In order to understand Proactiv acne medication, you need to understand the formation and causes of the common zit. Deep within each of your hair follicles, commonly dubbed pores, there is something called sebaceous glands are producing sebum, the oil that keeps your skin pliable and elastic. As your skin goes through the natural process of constant renewal, the pore may become clogged with dead skin cells. These dead cells mix with the sebum forming a plug so to speak. This is called a comedo. Once the pore is clogged, the sebaceous glands continue sebum production thus presenting an ideal environment for continuing bacterium manufacture. This causes infection within the pore, hence the birth of a zit.
Proactiv acne medication presents a twice-daily, three step procedure for the treatment of blemishes. The first step is called the “Renewing Cleanser”. It contains tiny granules, composed mainly of macerated apricots, that when gently rubbed on the surface of the face serves to exfoliate the epidermis. This means that the pores get unplugged. In this newly opened state, the cleansing agent, benzoyl peroxide, is able to penetrate the pore. Here in the subdermal regions, the peroxide attacks and destroys the bacterial growth.
The second step of the Proactiv treatment is called the “Revitalizing Toner”. This alcohol-free formula helps to remove dead skin cells before they have a chance to act with the sebum to clog the pore. It also serves to prepare the pore for the third step of the Proactiv treatment, the “Repairing Lotion”.
This “Repairing Lotion” again penetrates the pore with a 2.5 percent solution of benzoyl peroxide, deep cleaning the now-unclogged pore, destroying the bacterial infection, and preventing the future build-up of dead skin cells, and hence the formation of another zit. This final step completes the Proactiv three-phase technique for acne suppression. However, Proactiv then recommends a few more steps for optimal acne destruction.
Since the Proactiv treatment exfoliates and deep cleans the zit zones, the skin is left in a delicate state. Proactiv therefore suggests steps four and five. Step four is a moisturizing sunblock. It adds this moisture with botanicals like panthenol, aloe, and chamomile – protecting the newly hydrated skin from harmful sunrays. Step five, also available for extra money, is the “Daily Oil Control” formula. It is said to act keep you skin in radiant, not oily, form. It helps your pores to keep from clogging as well as stopping your makeup applications from streaking. A sulfur based mask is also available and recommended for a total package of Proactiv acne termination and prevention.