Acne and Proactiv Solution

Hello everyone? How's everyone doing these days? For me, I've been enjoying my holidays to the point that I have been out everyday last week. It was fun. I'm actually thinking of writing a blogpost about some "drinking" games that I've learned last time I went out with my friends. For today, I will blog about my skin, acne, and the Proactiv solution.

Disclaimer: All products mentioned were purchased with the author's own money. The products mentioned may have different reactions when applied by different people.

First of all, I would like to introduce my skin type to you guys. I have a combination to oily skin type which is:

• Oily on all parts of the face (T-zone and cheeks)
• Very sensitive to different products
• Acne prone
• Have hyperpigmentations

So, all of you must have imagined how it is already. Well, 5 months ago, I still clearly remember that it was winter time here in Australia, I had a lot of acne to the point that I was really desperate to try everything just to get rid of it.  I know that having acne or pimples is a situation that everyone goes through and is very normal but the feeling that it gives you is not really a pleasant one. I admit that I felt really down, embarrassed, and hurt due to my acne. All in all, it has affected my confidence. I just kept telling myself that although I don't have flawless skin, "people will love me for who I am".

I really don't have any idea why I was having a lot of acne ever since I arrived Australia. I am not sure if it's because of the food that I eat, the climate, the water, or the environment. All I know is that I am having a lot of it on my forehead.

So, 5 months ago, I decided to use Proactiv again. I have used it last year but I think it didn't work at that time, or maybe I just wasn't patient to wait for the results. But now, I have seen the results.

Warning: This might look really gross but I just want to show you guys the before and after 5 months difference

after 5 months of using Proactiv Solution

As you can see the difference, in the Before photo:

• red cystic acnes
• acne scars

After photo:

• only 2 active acnes
• no redness
• acne scars left by the previous cystic acnes
• most of the scars have already faded

I could say that the Proactiv Solution have really helped my skin externally.

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But what is Proactiv anyway? According to Proactiv's website, Proactiv is a range of blemish control and skin care products that combine powerful ingredients that work to prevent and control blemishes, as well as keep skin clear and beautiful. 

The secret to what makes Proactiv so incredibly effective at clearing and preventing spots is the Proactiv system, with our exclusive Benzoyl Peroxide microcrystal technology. It penetrates fast to deliver rapid pimple-fighting action.

Proactiv's Benzoyl Peroxide is more finely milled, so it can penetrate deep into the pore where it belongs. Watch as forehead blemishes vanish! Stubborn breakouts on the chin and jaw line disappear! Proactiv clears blemishes on your back, neck and shoulders too. Proactiv is different because it is designed to fight existing pimples and control future breakouts before they even surface on your skin. Proactiv is designed to be used on the entire blemish prone area every day and because it’s formulated with soothing botanicals like allantoin, panthenol, aloe and chamomile, it leaves your skin feeling smooth, healthy and hydrated. Our exclusive Proactiv system means rapid zit fighting action. With Proactiv, it's micro, and it works.

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So that's what it claims to do. And as you saw from my before and after photo, it really worked the same way as how it claims to. =)

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The Proactiv System daily routine

* for the first 3 days: must do a patch test of Step 1 and Step 3 on jawline

AM

1. Deep Cleansing Wash
2. Step 2 Toner
3. Step 3 Repair (only add this in the AM routine after 3 weeks)
4. Oil free moisture
5. Face sunscreen

PM

1. Step 1 Cleanse
2. Step 2 Toner
3. Step 3 Repair

My routine is more than the basic 3 steps of the Proactiv skin care system because it has a Deep Cleansing Wash. I think all of these cost me more than AU$100.

Here are the swatches of the products and some description:

DEEP CLEANSING WASH: cleanser for the AM routine. a moderately foamy face wash with blue beads in it. when used to wash the face, it gives a menthol-ly feeling. My favourite wash product from Proactiv.

Step 2 TONE: a lotion-type toner (sticky) that you apply after washing your face. Scent: mild. sometimes gives you a stingy feeling when your skin is too dry after washing.

Step 1 CLEANSE: cleanser for PM routine. Does not create any form of foam. Has white micro beads that will slough off the dead skin cells on your face.

Step 3 REPAIR: a lotion that repairs your breakouts. only applied in a pea-sized amount, will cause scaly-dryness if applied excessively.

OIL FREE MOISTURISER with SPF 15: light moisturiser used as a top coat of moisturiser every AM. should be topped with a separate sunscreen to protect the skin from harmful sun rays.

So I guess that's about it. My skin is not totally healed yet but I am going to see a dermatologist soon. Always remember that when you have acne, there is a solution for that. It might not be Proactiv but it can be and there should be something else that could cure it. Just keep on trying and don't lose hope because you're not alone. Seek help if you can and always remember that this is a common skin condition. Your loved ones will love you for who you are and not for how you look.

Always,

Pascaley