Proactive is a popular acne treatment product that has been promoted by celebrities ranging from Jessica Simpson to Sean John Combs. The Proactive system consists of three main treatment products: a renewing cleanser, revitalizing toner and repairing lotion. These products work together to treat and control acne breakouts. A variety of active and supporting ingredients combine to make Proactive products work successfully.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is the main active ingredient in the Proactive line of acne treatment products. Benzoyl peroxide can be found in many over-the-counter acne products due to its abilities to both target and kill the acne-causing bacteria Propionibacterium acnes and remove dead skin cells from the affected area. Acne is created when dead skin cells combine with natural oils from your skin called sebum, creating a small plug that blocks the follicle of your skin. By reducing the amount of dead skin cells on your skin's surface, benzoyl peroxide can reduce acne outbreaks.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is also used as an active ingredient in Proactive treatment products. Glycolic acid is a natural alpha hydroxy acid that is capable of removing dead skin cells and unclogging blocked pores, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is used in cosmetics as a natural skin toner and disinfectant. Witch hazel contains tannins, which may be used for cleansing pores. This reduces the chances of dirt or skin cell buildup, limiting acne formation. As a disinfectant, witch hazel may be able to reduce the number of acne bacteria on the affected skin. More studies need to be performed on witch hazel before its effectiveness can be proven.
Thickeners
Proactive employs several inactive ingredients as thickening agents to aid the products' application to the skin. Both magnesium aluminum silicate and xanthan gum are common cosmetic thickeners that are used in Proactive products.
Moisturizers
Proactive employs a series of moisturizers to help protect your skin from moisture loss. These ingredients can be broken down into two main groups: emollients, which create a thin layer of protection on the skin to prevent moisture loss, and humectants, which draw moisture from the surrounding environment and hold it close to the skin. Emollients in Proactive include glyceryl stearate and tridecyl stearate. Sorbital is a humectant found in Proactive products.
Plant and Fruit Extracts
Proactive uses natural botanical plant and fruit extracts in its products to help soothe and hydrate skin. These ingredients include rosa canina fruit extract, allantoin, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, panthenol and anthemis nobilis, more commonly known as chamomile.
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