Acne is a disease of the skin that can bring unsightly bumps and clogged pores, most often to the face. It is caused by blocked sebum and bacteria and appears in the form of inflammation. Those suffering from blemishes are anxious for a cure. Two of the most popular acne treatments are from Murad and Proactiv. Both companies have a range of products that they put together as an acne clearing system.
History
Katie Rodan, MD, and Kathy Fields, MD, are the dermatologists who created the Proactiv treatment plan in 1995. They have remained involved in the company and work with the Proactiv Skin Advisors to provide round-the-clock support to customers. Murad was started by Dr. Howard Murad, who is a dermatologist, a pharmacist and a professor at UCLA. He introduced the Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel in 1989. Dr. Murad is also the author of a number of health and beauty books.
Products
Proactiv only makes products to heal blemishes and maintain clear skin. The 3-step Acne Treatment System consists of a Renewing Cleanser, Revitalizing Toner and Repairing Treatment. Proactiv also makes more than a dozen other acne-fighting products. The Murad Acne Complex Kit includes a Clarifying Cleanser, Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel, Skin Perfecting Lotion and Acne Spot Treatment. Murad also makes anti-aging and anti-cellulite products.
Cost and Availability
Based on the prices listed on both their websites, the Proactiv Acne Treatment System and the Murad Acne Complex Kit cost about the same amount of money, though you must purchase Proactiv’s initial three products as a package, while you can buy any item in Murad’s acne line separately. Proactiv is only available for purchase by phone or on the Internet. Murad’s acne products are available online or in stores such as Sephora and Ulta.
Ingredients
Most of the Proactiv products have always contained benzoyl peroxide, but they were reworked in 2010 to include an exclusive benzoyl peroxide with micro-crystals. Murad products do not contain benzoyl peroxide. They do contain silver citrate, a cleanser the company says is proven to kill bacteria. The company also claims that it uses many more natural nutrients than other products sold on television, including 700 percent more antioxidants than the others. Both company's products contain salicylic acid.
Advertising
Jessica Simpson, Julianne Hough, Katy Perry, Mandy Moore and Avril Lavigne are a few of the celebrities who have touted the benefits of Proactiv on television, in print ads and on the Internet. Though Murad has used celebrity spokespersons such as Joan Lunden for its other products, it does not use them for the acne line. The Murad slogan is “Real People. Real Stories. Real Results.”
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