Proactiv skin damage?

I've been using Proactiv for a little over two months now. In the first few weeks of using it, I noticed my skin clearing up real nice. But after about 6 weeks of use, it got worse. My face started breaking out in abcess acne all over. They are very deep in the skin and very painful. I've never had acne like this! I've called their customer service rep for advice and continued to use it as directed (more or less). They told me "That's completely normal" and "wait a couple more weeks it'll clear up." Well, it didn't. Instead, these new breakouts are enlarging my pores, scabbing over and I just know that they'll eventually lead to scars. I've got pimples in places I never in my life got them before! I was wondering if anyone knows of a way I can clear up my skin without damaging it such as Proactiv did. I feel so depressed. I really believed their testimonials...and I've tried EVERYTHING out there! Even home-made remedies. Does anyone know what I can do? Please write you have info.Thanks

Proactiv skin damage?
Go to your Doctor and get a referal to a dermatologist. I feel really bad for you, but don't worry I am sure it will work out.
Reply:I tried everything out there to, even Proactive, none of them worked.





I finally went to a dermatologist, was on an oral antibiotic for a while and Differin gel at bedtime.....my skin is finally clear and staying clear as I'm decreasing the antibiotic and only using the gel at bedtime.
Reply:i used proactiv as well.. same results you encountered. I try to tell as many people as I can to stay away from it. I don't know if you have tried it or not but my little sister also has acne. Wal-mart is carrying this new stuff called acne free (i think) It's in a orange and white bottle and it worked WONDERS on her! I wish it was around when I needed it. I recommend that!
Reply:hey, you really need to stop using proacvtiv, a ingredient used in the product is having a reaction with your skin that could be an 'allergic' reaction. you should definitely see a dermatologist and ask what ingredient it is that is making you skin react so badly (so that in the future you can use safely on your skin)





:D





p.s and don't worry in a while you wont get pimples(hopefully) anymore
Reply:Sometimes the harsher anti-oil anti acne washes dry out your skin so badly that your pores start to work double time to produce more oil to quence your dried out skin, which in turn causes more and more breakouts.


I agree with the above answers, you should see a dermatologist or even just your regular doctor and see if perscription medications work for you. They dried out my skin too much, but I started taking birth control pills to control excessive cramping during my periods and that cleared my skin right up! So that's another option for you to think about.
Reply:Same thing happened to me to. Sucks. But I found this this afternoon, and gonna give it a try.


Healthy Living / Living Well





1. Acne


Puberty, pregnancy and menopause. Acne can plague people at any point in their lives. Fortunately, there are natural remedies to control breakouts even when antibiotics, creams and cleansers fall short.





Diet: Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables such as squash, cucumbers, watermelon, celery, carrots, cabbage, beet tops, aloe vera, raspberries, carrot tops, lettuce, potatoes, cherries, papaya, and pears. Buckwheat, alfalfa sprouts, brown rice, lentils, and split peas can also improve acne. Avoid excess sugar, dairy products, chocolate, caffeine, and fried and processed foods.





Home remedies: For a soothing topical treatment, apply two tablespoons of plain organic yogurt to the affected area 3-5 times a day. Leave it on for 20 minutes before washing off.





Daily supplements: A zinc deficiency can contribute to acne problems because this essential mineral plays a key role in sebum production. Dr. Mao recommends taking up to 30 milligrams of zinc a day to help relieve symptoms of acne.





Herbal therapy: A traditional Chinese remedy consisting of siler, rhubarb, peony, angelica, astragalus and other herbs can also help relieve acne. The formula is available online, in Chinese herbal stores and from acupuncturists under the name Fang Feng Tong Sheng San. Tea tree oil can also be dabbed on blemishes to eliminate bacteria and reduce inflammation


**


Also, my aunt (she's into that holistic healing stuff) swears by honey. You dab honey on your blemish, and cover it with a bandaid overnight. The honey is a natural healing agent, it kills the bacteria, sterilizes the skin, speeds healing, and doesn't dry the snot outta your face. Okay, So I'm gonna give it a try. We got nothing to lose at this point, right? Maybe she's right.
Reply:continue using the proactive but only use it once a day, or every other day


see thing is.... it works, in the beginning but then after ur skin becomes used to it then it will start to cause more pimples.. like u said in odd places


but seriously, just lower the dosage u use, wash ur face with just water in the morning, thne wear a bit of the moisturizer, then at night do the whole routine, and continue like this





it will work, if u know how to use it for ur own individual skin





good luck
Reply:just leave your face alone. wash your face using mild soap when you bathe at least twice a day. this will make your skin less oily. acne is hereditary but it can be lessen. products like proactive, pan oxyl, etc. they contain chemicals that kill bacteria but will not control oiliness.