Over the years, we have found that the more you know about taking care of your skin, the better you will look and feel. That's why they’ve assembled this comprehensive set of Frequently Asked Questions to help you get the most out of your Proactiv+ system and take care of your skin the best way possible. You also will find answers to questions about ordering, shipping and other account-related topics.

PROACTIV+ OVERVIEW

Proactiv+ is for any teen or adult who struggles with acne-prone skin, mild to moderate acne, adult acne and/or hormonal breakouts. Proactiv+ works for men and women of all ages, and will appeal especially to women in their twenties, thirties, forties and fifties who desire spa-quality skincare products. Proactiv+ takes advantage of new science to deliver more effectively on its original promise to clear acne, help prevent future breakouts and give you great skincare.

Proactiv+ treats mild to moderate inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne. This includes everything from the periodic, hormonally triggered blemishes that affect many adult women to the all-too-common pimples, whiteheads and blackheads that can trouble teenagers for years. Teen acne lasts, on average, 5 to 7 years; adult acne can last 20-plus years. Because women experience hormonal fluctuations throughout their monthly menstrual cycle, their hormones are rarely in perfect balance. It's these fluctuations, accompanied by an increase in hormones called androgens, that explain why adult women, beginning in their twenties, can experience a resurgence of their acne.

Proactiv+ delivers solutions to many of the biggest problems of acne-prone skin, including uneven tone, unwanted pigmentation, excess oil and shine, redness and blotchiness, large-looking pores and a dull complexion. The advanced skincare ingredients in Proactiv+ help to restore healthy skin balance and hydration; smooth uneven skin tone; fade unwanted pigmentation and post-acne marks; control excess oil and shine; soothe and even redness and blotchiness; reduce the appearance of pores; and brighten your complexion.

Our formulas are not tested on animals.

Yes, all Proactiv+ products have been tested and proven to not clog pores.

PROACTIV+ 3-STEP SYSTEM

Below is an overview that explains each of the three steps. The three steps work synergistically, each building from the previous step, to address the complex condition of acne and other acne-prone skin issues. Acne is not curable, and it is chronic, so continued daily treatment with each of the three steps is necessary to prevent breakouts.

Step One: Skin Smoothing Exfoliator
Cleanse and Smooth
With gentle exfoliating beads, glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide, this creamy exfoliating wash deep cleans, tones and starts fighting acne while leaving skin soft and hydrated.

Step Two: Pore Targeting Treatment
Target and Treat
The name says it all. This leave-on, lightweight gel features benzoyl peroxide to target and quickly help kill acne-causing bacteria to help clear acne blemishes and help prevent new ones from forming. With more of the treatment going directly into the pore and away from the skin’s surface, Proactiv+ fights acne while minimizing dryness and irritation.

Step Three: Complexion Perfecting Hydrator
Hydrate and Refine
This luxurious, velvety, paraben-free formula uses a gentle yet powerful combination of salicylic acid, prebiotics, omegas, Kojic and glycolic acids to help clear blemishes by unclogging pores as it nourishes, moisturizes, soothes and brightens skin. The Hydrator reduces the appearance of pores, relieves redness, irritation and oily shine and helps fade dark marks.

Below is a list of ingredients in each of the three steps.


Step One: Skin Smoothing Exfoliator
Active Ingredient(s): benzoyl peroxide 2.5%
Inactive Ingredients: water, sodium cocoyl isethionate, glycerin, polyethylene, lauryl/myristyl benzoate, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, butylene glycol, dimethicone, ethylhexylglycerin, acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, glycolic acid, sodium hydroxide, phenoxyethanol, fragrance.

Step Two: Pore Targeting Treatment
Active Ingredient(s): benzoyl peroxide 2.5%
Inactive Ingredients: water, ethoxydiglycol, glycerin, prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil, polysorbate 80, polysorbate 60, sorbitan stearate, carbomer, potassium hydroxide, disodium EDTA, fragrance.

Step Three: Complexion Perfecting Hydrator
Active Ingredient(s): salicylic acid 0.5%
Inactive Ingredients: water, butylene glycol, cetearyl alcohol, dimethicone, sodium polyacrylate, scutellaria baicalensis root extract, sophora angustifolia root extract, morus alba root extract, glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root extract, arctostaphylos uva ursi leaf extract, kojic acid, zinc gluconate, alpha-glucan oligosaccharide, sodium hyaluronate, bisabolol, allantoin, squalane, safflower oil/palm oil aminopropanediol esters, C12-15 alkyl lactate, caprylic/capric triglyceride, caprylyl glycol, ethylhexylglycerin, glycerin, ethylhexyl palmitate, hydrogenated polydecene, hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin, PPG-5-laureth-5, polyquaternium-11, ceteareth-20, aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, polysorbate 60, hexylene glycol, PPG-2 myristyl ether propionate, sodium hydroxide, disodium EDTA, phenoxyethanol, fragrance.

The secret to eliminating acne blemishes and solving problem skin starts deep in the pore, where the acne process starts and ends. Proactiv+ helps to prevent breakouts by disrupting this acne process.

With Proactiv+, the three steps work synergistically to (1) remove excess dead skin and oil to unclog pores; (2) kill acne-causing bacteria inside pores with targeted benzoyl peroxide; while (3)advanced skincare ingredients address the appearance of the 10 most common problems of acne-prone skin-- dryness and irritation, uneven tone, unwanted pigmentation, excess oil and shine, redness and blotchiness, large-looking pores and a dull complexion.

Because acne breakouts are continuously forming silently under the skin in acne-prone individuals, the medicines in Proactiv+ must be used daily over the entire face to stop the acne process. Within days to just a few weeks, depending on the severity of your acne, blemishes will heal, marks will fade and skin will look clear, healthy and radiant.

USING PROACTIV+

The Proactiv+ 3-Step System should be used twice a day, morning and night, as follows:


Step One: Skin Smoothing Exfoliator
Apply a small amount to dampened skin. Using fingertips, gently massage in circular motions for 1 to 2 minutes, avoiding the eye area. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Pat dry and follow with Step Two.

Step Two: Pore Targeting Treatment
Apply to clean, dry skin. Use 1 to 2 pumps and apply to entire face. Do not rinse off. When fully absorbed, follow with Step Three.

Step Three: Complexion Perfecting Hydrator
Using fingertips, apply generously to entire face. Do not rinse off.

Yes. It's important to use Proactiv+ as directed. The three steps work synergistically, each building from the previous step, to address the complex condition of acne and other acne-prone skin issues. Skipping any one of the three steps can minimize results. This twice daily schedule has been most effective at keeping acne-causing bacteria controlled and treated 24/7, and in an enduring way. Remember, acne is not curable, and it is chronic, so continued daily treatment is necessary to prevent breakouts

Everyone's skin is different and some people may take longer than others to see results. It takes two to three weeks for blemishes to come to the surface of your skin. You may experience temporary breakouts as your skin accelerates the turnover of cells and they come to the surface sooner.

It usually takes four to six weeks to see results with Proactiv+. However, if your acne is very significant, it may take as long as eight weeks for improvement. It is important that you use Proactiv+ exactly as directed.

You may not see all of the great changes that your skin is making right away. The longer you use Proactiv+, the more visible the results will be. Remember, acne is a chronic condition that can last for years, so twice-daily application of all three steps is the key to obtaining a consistently clear and radiant complexion.

If your skin does not respond by eight weeks, or your acne is cystic and scarring, please see a dermatologist for additional treatment and more aggressive therapy.

Acne is not curable, but it is treatable, controllable and preventable. If Proactiv+ is working, stay on it. There is no limit to the length of time you can use Proactiv+. If you discontinue Proactiv+, your blemishes are likely to return because the key causes of acne are hormonal and genetic. Teen acne lasts, on average, 5 to 7 years; adult acne can last 20-plus years.

Yes. Proactiv+ is designed to treat the process of acne whether it occurs on your face, ears, scalp, chest, neck, shoulders or back. We suggest you wear white clothing when you are using the 3-Step System on your torso because benzoyl peroxide may bleach colored fabrics.

While the ingredients contained in the Proactiv+ formulas have not been found to cause any adverse side effects in pregnant or nursing women, we recommend that you check with your doctor prior to using Proactiv+.

Side effects are usually mild and may include drying and irritation in some users. A small group of people may be hypersensitive or allergic to ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, which are in some of the Proactiv® branded products. If you are one of those people, you should not use a product that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid without first discussing that use with your healthcare provider.

To test for allergic reaction apply product sparingly to one or two small affected areas during the first 3 days. If no discomfort occurs, follow the directions stated on the product. If you develop hives or itching of the face or body, discontinue using the product. If you experience any of the following reactions, you should seek immediate medical attention: Difficulty breathing, throat tightness, feeling faint or swelling of the eyes, face, lips or tongue.

Yes. Proactiv+ is designed for acne-prone skin, and is suitable for all ethnicities and all skin types--dry, oily, combination, normal and sensitive.

Proactiv+ is better described as an acne-treatment regimen designed with anti-aging benefits in mind--notably smaller-looking pores; improved texture and tone;visibly faded unwanted pigmentation;diminished appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; enhanced hydration and suppleness; and a brighter, more luminous complexion.

Yes. In addition to the Proactiv+ 3-Step System, there are nine other new items:

Skin Purifying Mask
Emergency Blemish Relief
Cleansing Body Bar
Eye Brightening Serum
Mark Fading Pads
Skin Revitalizing Pads
Soothing Shave Gel

Yes, you can use other skincare products--but please be mindful of a few very important issues. First, be certain that any product you apply to your skin is labeled "non-comedogenic" which means it is designed to not clog pores. Second, Proactiv+ is a comprehensive system designed to preclude the need for additional skincare products, such as an added moisturizer. Finally, incompatibility issues can arise when layering products from different manufacturers. Such incompatibility is evidenced by "pilling". Pilling is the flaking off of products when the skin is rubbed or touched, and indicates a loss of efficacy. Irritation, clogged pores and dryness are other problems that may arise when a variety of brands are used together. Fortunately, the full range of Proactiv+ products are designed for acne-prone skin and work well with the 3-Step System.

It depends on the severity of your eczema. All acne medicines--prescription or over-the-counter, like Proactiv+-- have the potential to irritate skin. If your eczema is mild, start Proactiv+ slowly-- once a day or every other day, gradually increasing to twice daily over two weeks. If you are using medicines prescribed for your eczema, or if your eczema is severe, please check with your doctor before trying any acne treatments.

It depends on the severity of your psoriasis. All acne medicines--prescription or over-the-counter, like Proactiv+-- have the potential to irritate skin. Fortunately, psoriasis does not typically occur on the face, so there should be no issue. If you are concerned, and your psoriasis is mild, start Proactiv+ slowly--once a day or every other day, gradually increasing to twice daily over two weeks. If you are using medicines prescribed for your psoriasis, or if it is severe, check with your doctor before trying any acne treatments.

Yes, it is safe to use Proactiv+ if you have rosacea. However, Proactiv+ is for the treatment of mild to moderate acne and is not an FDA-approved product for the treatment of rosacea. We recommend seeing a dermatologist if you have rosacea, which is a skin condition characterized by a flush-blush reaction and red bumps.

No, unfortunately, Proactiv+ will not help with existing scars. Our best recommendation for treating existing scars is to see your dermatologist. Thanks to advances in medicine and technology, your dermatologist can offer safe and effective options for your acne scars.

No. We suggest that you consult a dermatologist or physician for severe cystic or nodular acne. Generally speaking, the more advanced cases of cystic and nodular acne-- large, deep, painful bumps filled with blood and pus that can linger under the skin's surface for weeks or months--are the most likely to scar. It's especially critical to take all possible measures to manage this condition.

PURCHASING, RETURNS AND CUSTOMER SERVICE

Yes. After placing your order, you will get two emails. The first email--sent within 24 hours after ordering-- will confirm that your order has been completed and is being processed. The second email will tell you that the processing of the order is complete and it is being prepared to ship. It also will include any relevant tracking information.

Yes. With your initial shipment, you will receive a Proactiv+ brochure, which lists all of the individual products available for purchase, including each of the products in the 3-Step System. To order individual products, simply call toll-free at 888-204-2274.

For any help with current and past orders, simply call Customer Service toll-free at 888-204-2274.

You can cancel with a quick call to Customer Service at 1-888-204-2274.

To return your products, place the merchandise in a box with your original invoice and send it to us. If you don't have your original invoice, please make sure to include your name and shipping address, as you believe it appeared on the invoice. Please allow 1 to 2 billing cycles from the day you return your package for your account to be credited.

All returns and exchanges should be shipped to:
6590 Millcreek Dr.
Unit 200
Mississauga, ON L5N 8B3

With Proactiv+, you enjoy a 60-day money-back guarantee. If you are not absolutely delighted with your clear skin and radiant new complexion, you are welcome to return the containers-- even if empty--within 60 days of receipt for a complete refund of your purchase price (less S&H), no questions asked.

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