There is no miracle cure that can eradicate acne instantly, whether prescription or over-the-counter, but treatment options using Proactiv and Proactive+ can at least help treat acne and reduce the appearance of new pimples. Proactiv+ works by removing dead skin cells and dirt that can clog pores on facial skin, killing acne-causing bacteria, and reducing redness and swelling associated with the appearance of new pimples. Knowing how to use Proactiv+, whether as a treatment or as a preventative measure, can help treat acne without causing skin irritation.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Cleanse Skin
Step 1. Comb your hair back so it doesn't cover your face
If you have long hair, it's best to put your hair in a ponytail while washing your face.
Step 2. Wet your face with warm water
This is an important first step because applying facial cleanser to dry skin can cause irritation.
Using hot water can cause dry skin. Warm water has the ideal temperature to clean the face without causing irritation
Step 3. Use your fingers to apply the Skin-Smoothing Exfoliator
Do not use washcloths as they can irritate the skin. Rubbing the skin with an exfoliator can also have the same effect.
- Use a small amount of exfoliator, about the size of a 1000 rupee note.
- Gently massage the exfoliator into the skin for two to three minutes.
Step 4. Wash your face with warm water
Make sure you clean all the Skin-Smoothing Exfoliators that are stuck to the face, because the remnants of the exfoliator can dry out the skin.
Step 5. Dry your face gently with a soft towel
For best results, avoid using rough towels and do not rub the skin too hard. Treat freshly exfoliated skin gently.
Step 6. Use Proactiv Skin-Smoothing Exfoliator twice a day
The best schedule is morning and evening. It's best not to use a facial cleanser more than twice a day, otherwise the skin will become dry and irritated.
Method 2 of 4: Using Pore-Targeting Treatment
Step 1. Apply Pore-Targeting Treatment lotion by pressing the pump cap once or twice
Make sure you use enough lotion to target the entire face.
Step 2. Apply the lotion using your fingers all over your face
The lotion contains benzoyl peroxide, a safe and popular active ingredient for treating mild to moderate cases of acne and skin blemishes. You should apply enough lotion to cover your entire face without leaving a sticky residue.
Step 3. Let the face dry by itself
Do not remove Pore-Targeting Treatment lotion from your face. Allow the lotion that is attached to the face to dry completely before proceeding to the third stage of treatment using Proactiv.
Step 4. Apply Pore-Targeting Treatment lotion twice a day
The lotion should be applied immediately after applying the Skin-Smoothing Exfoliator every morning and evening. Using the lotion more than twice a day can irritate the skin.
Method 3 of 4: Using a Complexion-Perfecting Hydrator
Step 1. Take a Complexion-Perfecting Hydrator about the size of a Rp1000 coin
Use more moisturizer if your skin is dry, but make sure you don't overdo it so your skin gets wet as this can clog pores.
Step 2. Use your fingers to apply moisturizer all over your face
Don't rub too hard as it can irritate the skin. Instead, apply moisturizer to your skin and then gently pat to spread it all over your face. Also, be careful to apply the moisturizer evenly. Don't start by applying a small amount of moisturizer in the middle of your face and then pushing it outwards. Doing so can cause excessive moisture accumulation around the face, which can clog pores.
Step 3. Let the Complexion-Perfecting Hydrator dry on its own
Don't wash the moisturizer off your face, and make sure it's completely dry before you start applying makeup or sunscreen.
Step 4. Use Complexion-Perfecting Hydrator twice a day or more
Moisturizer should be used in conjunction with a Skin-Smoothing Exfoliator and Pore-Targeting Treatment every morning and evening. Also, if you have dry skin, you can use a moisturizer throughout the day to deal with it.
Method 4 of 4: Understanding Proactiv and Proactiv+
Step 1. Be aware that Proactiv, which was the original product, is no longer being manufactured
Proactiv consists of three products: cleanser, toner and treatment. Cleaning and treatment products contain 2.5% benzoyl peroxide (BPO), which has been shown to kill acne-causing bacteria. Refreshing products contain witch hazel, which contains antioxidants and astringents to reduce oil. This initial formula is now being replaced with Proactiv+, which introduces new active ingredients, namely glycolic and salicylic acid.
Step 2. Know that Proactiv+ also releases three types of products, namely cleansers that exfoliate the skin, treatments that target pores, and moisturizers
All three are used in that order.
- Skin Smoothing Exfoliator - The first step is to clean and exfoliate your face. The exfoliator contains 2.5% benzoyl peroxide (BPO), which has been shown to kill acne-causing bacteria, as well as glycolic acid, which acts as a low concentration exfoliant, resulting in smoother skin with fewer blemishes.
- Pore Targeting Treatment - a vesicular delivery system (essentially microscopic pouches) that delivers ODS directly into the pore. Such a system has been shown to be more effective at treating acne while reducing side effects such as dry skin and itching.
- Complexion Perfecting Hydrator - this product contains moisturizers, 0.5% salicylic acid to gently exfoliate the skin and unclog clogged pores, and a "skin lightening" with a number of natural ingredients (kojic acid, licorice extract, bearberry and sophora root) that are proven to be effective. Breaks down skin pigment to remove blemishes.
Step 3. Know that Proactiv is a product that can be purchased on a subscription basis
The stock of Proactiv+ products for one month is around IDR 260,000, but if you buy the product, you must agree to buy additional stock for 3 months every 90 days for around IDR 780,000 plus shipping and handling fees. You can purchase Proativ+ in three ways:
- Online
- Call 1-888-651-2715 (America)
- Or at the Innovation Store
Step 4. Understand that Proactiv+ provides the best results for people who have mild cases of acne with insensitive skin
Proactiv is designed for men and women from teens to adults who have mild to moderate cases of acne or hormone-induced acne. Proactiv can also reduce redness, shiny oily skin, and balance uneven skin tone.
- It can take about four to six weeks before Proactiv users see results.
- Many people with sensitive skin report redness, severe skin dryness, and itching after using Proactiv+.
- Some users may experience a sensitivity or even an allergic reaction to benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, the two active ingredients used in Proactiv products. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include hives, swelling of the face and throat, hives, or difficulty breathing. If an allergic reaction occurs, the user should immediately discontinue use and seek medical assistance.
- In very rare cases, people who suffer from impaired function of the permeability barrier of the stratum corneum (i.e. very fragile skin) may develop salicylism, which can cause brain and kidney damage. If you have very thin or fragile skin, consult your doctor before using Proactiv+.
Step 5. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant and want to use Proactiv+
Hydroxic acids, including glycolic and salicylic acids, are category C substances that can be used during pregnancy, which means they are believed to be quite safe, despite animal studies causing birth defects. In particular, animal studies have resulted in birth defects when hydrochloric acid is given orally at a dose of 6 times the maximum topical dose. Consult with your doctor to decide whether Proactiv+ is safe for you to use during pregnancy.
Most doctors do not recommend the use of category C substances that can be used during pregnancy, unless absolutely necessary
Tips
- Don't fiddle with pimples! This will only spread the pimple further and prolong the healing time.
- Use care products every day. Skipping it for days can reduce its effectiveness.
- It can take about four to six weeks before you can see results. During this time period, it is important to continue to use Proactiv+ every day. For severe cases of acne, it may take about eight weeks to see the desired results.
- You can also use another moisturizer after using Complexion Perfecting Hydrator if your skin feels dry.
Warning
- AVOID contact with eyes.
- Make sure you tie/comb your hair back so it doesn't hit your face and get bleached too. Wash the hair that was exposed to the facial cleanser as soon as possible.
- You should always do a skin allergy test before using any acne treatment product.
