry about acne now, and it's such a relief and a blessing. I totally wasted large sums of money at the dermatologist. A+++ |
Cleared my Skin so QUICKLY!!!
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| Review Date: June 21, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Suzanne Sanchez, Charlies caretaker |
I used the Proactive kit only once in High School, when I had a moderate acne phase and all I can remember is that it cleared my skin so rapidly and it was the only thing that worked after trying a slew of acne products both prescription and over the counter. So, whenever I hear a story of someone suffering from acne, I would always swear by Proactive! Here I am 8 years later at 26, and all of a sudden, BAM! I just broke out so bad. I don't know if it was stress or what? But there it was, just like I was in high school. I am by no means vain, but it really is a blow to your self esteem to have acne at ANY AGE and have to face anybody. I am super low maintenance and not a fan of a lot of makeup, so having to pile on makeup to cover my breakouts just felt worse. It seemed that once an area would break out and start healing (which took about a week and a half) I would break out in another area and this cycle just keeps happening. I was on Murad acne system( Absolute Crap....don't buy this at sephora!) , and just desperate for something to clear my skin up. I wanted to go back to my simple makeup routine of a little bronzer, blush and mascara, so I recalled my old experience and advice to other fellow peers that suffer this problem.
I read a lot of reviews of having problems with ordering online and having problems canceling, so I just went to the mall and bought it at a KIOSK. Took this home, it's been 4 days....my skin is already clearing up, with no new pimples forming (the problem that i had). This stuff is just as amazing for me as it was back in high school!!! I must warn those with sensitive skin...this is not for you! I have very oily skin naturally and its not that sensitive, so this has dried it out to the point where it's what Normal skin would be like (I've never experienced normal skin...only very oily skin) So, this WILL DRY YOUR SKIN....but it dries the acne out, so it heals up and goes away faster!
There is something out there for everyone, and this is definitely my solution. Try it, what do you have to lose, there's a money back guarantee! |
Skin problems for teens- this works
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| Review Date: December 20, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Lorraine F. Upton, |
| I gave these products as a gift to a teen aged male. He is thrilled with the results and I am so glad I decided to give him Pro Active. |
Received package fine
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| Review Date: June 7, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Adrien Lopez, Santiago, Chile |
| I received my package of Proactiv solution in a timely manner, and in a well-packaged box. This is the second time that this same product, bought from Amazon, has been just how I expected. Thanks again. |
good products
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| Review Date: March 10, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Susan Bell, Texas |
| The products seem to be helping and are easy to use. I would recommend them. My teenager hasn't been using them very long, but I can see a difference in his skin. |
Works Well But Buy Elsewhere
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| Review Date: June 1, 2010 |
| Reviewer: K. Miller, Chi City |
| The system has worked well and consistently for me for several years, I just thought I would add that it is possible to buy these at a lot of malls around the US for much cheaper than online or through the proactiv subscription. At my mall, and in others I've seen, you can get this 3-part system for around $25! Proactiv will charge you in two $20 installments ($40) for the same thing and it is obviously more expensive to buy it here too. So look for it at your local mall and good luck |
Works great, but....
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| Review Date: July 14, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Ashtyn, |
| The product works great, but i don't like how it bleaches my towels and pillow case. It makes me worry about what i'm actually putting on my face. So, i just started using it a couple of times a week and it still works great! |
good purchase
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| Review Date: November 16, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Kelley Nicosia, Fort Worth Texas |
| I recieved the product timely and am satisfied. I was expecting a full size set instead of two trial size sets but the product is fine. |
Worked for a while
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| Review Date: December 11, 2008 |
| Reviewer: S. Perkins, san antonio, TX |
I gave it 3 stars because it did work at first.
My acne problems aren't that serious.
This product worked very well for a good month...and then it stopped being effective. For some reason, even though the wash is a scrub it wasn't exfoliating properly...and it dried me out. My esthetician said that Proactiv usually works in the beginning for most of her clients...
I remember her telling me once that I didn't need a salicylic or Jessner peel. I figure, well--maybe the Proactiv was too strong for me...because it stripped my face of moisture.
But...the mask is very good. It's creamy and cooling. I still go back and forth between the Proactiv mask and the DDF sulfur mask (which is VERY effective). These days I use the Mint Julep Queen Helene scrub, a face wash from the spa I frequent, witch hazel as an astringent (it's non-drying on my face) and pure/unrefined shea butter as a moisturizer. |
Overpriced for the standard system style effectiveness
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| Review Date: July 17, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Mir, North Miami Beach, FL USA |
This system will improve your acne if you can tolerate it and you use it consistently and diligently. If you have very sensitive skin, forget it. This will make eczema/dermatitis/rosacea go insane. I know from experience.
However, I find that I really like the Renewing Cleanser, so while I don't buy the whole system anymore, I do ebay or amazon up the cleanser (beware some buyers that will rip you off, even on amazon, believe it or not, sure, but most are fine.) I've been using Acne Free's REDNESS RELIEF, which has worked better for me (due to my eczema/dermatitis) than ProActiv. Much gentler. But I do use the ProActiv cleanser more often than the AcneFree RR one, because the quality of the scrubbing grains is unbeatable. Much gentler --smoother, less rough--and smaller than in other systems. Less irritating if used with care.
So, if you have hardy skin and don't mind paying more for somewhat (though not ragingly) better quality than you get with some other drugstore systems (which all have about the same active ingredients, ie, exfoliating acids, scrubs, benzoyle peroxide and/or salicylic acid) try this. It can help.
Only you know what your skin can tolerate. Mine can't tolerate most of this system, but thumbs up on the scrubby cleanser.
But if you want to pay significantly less for a system that can be quite effective (I have quite improved acne and sometimes get comments that I'm glowing, hah!) try Acne Free (whichever system is for your skin type). You can find it here on amazon and in CVS and Walgreens type stores, etc. |
Not the best acne treatment anymore
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| Review Date: January 13, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Lorena M. Moreno, South Texas |
| I've been using Proactiv for about 8 years, but on and off. When the stuff first became popular, I was still in high school and my mother had to charge it to her card for me. What a pain! Back then they would ship it every month whether you needed it or not. I ended up having so much backed up that I eventually had my mom cancel the whole membership. It lasted me through college! After everything fianlly ran out, or expired, I used regular drug store cleansers, but they'd bleach my clothes or towels and often dry out my face or just stop working all together. I had never had that problem with Proactiv so I decided to start ordering it again about two years ago. I got stuck with the same problem with the vitamins (Vitaclear). They seemed like a good idea and thought that I'd just keep taking them, but they made me so nauseous and didn't help my face, or anything, at all. It took a month of searching the internet to finally get the number to call to cancel. THEN after I cancelled, they told me they were STILL going to charge me for one more shipment and send it anyway. I was so frustrated I just told them OK. Oh, and now all of a sudden, Proactiv bleaches certain clothes and has bleached all my towels. Even when used in the shower. A good number of my fiance's shirts are ruined from sleeping on his shoulder at night. I had to tell him to sleep with a shirt off so I didn't bleach any of his shirts because we never knew if it would mess it up or not. I've always loved Proactiv and it really does work if used consistently and correctly, but I think at this point it is more of a hassle. Even though I have it set up to ship every 12 weeks, it always ships and charges me so randomly. I hate to cancel because it really did work for me in high school, but I think I might be switching to the Neutrogena kit. I think that now there are so many other products out there that can do the same, if not better, than Proactiv and that are much cheaper and less of a hassle. |
Up in the Air!
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| Review Date: February 13, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Jason A. Schrauth, |
I was using Proactiv for almost 3 months...but the end of the 2nd month my skin was so dry it would just flake off...but since I seen such a good improvement I kept with it.
Well having dry skin clogged my pores more, so it eventually started breaking me out, so I stopped using it and switched to something less harsh, but now my acne is getting worse again. Im not sure if I will start Proactiv up again or not.
When I went to cancel the order, since I have 2 back up supplies since I only used it 1 time day--they gave me a huge hassle, so I eventually just went online to e-mail them and cancel it that way.
We will see what happens after I try this new system.
Im 21, and have had acne since 13, and its getting worse each year. Im white with fair semi-sensitive skin. |
Proactive treatment
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| Review Date: January 10, 2010 |
| Reviewer: R. Fox, |
| I have used Proactiv for about 4-5 years. In the beginning it worked great for me. I used to swear by it. I never left home without it. I think its still a great product and I use it only a couple of times a week now. The reason for that is because I recently have been under an extreme amount of stress lately. My face has gotten out of control with acne and I believe it is because of the stress. No product including the Proactiv solution has worked for me. I need get rid of my stress before my skin can begin to heal. So I would recommend the product. I think everyone's situation is different and they should at least try it. |
Works for me, but is kind of like flipping a coin between Clear Skin or Not
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| Review Date: July 27, 2010 |
| Reviewer: S. Coleman, Dallas, TX USA |
Though Proactiv Solution works pretty well for me, I have never seen a product vary so drastically from one user to another. I started getting terrible acne in the 9th grade, and it had a major effect on my confidence. People would stare at my zits--and not into my eyes--whenever we were having a conversation, and my 10th grade history teacher even held me back at the end of class specifically to recommend a skin care product that she had ordered from Avon. If that were not embarrassing enough, my acne reached a peak during my senior year of high school--the primetime of every young woman's life. Every inch of my cheeks was covered in bright red, pus-filled pimples. It was so terrible that some people looked disgusted to even stand near me, and I had to wear a TON of concealer for my senior photos--which only exacerbated the problem as soon as picture day was over. After my high school graduation, I started spending a lot of time out at the pool, and (despite what the experts say), the sun drastically improved my skin. My face turned really red one day when I forgot the sunblock, and the next day, all of the zits were gone. However, when the summer ended and I went to college in the fall, the zits came back. It was then that I decided that I need something stronger than an over-the-counter medicine to deal with my skin. After watching a commercial for Proactiv Solution, I ordered it over the phone on a whim. The first few weeks didn't give me any results, but after a about a month, the product worked to its full potential. I have been using it for almost two years now, and I am very happy with my decision to purchase it. Though it has not provided the magical results that are showcased in every commercial (I still get a couple of pimples every couple of weeks, my face is not the horrible red mask that it once was. Unlike some reviewers reported, the product does not dry my face out at all, and I haven't experienced any redness. The most redeeming product of the entire system is the toner. Though it does not smell very potent, it succeeded in removing from my hands and forearms a botched application of self-tanning lotion that almost a week of constant scrubbing did nothing to help. For me, this is very good stuff. Unfortunately, as I stated, this product varies so widely from customer to customer that it is hard to determine the effectiveness of its use. In my circle of friends, three girls (myself included) are using Proactiv. My skin reacted very nicely to the product, but the other two weren't as lucky. One of the girls had mild acne and experienced no change in her condition. Another girl had moderate acne and experienced such severe burning and redness of the skin that she discontinued usage and even voluntary went through the seven levels of Hell (also known as Proactiv Customer Service) to get a refund.
Overall, here are my basic recommendations for those considering using Proactiv:
1.) Since results vary so widely between each user, buy the smallest amount of the product that is available. That way, if it does not match your particular needs, you are not out an arm and a leg on something totally useless
2.) Beware of the freebies/extras. The basic three step Proactiv system and the Daily Oil Control lotion work wonders (compared to the "before" situation), but the other items in the Proactiv line were actually pretty damaging. As a "free gift", I received a tube of the Refining Mask. I applied it according to the directions, but approximately twenty minutes after I removed it, my face was covered in large red, itchy blotches. I immediately threw the tube in the garbage, and by the time I resumed using my regular system the next day, the spots were gone. So, if you get extras in the mail, proceed with caution.
3.) DO NOT, under any circumstances, tell the representative that you want a free month's supply VitaClear Vitamins with your purchase. First of all, the vitamins are disgusting. VitaClear comes in a box with thirty individually wrapped packets of 5 vitamins. After taking that first packet of five vitamins one morning, I had to make a run to the restroom to vomit. The next day, I had didn't throw up, but I did a second time after using the vitamins a few days later. Though I followed the direction to eat before usage, no matter how much or how little I ate, I would puke at least twice a week. If this is not enough, as soon as you agree to accept a free order, you (unknowingly) sign yourself up to receive auto-shipments of Vitaclear every two months--which means that your credit card will automatically be charged $29.99 every six or weeks. I have no idea how to cancel an account with VitaClear (which is sold by a different company than Proactiv). The only reason I stopped receiving shipments was because I changed addresses and my credit card just happened to expire that same month. So, if you like swallowing five vitamins each day that will make you puke, feel free to sign up for auto shipments of a product that is impossible to cancel.
4.) As I mentioned previously, Customer Service is Hell (according to the people I know who have tried to cancel). If you want to cancel your account, you have to locate the customer service number from the website or from your previous bill. Proactiv does not allow easy online cancellations or (to my knowledge) mail-in requests to cancel. Then, when you call a representative and mention that you want to cancel your account, you are mysteriously put on hold for an indefinite amount of time--though they jump at the chance to talk to you if you are willing to order Proactiv. If you are not put on hold, the reps will talk in circles and try to convince you to order more products. One of my friends who successfully canceled her account recommended setting up a web count on the Proactiv site, going to the help feature, and then emailing a representative with the question "How do I cancel my account?" A rep contacted her by email a few days later, asked for her account number, and subsequently canceled the account. I recommend following this procedure or continue to receive the automatic shipments each month.
Overall, this product worked for me, but it will not work for everyone. It is kind of like spinning the Wheel of Fortune or flipping a coin...only this time, instead of head and tails, the sides are "Clear Skin" and "Not". |
Works Ok
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| Review Date: August 3, 2009 |
| Reviewer: AHH, Utah |
| This works ok. It cleared up my skin, but didn't end the breakouts entirely. I am into my 20s and my skin is worse now than when I was a teenager, and I stopped using this and am still on the lookout for a skin-fixer. One thing is the areas that didn't breakout were very polished and exfoliated. |
proactive
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| Review Date: July 15, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Jeff Mucklow, |
| My girlfriend uses this product, results are slower than they said on tv but it does work. |
didnt work for me
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| Review Date: December 2, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Bryce Clausen, Colorado |
| Everyones skin is different and for my skin, this didnt do the trick. I gave it two stars because it doesnt dry out your skin like the others and the mask that comes with it takes away the redness of a pimple, nothing more nothing less. |
Temporarily Great
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| Review Date: July 20, 2010 |
| Reviewer: omg, Atlanta, GA |
| I used this product off and on just about every year for a few months each time until I finally came to my senses. The f
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