Customer Care

Proactiv Acne Medications

Medical Questions About Proactiv’s Acne Medications

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Proactiv® and Other Acne Medications

Can I use a 15% Glycolic Acid Moisturiser (i.e. Neostrata or glyderm) with Proactiv®?

Yes, it’s okay to use a Glycolic Acid Moisturiser in conjunction with Proactiv® Solution for the red marks and skin discoloration. The product should be applied over the Repairing Treatment.

Silicone Sheets (for facial scarring)?

We do not believe that Silicone Sheets will help heal or fade scarring, nor do we suggest using them in combination with Proactiv®. We do, however, recommend the use of Proactiv® Solution Skin Lightening Lotion or other skin brightening products with Hydroquinone.

Benzomycin Gel, Benzoyl Peroxide Gel & Oral Erythromycin?

Yes, however, always consult a doctor before taking more than one medication at a time. We suggest using the products in the following order:

  1. Use the Renewing Cleanser and Revitalising Toner.
  2. Use the Repairing Treatment instead of the Benzoyl Peroxide gel.
  3. Continue to use the Benzomycin Gel and Oral Erythromycin.
  4. The use of more than one medication at a time may increase skin dryness.
Accutane?

No other treatment is needed while on Accutane, as it is one of the strongest prescription medications for acne. It is for severe acne blemishes, has side effects and is not a cure. The use of more than one medication at a time may increase skin dryness.

Depo-Provera Birth Control?

Yes. Proactiv® Solution will not lessen the effectiveness of these contraceptives, unlike some oral antibiotics, often used for treatment of moderate to severe acne. However, we recommend that you consult your healthcare practitioner for proper evaluation.

Differin?

We strongly suggest that you consult your doctor before using more than one topical acne medication.

Hydroquinone?

Yes, Proactiv® Solution can be used with most Hydroquinone products, provided that you limit your exposure to the sun. Our Skin Lightening Lotion is formulated to work in conjunction with our Proactiv® Solution products.

Kinerase?(prescribed for laser surgery)

We recommend that you consult your healthcare practitioner for proper evaluation.

Retin-A?

Proactiv® Solution is completely different from Retin-A. While some people have shown success using Proactiv® Solution with Retin-A, we strongly suggest that you consult your dermatologist or healthcare practitioner before using more than one topical acne medication.

Prenisone, Cyclosporing or Immuran?

We strongly suggest that you consult your dermatologist or doctor before using more than one topical acne medication.

Septra? (an antibiotic)

We strongly suggest that you consult your doctor before using more than one topical acne medication.

Tetracycline?

We strongly suggest that you consult your doctor before using more than one topical acne medication.

Allergies and Medical Conditions

Side Effects & Allergic Reaction/Irritation

Are there any side effects associated with Proactiv®?

Some customers experience dryness, we recommend using an oil-free moisturiser; such as our Oil Free Moisture with SPF15 or the Green Tea Moisturizer. Others may be sensitive or allergic to benzoyl peroxide and we recommend conducting a test on a small area of the skin, before using the Proactiv® Solution system. If you show signs of irritation or allergic reaction, stop use of the product and, if the condition does not go away, consult a healthcare practitioner. Of course, if you have any concerns at all about how you may react, or have reacted, to the product, we strongly recommend that you seek the advice of a health care professional and not use Proactiv® until such advice is obtained.

How do I test for irritation?

To test for irritation, apply a small amount of the product to the nape (back) of the neck or the underside of the neck at the jaw line for three days. If redness persists, discontinue using the product. If redness continues after you have stopped using the product, consult a healthcare practitioner.

Is it normal for customers to develop red blotches on their skin after using Proactiv®?

Some customers may be sensitive or allergic to benzoyl peroxide, so we suggest the following steps:

  1. Use soap and the Revitalising Toner daily.
  2. Use Repairing Treatment twice a week at night to slowly build up a tolerance to benzoyl peroxide.
  3. As condition improves, increase the number of nights for applying Repairing Treatment.
  4. If condition worsens, stop use immediately and consult a doctor.
  5. Stop using the system for 2 days. Resume if the skin is better.

Of course, if you have any concerns at all about how you may react, or have reacted, to the product, we strongly recommend that you seek the advice of a health care professional and not use Proactiv® until such advice is obtained.

What can I use if I’m allergic to benzoyl peroxide?

You may want to try Proactiv® Solution Gentle Formula with Salicylic Acid (a leading acne-fighting ingredient). It is important to use the 3-Step System every day (twice a day) to help prevent future breakouts. Be sure to follow all warnings and directions with this formulation as well, and be sure to test your skin before beginning the complete program.

Does Proactiv® Solution have any side effects that would cause Hair Loss?

Proactiv® Solution does not cause hair loss.


Medical Conditions (Will Proactiv® work if I have)

HIV or Aids?

We suggest that you consult a doctor.

Dark spots

We suggest that you consult a doctor.

Darrieres? (a rare skin disease)

We suggest that you consult a doctor.

Diabetic?

We suggest that you consult a doctor.

Fibromyalgia?

We suggest that you consult a doctor.

Foliculitis?

We suggest that you consult a doctor.

Fox Fordyce Spots?

We suggest that you consult a doctor.

Freckles?

We suggest that you consult a doctor.

Keloid(s)?

We suggest that you consult a doctor.

Keratosis Pilaris Acne? (a follicular plugging of the skin of the upper arms and thighs)

We suggest that you consult a doctor.

Milia?

We suggest that you consult a doctor.

Pregnant women? Nursing mothers?

We suggest that you consult a doctor.

Rosacea?(an adult form of acne)

We suggest that you consult a doctor.

Sebacious Cysts

We suggest that you consult a doctor.

Seborrheic Dermatitis?

We suggest that you consult a doctor.

Shingles?

We suggest that you consult a doctor.

Trichoepithelioma? (noncancerous tumors of the skin)

We suggest that you consult a doctor.

Under the Skin Pimples?

We suggest that you consult a doctor.

Viral Verruca? (a wart)

We suggest that you consult a doctor.

Volganis Cystic Acne?

We suggest that you consult a doctor.

Miscellaneous

What is the difference between Benzomycin and Proactiv Solution?

Benzomycin is a stronger gel formulation of benzoyl peroxide and Erythromycin. It can be very effective but may cause irritation. Proactiv Solution delivers finely milled pharmaceutical-grade benzoyl peroxide in a soothing moisturiser.

What is the pH balance of Proactiv Solution products?

The pH Balance in the Renewing Cleanser is 4.7-5.2; in the Revitalizing Toner, 3.0-4.0; and in the Repairing Treatment, 4.7-5.2

Can acne be cured?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for acne. Acne is caused by a combination of factors, including hormones, bacteria, overabundance of oil, and plugging of skin pores - not by how often you wash your face or the foods you eat. Fortunately, acne is controllable with continued daily use of products such as Proactiv Solution.

Ph balance pH Ranges for Proactiv® Products
Product pH range
Advanced Blemish Treatment 3.80 - 4.20
Clarifying Night Cream (Global) 4.00 - 4.70
Clear Zone Body Pads 3.50 - 5.50
Clear Zone Body Lotion 3.50 - 3.80
Concealer Plus: All Shades 7.50 - 8.50
Extra Strength Cleanser 4.70 - 5.50
Extra Strength Lotion 4.50 - 5.20
Extra Strength Toner 4.00 - 5.00
Daily Oil Control 5.60 - 6.20
Daily Protection Plus Sunscreen SPF 15 4.50 - 4.80
Daily Protection Plus Sunscreen SPF 30 4.80 - 5.80
Deep Cleansing Wash 4.30 - 5.50
Gentle Formula Clarifying Cleanser 4.30 - 5.30
Gentle Formula Clarifying Toner 3.00 - 3.50
Gentle Formula Day Lotion 3.50 - 3.80
Gentle Formula Night Lotion 4.75 - 4.87
Green Tea Moisturizer 5.00 - 6.00
Herbal Conditioning Treatment (Antidandruff Conditioner) 4.50 - 5.50
Mild Exfoliating Peel 3.70 - 4.30
Makeup Removing Cloths 3.60 - 4.60
Nourishing Eye Cream 6.50 - 7.40
Oil Free Moisture w/SPF 15 7.40 - 7.90
Pore Cleansing Solution 3.85 - 4.35
Refining Mask 7.70 - 8.20
Renewing Cleanser 4.70 - 5.70
Repairing Treatment 4.80 - 5.80
Repairing Treatment 3.00 - 4.00
Sheer Tint Moisturiser w/ SPF 15: All Shades 7.30 - 7.90
Skin Lightening Lotion 2.80 - 3.80
Soothing Scalp Treatment (Antidandruff Shampoo) 5.50 - 6.50


THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE ANHYDROUS AND THEREFORE DO NOT HAVE A PH.
Product pH range
Oil Blotter Sheets N/A
Replenishing Eye Serum N/A
Sheer Finish Compact Foundation: All Shades N/A
Sheer Finish Loose Powder:  All Shades N/A
Sheer Finish Mattifying Gel N/A
Sheer Finish Pressed Powder N/A