ProActiv Solution Renewing Cleanser - Step 1 of the system
Written: Aug 19 '06 (Updated Apr 23 '07)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Works quickly and effectively, non-drying, clears pores, exfoliates.
Cons: Expensive, not available in stores.
The Bottom Line: Gently cleanses the skin and helps to clear up acne fast while preventing new breakouts.
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| uglybugg's Full Review: Proactive Solution Renewing Cleanser |
I have struggled with acne for many years. It started in my early teens and was just awful. My mom took me to many dermatologists who tried various methods of healing and prevention but more often than not I ended up with worsened acne or with dry lizard skin. I still continue to struggle with acne in my mid-30s but it's much better now thanks to Pro Activ Solution Renewing Cleanser and the entire Pro Activ system.
My experience
I first started using ProActiv about 10 years ago after I saw the infomercial on TV. I was a poor college student back then and wanted desperately to try it but just couldn't afford it. Luckily my mom had also seen the infomercial and had already decided to buy it for me. It worked incredibly well so I decided to keep buying it even though it was a bit spendy for my situation. But it worked so well that it was worth the sacrifice.
ProActiv Solution is a 3-step system that includes Renewing Cleanser, Revitalizing Toner, and Repairing Lotion. ProActiv's unique formulation heals existing acne and prevents future breakouts by using just the right amount of prescription grade benzoyl peroxide (2.5%) and combining the 3 steps of the system. Unlike other products that spot treat breakouts as they occur, ProActiv is applied to the entire face or acne-prone area. The first step in the system is the Renewing Cleanser.
This unique oil-free formula contains smooth, tiny grains to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and other impurities, plus prescription-grade benzoyl peroxide to penetrate pores, attack bacteria and heal blemishes fast (from ProActiv.com).
Directions: Use morning and night. Apply a small (dime-sized) amount to dampened skin and gently massage. Rinse thoroughly with warm water, pat dry. Follow with Revitalizing Toner.
I use ProActiv Renewing Cleanser morning and night exactly as directed. In the shower I apply a small amount to my wet face and massage it gently using my fingertips. I rinse with warm water and pat dry when I leave the shower. In the evening I do the same only I use a Buf Puf which helps to smooth out the little bumpies that may or may not someday turn into pimples and also helps wash away all of the make-up and grime of the day.
Renewing Cleanser comes in a white plastic bottle with a screw on cap. The cleanser is dispensed by turning the bottle over and squeezing the bottle until a bit of the cleanser is extruded thru the little round hole in the top of the bottle. The bottle seems small but a little bit of cleanser really goes a long way. I can easily get 2 months' use from one 4-ounce bottle. The cleanser is white in color and contains tiny grains that gently exfoliate the skin and allow the benzoyl peroxide to penetrate the skin. The grains are very finely milled and not at all like other exfoliating products and scrubs. I wouldn't even put it in the "scrub" category. There really isn't much of a scent to this cleanser. It has a slight scent but it is unremarkable and faint. Renewing Cleanser feels very nice on the skin and rinses easily and cleanly. I agree with the recommendation to use sunscreen on top of ProActiv Solution as these products make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. I learned that the hard way many years ago while using Retin-A.
I am a total cheapskate. ProActive is expensive, in my opinion, so when some of the other products like Acne Free and Clear Zone came out, I switched over to them to save myself some money and they worked fine for a while. Recently I've been suffering thru a particularly bad breakout that nothing seems to be able to heal. I've tried the ProActiv knock-offs, peroxide soaps, wearing no make-up and even considered going back to the doctor to get oral antibiotics but instead decided to see if ProActiv would clear me up. So I went to QVC.com and ordered the 5-piece system for $53. I like the basic 3-step system but I once tried the 5-piece system that comes with Deep Cleansing Wash, which I liked, so I opted for that package. It arrived 3 days later and I started using it the day it arrived. I can already see an improvement in my skin after just 4 days. The other products worked OK for me for a while, but in the end, only ProActiv can clear up my worst acne. And it's been pretty darn bad these last few weeks.
When I first started using ProActiv I ordered it from the infomercial and had some problems with wrong orders, late orders, lost orders, and extra orders. I know and trust QVC so when they started selling it I began to order from them instead as I can track my orders online, the prices are a little lower, and they carry different kit combinations and single items that I don't see on Proactiv.com. A 4-ounce bottle of Renewing Cleanser retails for $16 plus shipping and is also available in the various kits that are offered. ProActiv has what is called the Clear Skin Club that allows customers to automatically receive a shipment of ProActive every 60 days. I have never used this option as I stopped ordering via the infomercial many years ago. QVC offers a similar program that allows the customer to receive a new shipment every 60 days and you can actually log into your QVC.com account and opt to receive your shipment sooner if you run out more quickly, or delay your next shipment if 60 days has rolled around and you still have enough to last a few more weeks. It's very easy to customize your shipments to suit your individual needs. I trust QVC and knew ahead of time that if ProActiv did not work for me I could send the partially used or even empty bottles back within 30 days and receive a full refund.
Stay tuned for my reviews of the other steps and additional products in the ProActiv product line. Parts of these may sound similar to each other, but will always address the benefits and details of the individual products rather than the system as a whole. Thanks!
Ingredients:
Active Ingredient: benzoyl peroxide 2.5%.
Inactive Ingredients: water (aqua), magnesium aluminum silicate, glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate, disodium dimethicone copolyol sulfosuccinate, sorbitol, dimethyl isosorbide, polyethylene, tridecyl stearate, neopentyl glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate, tridecyl trimellitate, cetyl esters, anthemis nobilis flower extract, sodium hyaluronate, sodium PCA, propylene glycol, xanthan gum, imidazolidinyl urea, methylparaben, propylparaben, fragrance (parfum).
Warnings: When using this product, using other topical acne medications at the same time or immediately following use of this product, may increase dryness or irritation of the skin. If this occurs, only one medication should be used unless directed by a doctor. Do not use this medication if you have very sensitive skin or if you are sensitive to Benzoyl Peroxide. This product may cause irritation, characterized by redness, burning, itching, peeling or possibly swelling. Keep away from eyes, lips and mouth. Avoid product contact with hair and dyed fabrics, including carpets and clothing, which may be bleached by this product. If going outside, use a sunscreen. Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
Recommended:
Yes
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