anyone ever used Proactive?

[Suzy]

I used it for awhile in college...the scrub is really drying, and both the scrub and the moisturizer BLEACH the heck out of your skin, your clothes, sheets and your towels. No where on the bottle does it say it can bleach anything-ruined several sets of towels, some clothes, and a few pillowcases before I realized what it was! I stopped using it for this reason!

[GracieLou]

i didnt have a good experience with proactive! My face swole up and itched and burned! and was red! needless to say i sent it back with a very unsatisfied note! i would never use it again! I recommend going to a dermatologist instead!

[Jenn218]

We just had our dermatologist appt.......here's the lowdown....

I asked about the past cream that he had my daughter one (she has been on three)...how one seemed to bleach out her face. He said it wasn't any of those and that it could have been (but he was doubtful) ProActiv. He said that complexions and colorings will change - expecially in the these "teen" years. (I had never heard of that).

She had been on Differin Cream in the past, but this time he put her on Differin Gel because it is stronger. I protested because I wanted something NEW, but he assured me that we would see results with this one. This has to be used at night time. This is a Retin A product and there were two more on a list that we could try if this one didn't work - I think they were Tazorac and Azalex?

He also put on her a pill (Minocycline) to use and if we like it, we can continue and if not, we can do a birth control pill. These were the two pill options he stated as the "safest". The pills are either once or twice daily. He said they can be either/or, but I think he is prescribing them as once daily, twice daily for major breakouts.

Also, he is gave her a Rosae Wash (face wash) to use instead of Ceaphil or CeraVe (It is a perscription).

AND he said to use a daily moisturizer with sunscreen to help reduce any dryness and irritation that may occur (like Oil of Olay Complete Face Lotion, Neutrogena Face Lotion, CeraVe lotion, Ceaphil face lotion).

[Jenn218]

I also asked him about my recent breakouts too.

I have always had a crystal clear and wonderful complexion...never wore make up and to this day I don't (the occassional eye liner, concealer and maybe blush and lip gloss)....BUT no foundations. I did try the Mineral Powders (can't remember right now which ones they were).

Anyway, recently my face has gotten bad!! He said they aren't from clogged pores, but from something else. He said that people from mid-20's- mid-40's will get a surge or spike of a certain hormone that causes the big red painful blemishes. He said some people will live their life with them and it is chronic and others, it will go away once the hormones regulate again.

SO......it isn't just the teens that get them from hormones.

Anyway, I haven't gotten our prescriptions yet, but I believe he put me on the same as my daughter (except for the Differin). I don't think I got a gel/cream for my face. Just the pill, the face wash and to use the same washing methods and moisturizer has hers.

I also wanted to mention....my daughter was using a Physicans Formula type stuff (hypoallergenic) mineral powder set to try to cover her acne. He said that powder (using it a lot) is the worst...because it will clog the pores. He said that for most people, a lightweight foundation (like Almay something or other - sorry, didn't pay much attention to the make-up part) or a tinted (good) moisturizer would be the best option and most of these would not need a powder applied over them anyway.

Okay, I think that was it from our visit.

Once we get our perscriptions, I will let you know how we like them...and most importantly, if they work!!!

Oops....forgot........I also asked if the pool water could have made her acne worse and he said no that he had never seen anything that proved that. So I don't know about that.

And I asked about tanning to help...course he said that tanning causes cancer and wrinkles. He said that if we were out in the pool (which we laid out most of the time) all summer, that should be answer enough for us. (since it apparently didn't help her face).

Also, he strongly recommends VaniCream Sunblack (that is what we have used for a few years)....because it is for sensitive skin and it is hyper-allergenic, no perfumes, won't clog pores, etc. We have used it on our face (well everywhere) and love it. I believe we paid $14-16 dollars for a bottle and you have to get it at a pharmacy....I don't think Wal-Mart carries it.

[HarleysMommy]

Originally Posted by Jenn218

We just had our dermatologist appt.......here's the lowdown....

I asked about the past cream that he had my daughter one (she has been on three)...how one seemed to bleach out her face. He said it wasn't any of those and that it could have been (but he was doubtful) ProActiv. He said that complexions and colorings will change - expecially in the these "teen" years. (I had never heard of that).

She had been on Differin Cream in the past, but this time he put her on Differin Gel because it is stronger. I protested because I wanted something NEW, but he assured me that we would see results with this one. This has to be used at night time. This is a Retin A product and there were two more on a list that we could try if this one didn't work - I think they were Tazorac and Azalex?

He also put on her a pill (Minocycline) to use and if we like it, we can continue and if not, we can do a birth control pill. These were the two pill options he stated as the "safest". The pills are either once or twice daily. He said they can be either/or, but I think he is prescribing them as once daily, twice daily for major breakouts.

Also, he is gave her a Rosae Wash (face wash) to use instead of Ceaphil or CeraVe (It is a perscription).

AND he said to use a daily moisturizer with sunscreen to help reduce any dryness and irritation that may occur (like Oil of Olay Complete Face Lotion, Neutrogena Face Lotion, CeraVe lotion, Ceaphil face lotion).

First of all I want to say I commend you as a Mom for going to all this length for finding something for your daughters acne. I am 30 , and have had acne all my life...Ive tried everything. I have what is called cystic acne so I really need something to take orally. I tried both Minocycline and Tetra (sp?) the one you take twice a day...I was back the next day to get a shot I had an allergic reaction to it! (Ive also tried the birth control pills no luck with them)I too tried Differin....nothing. I tried Tazorac...dried my face and made it red, and had a burning feeling. Its so frustrating! I find though that products with Salyic(sp) Acid work MUCH BETTER than the Benzyol products. Beauti Control has a toner for acne that is AMAZING!!!! I personally like the WalMart AcneFree stuff, Ive actually just bought the newAcneFree stuff for scars...wish me luck with it! I hope you find something for your daughter that works, acne is NO FUN! Oh and I also find tanning does help, and believe it or not my dermatologist is the one who recommended I go!
Good luck!

[Jenn218]

Originally Posted by HarleysMommy

First of all I want to say I commend you as a Mom for going to all this length for finding something for your daughters acne. I am 30 , and have had acne all my life...Ive tried everything. I have what is called cystic acne so I really need something to take orally. I tried both Minocycline and Tetra (sp?) the one you take twice a day...I was back the next day to get a shot I had an allergic reaction to it! (Ive also tried the birth control pills no luck with them)I too tried Differin....nothing. I tried Tazorac...dried my face and made it red, and had a burning feeling. Its so frustrating! I find though that products with Salyic(sp) Acid work MUCH BETTER than the Benzyol products. Beauti Control has a toner for acne that is AMAZING!!!! I personally like the WalMart AcneFree stuff, Ive actually just bought the newAcneFree stuff for scars...wish me luck with it! I hope you find something for your daughter that works, acne is NO FUN! Oh and I also find tanning does help, and believe it or not my dermatologist is the one who recommended I go!
Good luck!

Thanks for posting....
It is funny how some things work for some and not others. We tried the AcneFree from Wal-Mart for a long time, about 6months and it did nothing.
So, I think it just depends.....it's weird isn't it?

I asked about tanning because we had a friend's daughter (she graduation HS last year) that their dermatologist recommended a short tanning session on and off for her acne (she had it on her back pretty bad) and it helped her. I knew he would say NO, but it didn't hurt to ask.

BeautiControl.....that is funny because we just got samples of BeautiControl stuff! BUT we are going to try what he gives us first and see.......I guess we better since it is paid for through insurance. The only thing that we had trouble with was the Retin A stuff...well, we didn't have problems with it but the lady said that if you are over a certain age, most insurance companies won't pay for it because it is used for wrinkles, etc....and that isn't covered like acne is (and acne is a bacterial infection, so I guess that is why it is covered).

I asked about the meds (pills) the Minocycline being safe because I know I for one have a very sensitive tummy and am allergic some several meds. But he said it shouldn't.....course, that is one that we will have to see about it - course that is the way you find out if you are allergic with most meds....try it and see. I hope not. I also asked him about it possibly causing yeast infections (sorry to be gross - but I ask EVERYTHING) since it is more like an antibotic to treat the bacterial infection....and since most antibotics used long term have been shown to cause yeast infections......but he said he had never had a problem with it before, unless people don't mention it......but I would think they would.

[mizzwanned]

Originally Posted by Jenn218

I also asked him about my recent breakouts too.

I have always had a crystal clear and wonderful complexion...never wore make up and to this day I don't (the occassional eye liner, concealer and maybe blush and lip gloss)....BUT no foundations. I did try the Mineral Powders (can't remember right now which ones they were).

Anyway, recently my face has gotten bad!! He said they aren't from clogged pores, but from something else. He said that people from mid-20's- mid-40's will get a surge or spike of a certain hormone that causes the big red painful blemishes. He said some people will live their life with them and it is chronic and others, it will go away once the hormones regulate again.

SO......it isn't just the teens that get them from hormones.

Anyway, I haven't gotten our prescriptions yet, but I believe he put me on the same as my daughter (except for the Differin). I don't think I got a gel/cream for my face. Just the pill, the face wash and to use the same washing methods and moisturizer has hers.

I also wanted to mention....my daughter was using a Physicans Formula type stuff (hypoallergenic) mineral powder set to try to cover her acne. He said that powder (using it a lot) is the worst...because it will clog the pores. He said that for most people, a lightweight foundation (like Almay something or other - sorry, didn't pay much attention to the make-up part) or a tinted (good) moisturizer would be the best option and most of these would not need a powder applied over them anyway.

Okay, I think that was it from our visit.

Once we get our perscriptions, I will let you know how we like them...and most importantly, if they work!!!

Oops....forgot........I also asked if the pool water could have made her acne worse and he said no that he had never seen anything that proved that. So I don't know about that.

And I asked about tanning to help...course he said that tanning causes cancer and wrinkles. He said that if we were out in the pool (which we laid out most of the time) all summer, that should be answer enough for us. (since it apparently didn't help her face).

Also, he strongly recommends VaniCream Sunblack (that is what we have used for a few years)....because it is for sensitive skin and it is hyper-allergenic, no perfumes, won't clog pores, etc. We have used it on our face (well everywhere) and love it. I believe we paid $14-16 dollars for a bottle and you have to get it at a pharmacy....I don't think Wal-Mart carries it.

wow thanks for all that! I am going to try vanicream! So far as a moisturizer for my face i find that cetaphil with the spf 15 works great, also olay with spf 15, and aveeno i love aveeno

[HarleysMommy]

I like the BC toner, not fond of all the other BC acne stuff, never worked for me. Retin A was the very first thing I ever tried...to harsh for me. I agree with you though different things for different people. Plus there are 2 types of acne...I got the bad stuff..lol. I just think its great that you are trying your best to help her. I was always teased and its hard enough being ateen without all that nonsense. Good for you. I hear the Minocycline really works. I had a lot of friends who used it through high school and I wouldve never guessed they had problems with acne. ( Darn me and my allergies!) Lol.

[Jenn218]

Originally Posted by mizzwanned

wow thanks for all that! I am going to try vanicream! So far as a moisturizer for my face i find that cetaphil with the spf 15 works great, also olay with spf 15, and aveeno i love aveeno

I will try the Cetaphil moisturizer.....in fact, I didn't even know they had moisturizer until our appt......I knew about the face wash because we use it, so I should have known.

Oh, he did give us samples of Aveeno...I just looked in our sample bag. But it wasn't on the list he gave though

[Jenn218]

Originally Posted by HarleysMommy

I like the BC toner, not fond of all the other BC acne stuff, never worked for me. Retin A was the very first thing I ever tried...to harsh for me. I agree with you though different things for different people. Plus there are 2 types of acne...I got the bad stuff..lol. I just think its great that you are trying your best to help her. I was always teased and its hard enough being ateen without all that nonsense. Good for you. I hear the Minocycline really works. I had a lot of friends who used it through high school and I wouldve never guessed they had problems with acne. ( Darn me and my allergies!) Lol.

Well thank you! When the doctor asked who wanted to go first, I said her because she was the most important and it is true.....I'm grown and old and I care what I look like, but I don't (if that makes sense)....I want to get her taken care of first! She is so pretty even with breakouts and we have been lucky that when she was in public school that she never had a problem with being teased, but I know it will make her feel better to have it taken care of. Course, I know how kids can be though......and I know that her self-esteem would be better without this to deal with!!!

I think it is weird because I had honestly perfect skin growing up....but I know her Dad didn't, but they just used MaryKay face wash and cream on his face when he was young (just because his mom sold it) and it worked and he hasn't had any problems since he was late teens (18/19) - I've known him all my life, so I know.

So, maybe we can help her and in a few years, she won't have this problem....I hope (fingerscrossed)!!!!

[reeses]

I use it...well used to I guess. I got it and it worked great..the first couple of days my face was real dry but i just had to get a good moisturizer and that took care of it until my face got used to the stuff and didnt dryout so bad. Proactiv worked great! but then I went on vacation for about 4 days and I forgot it and now when I use I cant tell that it helps much at all...it does a little but not near as well as it used to. I use Cliniques acne and skin care stuff. It works great! Goodluck! I hate acne it is awful and I only get it around my menstrual cycle as well...the rest of the time my face is soo clear but once mother nature comes to visit..its like my pores wanna jump out to say hey to her. lol.

[TatumsMom]

Originally Posted by HarleysMommy

I am 30 , and have had acne all my life...Ive tried everything. I have what is called cystic acne so I really need something to take orally. I tried both Minocycline and Tetra (sp?) the one you take twice a day...I was back the next day to get a shot I had an allergic reaction to it! (Ive also tried the birth control pills no luck with them)I too tried Differin....nothing. I tried Tazorac...dried my face and made it red, and had a burning feeling. Its so frustrating! I find though that products with Salyic(sp) Acid work MUCH BETTER than the Benzyol products.

I had a problem with cystic (or nodular) acne for a while. It wasn't really severe like some pictures I've seen but when I would get one it seemed like a quarter of my face would swell up because of it. I was on Accutane for it and once my treatment course was over, I never had a problem with it again. Accutane is pretty serious stuff but a good dr. will take all the precautions necessary and do the monthly bloodwork. Have you looked into Accutane?

And to the original poster, I see you've been to the dr. and have received some things to try but to answer your question, yes I've tried ProActiv and don't recommend it for all the reasons that have already been posted.

Good luck to ya'll with what the dr. gave you.