Clear Skin Is Three Steps Away: My Experience with Proactiv

We all are troubled by acne at some point of our lives - For most of the people it's when they were at their early teens. However, I was not troubled by acne during my teen years - I basked in the glory of having clear skin while the rest of friends were troubled with acne. It was later, recently, past one or two years that acne was troubled me and have been frequent visitors to teach me the lesson on how my friends felt.

My dermatologist suggested me for glycolic peels but I shuddered at the thought of having glycolic acid on my face and to top it all - I am to refrain myself from roaming anywhere outside for two - three days - JUST STAY HOME - keep washing my face and apply sunscreen every two hours - To see myself shedding my skin Like a SNAKE !!  ewww !!!!

I decided to stick to creams and ointments instead. All the creams and ointments which were prescribed were slow and steady process. Just when I got rid of one acne that kept bothering me for week - BAM!! He left behind a new fella for me to tackle by the time he was gone... BACK TO SQUARE ONE !!

FIRST LOOK AT THE KIT -
Just when I was loosing hope I was offered to a product review on Proactiv Products and I can't stop thanking my stars for the day I started using Proactiv.

Proactiv offered me a starter kit which consisted of basic three products in the Solutions kit.
These are -- Renewing Cleanser
                    Revitalizing Toner
                    Repairing Treatment Lotion.

In addition to the above products - I also got a Refining Mask. I will be reviewing the mask later on.

When I first got the kit, I was worried about TWO THINGS -
Firstly, My face is not fully covered with acne. I do suffer from acne every now and then but I usually get 2- 3 acne or comedones in a particular area on my face.  I had always seen Proactiv ads on Tv  showing people who are majorly troubled with severe acne cases. I had doubt on the products because they seemed to be strong in action and whether it will ruin my skin.

Secondly, I had heard a lot of people saying that once you stop using Proactiv your skin will be prone to severe acne. I had also heard that people who dont have too much acne will be experiencing new breakouts !!

In short, I was petrified as HELL to let these products touch my face...

THE BEGINNING -- 

Nevertheless, After reading and re- reading and going through all the instructions thoroughly I started using the basic three products. I stuck to using the products ONCE DAILY.

Below are the instructions on how to use these products---

My Take On RENEWING CLEANSER--

The Renewing Cleanser is a white colored cleanser which has medicated smell to it. The cleanser has a beady rough texture to it. This is because of micro crystals of medicinal ingredient in the product  - 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide. The Benzoyl Peroxide functions as a aid in acne relief.
The formulated Cleanser with tiny round beads helps in exfoliating the skin, removing dead skin cells and cleansing the skin of acne causing bacteria.
I use to apply the Cleanser on wet face and let it sit for a minute for the medicine to properly reach into my pores and cleanse them.
The first time I used it - The product causes a tingling sensation on your skin. That is because of the volume of benzoyl peroxide in the cleanser which trigger sensitive responses.

Caution - After you are done with the cleanser, Be sure to rinse the face thoroughly with water so excess product doesn't remain on your skin.



My Take On REVITALIZING TONER--

The Revitalizing Toner is the next step of the regimen. It comes as a light green colored solution in a transparent flip cap top bottle.
The first time I used the toner I experienced tingling sensations again on my face. Looking at the ingredients of the toner - I noticed it had glycolic acid as its component in the product. Glycolic acid is also known in management of acne - As in, It prevents buildup of acne scars. Also the toner helped in drying out the skin and glycolic acid decreased the capability of dead cell skin to mix with skin lipids. This weakens their bond and smooth skin layer is gained by stripping away dead cells.
  
Caution-- Allow the skin to breathe for sometime after applying cleanser. Then after sometime, Use cotton ball to apply toner on your face. Let it sit for 2 mins and allow it to dry. Do not rinse your face after applying toner.


 My Take On REPAIRING LOTION--

Lastly, Repairing Lotion is to be applied on the affected areas. This lotion comes in a smaller bottle with a flip cap. It is a white colored lotion in which the main ingredient is benzoyl peroxide.
The moment you apply this lotion - It STINGS you like hell !! The texture of the lotion is very light and it is easily absorbed into your skin. The lotion wont leave your skin greasy but yes ! You will feel tingling sensation for a while after applying the lotion. The sensation subsides after few minutes of application. Do not rinse your face after application of the lotion.
  
The JOURNAL --
Along with the kit, I was provided with a journal to keep a track on changes of the skin in the coming weeks. The journal requires you to record the changes you notice thru the period of 4-6 weeks of continuously using Proactiv Products.

Below are the changes that I observed on my skin ---

FIRST DAY USING PROACTIV -- I have oily skin, with acne on my chin area, around the nose and 3-4 acne on both of my cheeks. I have just started using proactive ONCE DAILY on my entire face.

WEEK TWO -- After using Proactiv for one week over the entire face, my skin around the nose had become very very dry. The toner and the cleanser caused my skin to become flaky and dry. The skin on my cheek area was less drier than that around the nose. This was resolved by applying moisturizer after using Repairing Lotion.
Since the products were causing skin drying to large extent, I decided to use all the three products ONLY ON THE AFFECTED AREAS OF MY SKIN.

WEEK FIVE-- After using Proactiv for five weeks now, I saw new comedones emerging on my forehead area. Also I saw a large pimple around my nose which did not seem to go away. It was then I stuck to my three step process ONCE daily and in addition to that , I started applying the repairing lotion TWICE. Once during the day time and then before going to bed. 

WEEK EIGHT TO THE PRESENT DAY--
After using Proactiv products for 8 weeks now, My skin has cleared out a lot !! I was not affected by severe acne hence I will recommend people like me to apply the three products ONLY ON AFFECTED AREAS AND NOT TO THE ENTIRE FACE. I also got rid of my stubborn acne around the nose just recently. My blemishes are also started disappearing which is quite a surprise. 

Proactiv is very convenient to use. Plenty of people might be captivated by the concept that Proactiv can make your skin worst. Some might say once you stop using the products - Acne will come back on your skin lot worst. Personally I have not yet experienced this. All in all, I am quite satisfied with the results Proactiv has shown on my face.

My friend also suggested me to use A MILDER VERSION OF PROACTIV PRODUCTS which are suited for people like me who do not have severe acne problem.

You can check out Proactiv Products HERE. The Indian website also allows you to place an order and they also offer Cash On Delivery Option.



Please Note: The product was provided by the company for consideration purposes. 

Makari Clear Acnyl Cream

I have combination -oily skin and have been plagued by pimples and acne for past few months. Some of you must be aware that I was also undergoing a treatment for these pimples and acne. Its been two months now since I started treatment and now my skin has really improved.

I got to use this cream just when I was having bouts of pimples again on my left cheek. So I used this cream along with other medications for a few days and later I used this cream alone to test its claims. So here is the review. . .

Product: Makari De Suisse Creme Clear - Acnyl Cream

Price: 3000 Rupees

Quantity: 100ml

 About Makari De Suisse Creme Clear - Acnyl Cream 

Specially formulated to help diminish the appearance of pimples while clarifying the skin. Fights against the excess production of sebum. Acts as an antiseptic cream. Contains active soothing and clearing agents. Apply twice daily on the face or on any other affected by blemishes with a gentle massage.

Direction of usage

This product has been specially formulated for Acne prone and Oily Skin. While using this product, do not use any other products that are greasy or oily. When necessary, only use make up suited to your skin.

Apply Twice daily on face or any other parts affected by pimples. Please Cleanse face thoroughly before using Anti-Acne Clarifying Cream.

Ingredients:

Product has Parabens in it !!!

My Take On this Product: 

The first time I used this product I had applied it right after stepping out of shower but then I realized it made my skin oily. So later on, I use to spot apply the cream on my pimples and blemishes twice a day. 
I quite liked the fragrance of this cream. The cream is very nicely scented which lingers on for a while and instantly calms you.
The next thing I noticed about this cream was its TEXTURE - It was oily and rich which scared the day lights out of me ! I was skeptical that the cream ll cause more breakouts to erupt on my face. The cream,however, instantly was absorbed into my skin. 
I used this cream along with my other medications - and it sped up the process of vanishing my pimple away.
I used this cream "alone" without my other medications & it didnt do much to my pimple.
This cream never cause any allergic reactions - Other "Plus Point" !!
Lastly, the price for this cream is HUGEEEEEEEEEE ....... Its so costly.. .!!

Love it or chuck it ?
Its too early to give my opinion on this cream... The  quantity provided in the sachet can't help to decide whether this cream works or not. I will definitely recommend using this cream along with other medication as it worked wonderfully on my skin to get rid of pimples.

Please note: This product was sent by the company's PR for consideration. 

Himalaya Neem Foaming Face Wash - A review

Today I will be reviewing –Himalaya Neem Foaming face wash. I had used Himalaya neem face wash before. This foaming face wash is something new for me. 

What the product claims:

Unlike soap, neem foaming face wash does not leave your face feeling dry and stretched. Its gentle blend of herbs cleanses your skin deeply by removing impurities and excess oil. Neem, well known for its antibacterial properties, kills problem causing bacteria. Combined with turmeric, it effectively controls acne and pimples. As a result, u feel refreshed, your skin looks clear soft and supple.

Price and Quantity:  195 rupees for 150 ml

Directions:

Moisten face. Apply and massage gently. Wash off and pat dry.

Ingredients:

Each ml contains: exts, nimba 50 mg. haridra 5mg , ushira 5 mg.
Natural herbal ingredients may tend to change color over time. However the product efficacy remains unchanged.

Let’s look at the benefits each ingredients have: ( got it from wikipedia n other sites)

Neem has traditionally been used to maintain a healthy skin, flawless complexion and also to keep skin related diseases and problems at bay. The blood purifying properties found in active neem compounds help to maintain youthful and healthy skin. Skin Disorders treated by Neem Products include Rashes, Eczema, Ringworm, Scabies, Acne , Pimples and Blemishes.

Turmeric paste is traditionally used by Indian women to keep them free of superfluous hair and as an antimicrobial. Turmeric paste, as part of both home remedies and Ayurveda, is also said to improve the skin and is touted as an anti-aging agent. Some may use turmeric in skin creams as an antiseptic agent for cuts, burns and bruises.

Ushira is one of the best refrigerant herbs that cools and calms the entire body and mind. The paste of ushira and sandal wood is applied on skin, in burning sensation. In prickly heat, the paste of ushira, coriander fruit and musta is applied with benefit. The paste of ushira roots is applied by itself to alleviate the burning sensation, excessive sweating and foul body smell. It is also beneficial in various skin ailments to improve the complexion of the skin.

Look at the product:

This product comes in a sturdy plastic cylindrical transparent bottle with green colored liquid in it. It has a transparent cap which comes off to reveal a white pump which dispenses the product. The product has new innovative pump which pumps liquid and air simultaneously through a tiny nozzle. This causes the liquid product to turn into foam. Enough of rocket science!

My view on the product: 

The product lives upto the claim of controlling acne and pimples.  I particularly like Himalaya Brand face washes because they are mild and do not contain harsh chemicals. This face wash is soap- free which is another plus point.

The foam it dispenses is enough for entire face and is very light. It effectively deep cleanses the face and doesn’t dry out your skin. It is also successful at keeping your face oil- free for 2 hours max.

A foamy light face wash ready to use is a boon for us lazy people out there.

Another thing I love about this face wash is the fragrance. It is very herbal- like and pleasant. The smell won’t over power your senses.

This product is travel- friendly since the cap stays tightly secured during your holiday trips. It is not suitable to carry it out handbags – will be too bulky for that.

The product, however, did not get rid of the whiteheads I have. It is also a bit pricey. 

  

Love it or chuck it ?

Love it - yes !  I will definitely pick up this product again ...  :) 

Have you tried this product?? what do you think about it ? ? 

Please note : Product sent by the company for consideration.