Step 1 of 3: Cleanse with the Renewing Cleanser
Written: Oct 26 '00 (Updated Oct 27 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Effective blemish control system
Cons: Small 4 oz. size
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| nghiemr's Full Review: Proactive Solution Renewing Cleanser |
The Proactiv Solution 3-Step system is probably one of the best nonprescription treatments for blemish control available. I know, because as a teenager, I regularly went to the dermatologist to get my face exfoliated, then followed a treatment of prescription retin-A and prescription benzoyl peroxide medication to keep my pubescent skin under control. Of course this was effective, but became an expensive way to treat a mild condition that could be controlled by simple over-the-counter medications. I then switched to Neutrogena, Oxy, and other well-recognizable drugstore products, but found that most of them only worked by leaving me with dry, red, and sensitive skin.
It wasn’t until recently (last year) that I discovered the Proactiv Solution. Now I know there is a better alternative than expensive professional treatment or cheap drugstore products. I have seen the infomercials for Proactiv on TV, but it wasn’t until my oldest sister approached me with it that I decided to try it. My sister is the supreme skeptic, but noticed that one of her co-workers’ acne-prone skin was becoming exceptionally smooth over time, and it was the result of using the Proactiv Solution. Her co-worker convinced her to try it…she tried it…then convinced me to try it. I’ve since convinced my other sister to use it, and now I passionately recommend it to every one who I hear complaining about their problem skin.
The Proactiv Solution, created by two Stanford-trained dermatologists, Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields, is actually a 3-Step program that includes the Renewing Cleanser (Step 1), Revitalizing Toner (Step 2), and Repairing Lotion (Step 3). What’s great about these products is that they’re not only effective for blemish control, but works well as a daily skin care regimen, also. I’ve since outgrown my teenage pimples, but Proactiv is even effective now in my twenties, as a female who tends to have occasional break outs during that pesky “time of the month” when my hormones go a little crazy.
Texture and Scent
I normally prefer facial cleansers that are liquid and lather well, which are actually two qualities the Renewing Cleanser does not have. It is an off-white cleanser with the consistency of lotion which does not alter very much when it makes contact with water. Though “fragrance” is listed as an ingredient, the cleanser actually has a non-distinct smell that I would actually best describe as “unscented.” Despite this, the Renewing Cleanser’s redeeming qualities are its 2.5% benzoyl peroxide content and tiny grains that help slough off dirt, dead skin, and oil.
How to Use
At $12.95 for a 4 oz. bottle, you may want to use the Renewing Cleanser somewhat sparingly. First, rinse your face with water, then apply about a quarter-size amount of the Renewing Cleanser to your face. A towel or sponge is not really needed, but be sure to massage the cleanser into your face for about a minute to allow the tiny grains to do its job. Also, do not rinse right away, so that the benzoyl peroxide has a chance to absorb into your skin. Be prepared for a slight tingling sensation from the medication. The Renewing Cleanser isn’t very effective at removing make-up, so you may want to keep a separate cleanser for that purpose (i.e. use the separate cleanser at night when you’re removing make-up, and the Renewing Cleanser in the morning).
The Results
Though it may sound like a cliché, after using the Renewing Cleanser, your skin should instantly feel smoother and look healthy. You can use the Renewing Cleanser by itself, but for more dramatic results, you really should follow it with the Revitalizing Toner, then the Repairing Lotion. My skin always feels and appears “renewed” whenever I use all three products together. Chamomile extract is also a listed ingredient I recognized, which I believe is what makes my skin smooth after using it. This is why I feel the Proactiv system is effective. As I mentioned earlier, it serves double duty as a blemish control system and as an every day skin care routine. If you’re interested in knowing more about the Revitalizing Toner (Step 2) and Repairing Lotion (Step 3), look forward to my separate epinions on these products, which I will post within the next few days.
How To Purchase
Proactiv is currently only sold through the mail and shipped out of Iowa. Membership prices are slightly less expensive than retail price. The difference between being a member and not is that members get regular shipments of the 3-Step system every 60 days, for a little less than $50 per shipment, including tax and shipping. I am currently a member and now have about four extra Revitalizing Toners and Repairing Lotions sitting around my house simply because I use up the Renewing Cleanser more so than the other products. It’s important to consider if you will be using this product enough to become a member, or if you want to order the specific items you plan to use most. Once you become a member, you will also receive a brochure of their other products, such as make-up, shampoo, and various facial products.
60-Day Money Back Guarantee
You really have nothing to lose by trying the Proactiv system, especially if everything else has failed. If you’re not happy with any of the products, you can send it back within 60 days for a full refund of your purchase price, even if you’ve used up the whole bottle. Sounds like a typical infomercial, right? Well, I actually tested it out.
My sisters and I all purchase from one account to save on shipping, but I created an extra dummy account to test out Proactiv's guarantee. After the first shipment was sent to the dummy account, I returned three empty bottles for a refund, checking the box on the refund form to indicate that the products did not meet my expectations (even though they really do). Within a few weeks, I received a credit to my credit card account for the purchase price, without any hassles or delay. Hopefully my little experiment might ease some of your doubt, because I sincerely believe these products are worthy of trying, even if no two complexions are alike and results may vary.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
nghiemr
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 - Top 1000 |
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Location: Los Angeles, CA
Reviews written: 66
Trusted by: 69 members
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