Many people know the discomfort and embarrassment that come with acne. Approximate 85 percent of teenagers develop acne at some point, and many adults can struggle with it into their 20's, 30's or even later, reports Dr. Jeffery Benabio of The Dermatology Blog. Many treatment options exist for acne sufferers, and perhaps the best known among these is Proactiv.
History
It took nearly five years of testing before the Proactiv acne system launched in 1995. Dr. Katie Rodan, co-founder of Proactiv Solutions, explains the she and her co-founder Dr. Kathy Fields worked as dermatologists and funded product development as they could afford it. When the product hit the market, Rodan and Fields decided to market it using 30-minute infomercials as a way to educate their customers about how Proactiv combats the causes of acne. This marketing strategy paid off, and Proactiv is now America's most popular acne treatment, according to dermatologist Dr. Jeffrey Benabio.
Function
Acne occurs when pores, or the openings of hair follicles, become clogged by dead skin cells. The clog traps natural oils in the pores and, as pressure builds, bacteria grows and white blood cells start to attack the bacteria. This build up of oils, bacteria and white blood cells creates acne's signature red and tender bumps.
Proactiv fights the causes of acne using a three-part system. First, you use a cleanser that contains tiny beads to exfoliate your skin and unblock clogged pores. The benzoyl peroxide in the cleanser works to exfoliate skin as well as kill bacteria trapped in your pores. After exfoliating, you use a toner that contains glycolic acid, a chemical exfoliant which complements the cleanser. As the third and final step in the Proactiv regimen, you apply a repairing lotion which contains more benzoyl peroxide to exfoliate skin cells and kill bacteria.
Time Frame
Proactiv treats acne; it doesn't cure it. Unfortunately, there is no cure for acne, and nothing can clear up an outbreak overnight. Like all acne treatments, it will take about two months of following the Proactiv skincare regimen before you begin to see improvement. Don't let the lack of results in the first eight weeks deter you, however. If you stop using an acne treatment, Proactiv or otherwise, then you will certainly continue to have problems.
Features
The Proactiv acne treatment system focuses on treating and preventing acne outbreaks. Though the three-part system is mild, it is effective because you repeat the process twice a day, every day. The company also encourages you to continue the skincare process even when you don't have an outbreak by sending you more products every two months. By continuing to use Proactiv even when your skin appears clear, you can prevent new pimples from forming.
Warning
If you have sensitive skin, Proactiv may cause stinging, redness and peeling, but limiting your use to once a day might help control those side effects. Additionally, if you have scarring from acne, painful acne cysts or moderate to severe acne, you may need a more potent acne medicine. Talk to your dermatologist about your acne treatment options.
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