Proactiv Acne Solution Blog – Proactiv Acne Treatment Info

Even if acne disappears, it doesn’t mean that it is totally cured.  A person should still have a “maintenance treatment” to prevent blemishes or new acne from growing.  The acne skin care treatment that is safe to use and can be the answer to this situation is a combination therapy treatment that is embodied by Proactiv.

Proactiv is an acne management treatment—studied and developed by two dermatologists from Stanford, who combined Benzoyl Peroxide, a special ingredient/mixture, and sulfur that all work together in the gentle exfoliation of the skin, fight the bacteria that cause acne, provide relief to skin inflammation, and unclog pores.

Proactiv has a three step maintenance system (cleanser + lotion + toner) that is said to get rid of blemishes, but at the same time keep new pimples or acne from growing or reappearing.  Here are the steps in using Proactiv: First the user must apply the Proactiv cleanser.  This should be applied twice a day in the morning and at night.   After applying the cleanser, follow with the Proactiv toner to remove excess oil in the face and to even out the skin tone.  The last product to put on is the Proactiv repairing lotion that should be applied to affected areas (blemished).  The lotion should also be used twice a day.

Proactiv has been endorsed by many Hollywood stars like Brooke Shields, Vanessa Williams, Kelly Clarkson, etc.  It is considered as the solution for people whose skins are prone to acne.   Proactiv doesn’t require a prescription from the dermatologist but to be on the safe side, it is good to inform your dermatologist first about any acne treatment product you would like to try.

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There are countless products available today that are specifically designed to treat acne.  There are the regular over the counter products such as Oxy and Clearisil.  There are also the prescription acne products such as Retin A and Accutane and then there is the mail order products such as Proactiv and Murad.  So it can be a difficult decision on which way to go when searching for the right acne product for you.  If one were to go off numbers alone, the mail order products are the most popular choice among clients that use acne medications. 

The two leading mail ordered acne medication brands are Proactiv and Murad.  Proactiv Solution sells for 29.95 and the Murad Acne Complex Kit retails for 29.99.  Both basically identical in price.  So which one is better?  In order to really know which product brand is better, one must endure a trial and error period to come up with their own conclusion.  Over the course of this article, it will explain each solution and hopefully give you a better understanding of each system.

The Proactiv Solution was invented by two female doctors, Dr. Katy Rodin and Dr. Kathy Fields.  These two ladies met in dermatology school at Standford University and after years of discussion formed a clinic where they sold the first Proactiv Solution systems. Murad Acne Complex was created by dermatologist, pharmacist, and associate professor of dermatology at UCLA Dr. Murad.  After seeing thousands of patients in his office, he learned how the skin worked and formulated a system in which to treat and prevent breakouts.  Both parties came up with the same conclusion when it comes to acne, there are numerous causes of acne that affect both the face an body areas.  However, where they differ is how they look at acne itself.

Dr. Rodin and Dr. Fields consider all forms of breakouts such as pimples and blackheads as acne.  Dr. Murad views acne as a broad term for the many forms of acne such as Rosacea and whiteheads.  This is significant for those who are deciding which product system to use however, each system was formulated to treat several forms of acne. Unlike traditional over the counter products that are basically only able to treat breakouts on the spot, Proactiv Solution and the Murad Acne Complex system are formulated to treat a number of acne related deficiencies. 

In fact, both Dr. Fields and Dr. Rodin have termed the phrase “Pimple Panic” when it comes to regular over the counter products.  It is essentially the act of trying to treat your face by applying medicine to your pimples one by one as they appear on your face.     Dr. Murad agrees with this conclusion as well.  So, if Proactiv and Murad treat several forms of acne as well as the pimples already on your skin, which one is really better?        

See larger image Proactiv Solution 3 Step System Kit, 2 Month Supply (Health and Beauty) List Price: $90.00 USD New From: $39.80 In Stock

There is really no right answer to this question because everyone has different skin.  Depending on the individuals hormones and their skin needs, one product will work better on one person than the other.  Both systems have seen successful patients, and it has seemingly been; if one product doesn´t work for you, the other will.  And if one does work for you, the other one might as well also.  Again, it is a game of trial and error when it comes to these two acne solutions. 

Both Murad and Proactiv contain nnatural herbal ingredients along with some major active acne ingredient.  Proactiv uses the ever popular Benzoyl Peroxide.  Murad uses the much gentler active ingredient Salicylic Acid.  Consider whether or not you have ever experienced any allergic reaction to one of these active agents if that will help you decide between the two.  Both ingredients are completely different yet they both treat acne.  The benzoyl peroxide is a white, chalky creamy type of liquid that has a rotten odor.  Salicylic Acid is a strong thick alcohol like substance that has the same gross odor. Both these two ingredients will make your face itch, however each doctor claims that it is a sign of the ingredient working.  Again, the conclusion can be made that it takes a period of trial and error to see which one will work for you. 

Out of the two, Proactiv is the number one selling mail ordered skin care product of this type.  This doesn´t necessarily mean that one product is better than the other, but usually when there is a high success rate, that product will sell more than its´competition.  Both products have a strong marketing influence, but if you were to go off websites alone without having any further knowledge of the product, one would most likely opt for Proactiv.

In Dr. Murad´s infomercials, he does a great job in pointing a¡out his credibility and explain his complex very well.  However, he uses a much less direct approach than the two ladies of Proactiv.  Proactiv´s infomercials are a lot less informative, yet they make themselves look very friendly on television and they use a number of celebrity sponsors.  Some of the A list celebrities that endorse Proactiv include P. Diddy, Jessica Simpson, and Jennifer Love Hewitt.  
After considering all of this, how does one make the choice of which product to choose first.  It is recommended that you go to both websites and listen to both doctors speak.  All three doctors are very credible and both their products have been proven to work for all types of people.  You can access the doctors commentary on their websites in order to form your own opinion about the doctors themselves.  It is also a good idea to research both Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid before making your first decision as well. 

After you have decided which product solution to try first, order online.  They both cost the same basically, Murad costs about four cents more.  Then try out the product, if it works for you-Great!  If not, try the other system and it help fix your acne problem.  Good Luck with your trial and error process with the Proactiv Solution and the Murad Acne Complex System.

See larger image Murad 30 Day Acne Kit ($52.50 Value) (Misc.) New From: $24.00 In Stock

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When you receive your order of Proactiv, you will probably tear it open like a kid at Christmas. After examining the products, you’ll need to read the instructions in order to begin your new therapy, dreaming of a popular social life and feeling like Jessica Simpson.

In the stock three product kit, you’ll receive Renewing Cleanser, Revitalizing Toner, and Repairing Lotion – pretty impressive. The first step, the Renewing Cleanser, is a combination of finely macerated apricot pits and a solution containing benzoyl peroxide as an active ingredient. It’s simply applied with a cotton ball in circular motions on the effected area. The apricots act to exfoliate dead skin cells and unplug infected pores to allow penetration of the benzoyl peroxide. The benzoyl peroxide then goes to work attacking the bacterium that has developed within the swollen follicle.

Step two, the Revitalizing Toner is next in line to help combat your horrific pimple pizza. Proactiv states that this is a refreshing, alcohol free substance to remove dead skin cells that would otherwise reclog your freshly exposed hair follicle openings. It is also said to remove excess oils leaving your skin looking and feeling radiantly new.

See larger image Proactiv Solution 3 Step System Kit, 2 Month Supply (Health and Beauty) List Price: $90.00 USD New From: $39.80 In Stock

The Repairing Lotion then follows to finish the basic Proactiv system. Its active ingredient, like the Renewing Cleanser, is a 2.5 percent solution of benzoyl peroxide. It acts to deeply penetrate the follicles and attack developing bacterium at their source before they ever have the first chance to cause infection, i.e. zits.  Created with soothing botanicals including allantoin, panthenol, aloe, and chamomile, it’s said to leave the skin feeling healthy and hydrated.

Of the reviews from Proactiv consumers that do not recommend the product, the most common complaint seems to be dry, flakey, itchy, red, and/or swollen skin. Conveniently, Proactiv offers a supplemental product called Oil Free Moisture with SPF15. Rather or not the Proactiv brand sunscreen is purchased, it is still recommended for all Proactiv users who may at any point encounter sun rays. The newly exposed, radiant skin is very susceptible to burning and chaffing.

On the other end of the spectrum are those that exhibit shining, oily skin. Proactiv again offers a supplemental solution called “Daily Oil Control”. It aids in keeping pores unclogged, keeping makeup streak-free, and your skin from shining. If this all wasn’t enough to win your battle with zits, a sulfur-based mask is recommended for use 2 or 3 times weekly in addition to the other steps. Each of the three products in the Proactiv stock kit is to be applied twice every day, morning and evening, to maximize benefit.

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