Proactiv Solution Cure For Acne 2007 2008 - TEEN ACNE TREATMENT - ACNE SKIN CARE - CLEAR PORES MEDICATION - FACIAL ACNE CREAM

Contrary to what you may have heard, acne is not caused by dirty skin, eating chocolate, or drinking lots of soda. Acne is caused by overactive oil glands in the skin. These glands become stimulated when puberty hormones become active. Some people have more of a reaction to their hormone levels than others, which is why different people have different levels of acne.

Although there is no surefire way to prevent acne, there are several ways to help reduce the number and severity of your breakouts.

Washing your skin is essential (it helps remove excess surface oils and dead skin cells that can clog your pores), but washing too much can actually cause damage by overdrying your skin or irritating existing acne.

Remember to wash after exercising because sweat can clog your pores and make your acne worse. If you work around greasy food or oil or if you've been sweating from heat or because you've been working hard, wash your face and other acne-prone areas as soon as possible.

If you use skin products, such as lotions or makeup, look for ones that are noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic, which means that they don't clog pores.

If you can't live without your hair spray or styling gel, be sure to keep them away from your face as much as possible. Many hair products contain oils that can make acne worse.

If you get acne on areas such as your chest or back, avoid wearing tight clothes, which can rub and cause irritation.

Treatments:
Some teens find that over-the-counter products can help clear up acne. It may take some time to find the one that works best for you - some may not do the trick and others may cause irritation. Over-the-counter acne products come in different strengths; the typical acne-fighting ingredients are benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.

If you find over-the-counter products aren't working for you, it's best to seek a doctor's advice. A doctor can prescribe special gels or creams, pills, or a combination of both. It may feel a bit awkward or embarrassing to talk about your acne with someone, especially a stranger, but your doctor is trained to help get your skin looking its best.

What about pimples you already have? It's tempting, but popping or squeezing a pimple usually won't get rid of the problem. Squeezing can actually push infected material and pus further into the skin, which can lead to more swelling and redness (not what you want before a big date!), and even scarring, which can be permanent.

If you are taking a prescription acne medication, finish your entire prescription even if your skin clears up, unless your dermatologist says you can stop. If you stop too early, there's a chance your skin could break out all over again.

Eating nutritious foods can help keep you healthy of course, and your skin will benefit from getting enough vitamins and minerals. But the bottom line is that you don't need to be obsessive about what you eat or how often you wash your face to control acne. If you don't find an over-the-counter product that works for you, talk to your doctor or a dermatologist for some advice on living through the acne years.

Myth #1: Tanning clears up skin.
Fact: Although a tan may temporarily mask acne, the sun can make the skin dry and irritated, leading to more breakouts in the future. In fact, there's no link between sun and acne prevention, though the sun's rays can cause premature aging and skin cancer. Always protect your skin by choosing a sunscreen with at least an SPF (sun protection factor) 15 that says noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic on the label, which means it won't clog pores.

Myth #2: Chocolate and greasy foods cause acne.
Fact: Although eating too many sugary, high-fat foods is never a good idea, studies show that no specific food has been proven to cause acne. Every individual is different, though. Some people notice their breakouts are worse after eating certain foods - and these foods are different depending on the person. For example, some people may notice breakouts after eating chocolate, while others are fine with cholcolate but notice they get breakouts after drinking too much coffee. If that's the case for you, it can help to cut back on that food and see if it makes a difference.

Myth #3: The more you wash your face, the fewer breakouts you'll have.
Fact: Although washing your face helps to remove dirt and oil from your pores, washing too much can lead to dryness and irritation, causing more breakouts. Also, avoid scrubbing your face, which can irritate the skin. As a general rule, wash your face twice a day with mild soap and water in a circular motion and gently pat dry when you're done.

Myth #4: Popping pimples will help them go away faster.
Fact: Popping a pimple may make it seem less noticeable temporarily, but popping can cause it to stay around longer. By squeezing pimples and zits, you can actually push bacteria further into the skin, causing more swelling and redness - and sometimes causing a red or brown mark or scar to form. Sometimes marks can last for many months and true scars (dents and pits) will last forever.

Myth #5: Don't wear makeup if you want clear skin.
Fact: As long as you choose cosmetics that are nonacnegenic or noncomedogenic, they shouldn't cause breakouts. In fact, some concealers now contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which help to fight acne. You can also try tinted benzoyl peroxide creams that hide pimples while helping treat them.
If you've had moderate to severe acne, though, talk to your doctor or dermatologist about the best cosmetics to use - he or she may recommend avoiding cosmetics altogether or only using certain brands so you're acne isn't aggravated.
And even if a product is labeled nonacnegenic or noncomedogenic, you should stop using it and talk to your doctor if you notice that it's irritating your skin or seems to cause breakouts.

Myth #6: If you keep getting breakouts, it helps to use more acne medication until the breakouts stop.
Fact: Because acne medication contains drying agents like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, using too much medication may cause overdrying, leading to irritation and more blemishes.
If over-the-counter acne medication doesn't seem to work on your acne, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor or dermatologist. Also, if you're taking a prescription acne medication, make sure you follow your doctor's instructions; some medications may take up to 8 weeks to make a significant difference.

Acne stinks, and it's little comfort to know that everyone gets it. Scars from acne can seem like double punishment - first you had to suffer through the pimples, now you have marks to remind you. Is there anything you can do?

To understand scars, you need to understand acne. Acne refers to lesions or pimples caused when the hair follicles (or "pores") on the skin become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. A plugged follicle is the perfect place for bacteria to grow and create the red bumps and pus-filled red bumps known as pimples. (The usual bacteria that causes acne is called Propionibacterium acnes.) Hormonal changes during the teen years often cause increased oil production that contributes to the problem.

Acne comes in different forms:

mild acne, which refers to the whiteheads or blackheads that most of us get at various times
moderately severe acne, which includes red inflamed pimples called papules and red pimples with white centers called pustules
severe acne, which causes nodules - painful, pus-filled cysts or lumps - to appear under the skin
Most serious scarring is caused by the more severe forms of acne, with nodules more likely to leave permanent scars than other types of acne. The best way to deal with acne is to get treatment soon after the acne appears to prevent further severe acne and more scarring. If you have nodules, see your doctor or dermatologist for treatment.

If you have serious scarring from previous bouts with acne, there are some things you can do. One form of treatment is laser resurfacing, which can be done in the doctor's or dermatologist's office. The laser removes the damaged top layer of skin and tightens the middle layer, leaving skin smoother. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. The doctor will try to lessen any pain by first numbing the skin with local anesthesia. It usually takes between 3 and 10 days for the skin to heal completely.

Another method for treating acne scarring is dermabrasion, which uses a rotating wire brush or spinning diamond instrument to wear down the surface of the skin. As the skin heals, a new, smoother layer replaces the abraded skin. It may take a bit longer for skin to heal using dermabrasion - usually between 10 days and 3 weeks.

Both of these types of treatments will cause skin to turn red, and this redness may last for several months. You can only have these treatments if you don't have an active case of acne at the time of treatment.

Depending on the severity of your scars, your doctor or dermatologist may also suggest a more mild chemical peel or microdermabrasion, which are also done right in the office, to help improve the appearance of the scarred areas.

In some cases, a doctor may recommend surgery to remove deeply indented scars.

One thing you shouldn't do to deal with acne scars is load up your face with masks or fancy lotions - these won't help and may irritate your skin further, making the scars red and even more noticeable.

If you have a red or brownish mark on your face that you got from a bad zit, have no fear - it will eventually fade, just like the scars you had on your knees after you fell off your bike when you were a kid. However, it may take 12 months or longer - so your best bet is to avoid these kinds of marks by not squeezing or popping your zits, no matter how tempting it may seem.

If you're a teen, chances are pretty good that you have some acne. Almost eight in 10 teens have acne, along with many adults.

Acne is so common that it's considered a normal part of puberty. But knowing that doesn't always make it easier when you're looking at a big pimple on your face in the mirror. So what is acne, and what can you do about it?

What Is Acne and What Causes It?
Acne is a condition of the skin that shows up as different types of bumps. These bumps can be blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, or cysts. Teens get acne because of the hormonal changes that come with puberty. If your parents had acne as teens, it's more likely that you will, too. The good news is that, for most people, acne goes away almost completely by the time they are out of their teens.

The type of acne that a lot of teens get is called acne vulgaris (the meaning of "vulgaris" isn't as bad as it sounds - it means "of the common type"). It usually shows up on the face, neck, shoulders, upper back, and chest.

The hair follicles, or pores, in your skin contain sebaceous glands (also called oil glands). These glands make sebum, which is an oil that lubricates your hair and skin. Most of the time, the sebaceous glands make the right amount of sebum. As a teen's body begins to mature and develop, though, hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands to make more sebum, and the glands may become overactive. Pores become clogged if there is too much sebum and too many dead skin cells. Bacteria (especially a bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes) can then get trapped inside the pores and multiply, causing swelling and redness - the start of acne.

If a pore gets clogged up and closes but bulges out from the skin, you're left with a whitehead. If a pore gets clogged up but stays open, the top surface can darken and you're left with a blackhead. Sometimes the wall of the pore opens, allowing sebum, bacteria, and dead skin cells to make their way under the skin - and you're left with a small, red bump called a pimple (sometimes pimples have a pus-filled top from the body's reaction to the bacterial infection). Clogged pores that open up very deep in the skin can cause nodules, which are infected lumps or cysts that are bigger than pimples and can be painful.

There are a few myths out there about things that cause acne. Acne isn't caused by eating greasy foods like french fries or pizza, chomping on chocolate, or drinking sodas. Some people do find that they notice their breakouts get more severe when they eat too much of a certain food, though. If you're one of them, it's worth trying to cut back on that food to see what happens.

Stress doesn't usually cause acne either (although it can make existing acne worse because stress increases sebum production).

There are also myths about what helps make acne better. Acne isn't really helped by the sun. Although a tan can temporarily make acne look less severe, it won't help it go away permanently - and some people find that the oils their skin produces after being in the sun make their pimples worse.

What Can I Do About Acne?
To help prevent the oil buildup that can contribute to acne, wash your face twice a day with a mild soap and warm water. Don't scrub your face hard with a washcloth - acne can't be scrubbed away, and scrubbing may actually make it worse by irritating the skin and pores. Try cleansing your face as gently as you can.

If you wear makeup or sunscreen, make sure it's labeled "oil free," "noncomedogenic," or "nonacnegenic." This means it won't clog your pores and contribute to acne. And when you are washing your face, be sure you take the time to remove all of your makeup so it doesn't clog your pores.

If you use hair sprays or gels, try to keep them away from your face, as they can also clog pores. If you have long hair that touches your face, be sure to wash it frequently enough to keep oil away. And if you have an after-school job that puts you in contact with oil - like in a fast-food restaurant or gas station, for example - be sure to wash your face well when you get home. It can also help to wash your face after you've been exercising.

There are many over-the-counter lotions and creams containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide available to help prevent acne and clear it up at the same time. You can experiment with these to see which helps. Be sure to follow the instructions exactly - don't use more than you're supposed to at one time (your skin may get too dried out and feel and look worse) and follow any directions to see if you're allergic to it first.

What if I Get Acne Anyway?
Sometimes even though they wash properly and try lotions and oil-free makeup, people get acne anyway - and this is totally normal. In fact, some girls who normally have a handle on their acne may find that it comes out a few days before they get their period. This is called premenstrual acne, and about seven out of 10 women get it from changes in hormones in the body.

Some teens who have acne can get help from a doctor or dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in skin problems). A doctor may treat the acne with prescription medicines. Depending on the person's acne, this might mean using prescription creams that prevent pimples from forming, taking antibiotics to kill the bacteria that help create pimples, or if the acne is severe, taking stronger medicines such as isotretinoin or even having minor surgery. Some girls find that birth control pills help to clear up their acne.

If you look in the mirror and see a pimple, don't touch it, squeeze it, or pick at it. This might be hard to do - it can be pretty tempting to try to get rid of a pimple. But when you play around with pimples, you can cause even more inflammation by poking at them or opening them up. Plus, the oil from your hands can't help! More importantly, though, picking at pimples can leave tiny, permanent scars on your face.

Why Do I Get Body Acne?

The pores of the skin on the body are different from the face. They are far bigger and active. The fact that most of the time they stay covered up does not help in the matter. Sweat, oil and synthetic fabrics irritate the pores and this can easily lead infectious bacteria to clog the surface, causing an acne nodule to form. Many reasons, such as hormone imbalances or over-activity also play a part in this. But the best way to prevent this acne from forming is to the keep the skin in a condition that does not make it easy for acne-forming bacteria to invade, and this where ZENMED™ comes in.

How Does The ZENMED™ BODY ACNE COMBO Work?
Step 1 - ZENMED™ Botanical Acne Mask and Spot Treatment – A clay based, botanical-infused mask product designed to be smoothed over the skin before showering. Leaving this product on for 2-5 minutes (or until dry) will effectively absorb excess oil from the skin, while anti-bacterial agents like Oregano Oil work to kill surface acne bacteria. A high grade Salicylic Acid and Citric Acid combination simultaneously penetrate the skin to help open up the clogged pores and soften the skin.

Step 2 – ZENMED™ Botanical Body Acne Wash – Once in the shower, use this product to wash the Botanical Acne Mask off. This body wash is an effective cleansing agent supplemented with ground all-natural Walnut Shells to give the skin an invigorating exfoliation while increasing blood flow in the localized area. Once again, high grade Salicylic Acid as well as non-irritating cleansing agents are utilized to maximize the effects of this extremely effective body cleanser. Your skin will be softer, smoother and acne will clear up faster than ever before.

Do I Have to Buy Them Together?
The Body Acne Combo is what you will see the best and fastest results with and we do recommend trying it together first and foremost. You can however purchase them separately but you get greater savings when purchasing both.

How Long Should This Treatment Take?
All in all, using this system in the morning should take less than 8-10 minutes. This procedure should be repeated 2-3 times a week. The Body Acne Combo should last about 2 months.

I Am Seeing Results On My Body, Now Can I Use These Products On My Face?
Only with extreme caution. Since these formulas are far more potent both in botanicals and medicated ingredients, we recommend you absolutely not use any other products on your face while using these. Expecially products like Glycolic Acid, Retin A, Tazorac should be avoided while using these formulations. Also exercise caution when exposing your skin to the sun as the exfoliating ingredients may make your skin more susceptible to sunburns, even severe sun reactions. Please always use protective clothing or at least a SPF 15 sunscreen.

What Else Can I Do To Help My Condition?
There are many things you can do. One is to avoid synthetic fabrics. Another is to always take a shower and exfoliate after periods of heavy perspiration (the Botanical Body Wash is ideal for taking to the gym). Avoid using body oils and comedogenic body lotions. If you get body acne after waxing, make sure to remove any remnants of wax using rubbing alcohol. If you suffer from severe body acne, the ZENMED™ DermaCleanse capsules are also highly recommended.

Try the ZENMED™ Body Acne Combo for $39.95.

Natural Cure for Acne Problem Skin
In recent years, consumers have consistently chosen naturally derived products over their chemical counterparts. This is especially evident in the skin care industry. Recipies, ointments and potions of yesteryear are the basis of the consumers mind when researching natural cures for problematic skin. As more and more people become allergic to the chemicals that currently make skin care cures and treatments, the need for alternative natural products is a must

Most readily available skin care products include cleansers, toners, moisturisers, shampoos, scrubs and masks to name a few. The most common natural ingredients used in cleansers include tea tree oil and aloe Vera. One of many tea tree oil uses is the treatment of acne and pimples. Acne is a skin disorder resulting from the action of hormones on the skins oil glands, which leads to plugged pores and outbreaks of lesions (pimples). The pure oil does an excellent job of penetrating and killing any infection and rejuvenating tissue in the affected area. Aloe vera products, when used as part of a daily skin treatment regimen, can help keep your skin healthy. Aloe vera oil has recognized healing and restorative properties, and is widely utilized in many high-end lotion, cream, and gel products. Cleansers are used to remove grease oil and dead skin cells from the complexion. Moisturisers generally include cocoa butter, shea butter and extract of aloe Vera. Shea butter has a wide range of amazing healing properties stemming from its physical make up of vitamins A, E, and cinnamic acid, just to name a few. Shea butter has been shown to have anti-inflammatory capabilities and has been utilized for these benefits for hundreds of years. It has been shown to increase the healing of wounds and improve scars. Moisturiser is essential to hydrate and protect the skin from damage. Scrubs and masks often contain natural muds and salts to draw out impurities in the skin.

Proactiv Solution is a revolutionary, dermatologist-developed Combination Therapy® system that helps the skin heal the blemishes you have now - and helps stop new ones from forming - in three quick, easy steps.

Renewing Cleanser

This unique oil-free formula contains smooth, tiny grains to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and other impurities, plus prescription-grade benzoyl peroxide to penetrate pores, attack bacteria and heal blemishes fast.
View Ingredients

Revitalizing Toner

This refreshing, alcohol-free toner removes dead skin cells, unplugs pores and helps remove excess oil so your skin looks and feels refreshed. Soothing botanical agents gently balance your skin tone.
View Ingredients

Repairing Lotion

Our light, oil-free lotion contains finely milled prescription-grade benzoyl peroxide to heal blackheads and blemishes and helps prevent future breakouts. The advanced delivery system in Repairing Lotion is soothing and safe for your entire face.

You're not to blame for your blemishes - but you're also not a helpless victim. You can help your body win the fight against acne by giving it what it needs to stay strong and healthy. Just follow these simple daily rules, and you may find your good health reflected on your face - for everyone to see.

While diet doesn't cause acne, a balanced diet can help give your body the tools it needs to fight bumps and blemishes. Don't skip breakfast - it jump-starts your metabolism to give you energy throughout the day. In general, choose fresh fruit over french fries, and balance your meals with foods from all four groups. You should also drink at least eight glasses of water every day - more if you exercise.

A cleansing routine is essential for maintaining a clear complexion. Gently wash your face twice a day to remove excess oil, bacteria and dead skin cells. But remember, since acne isn't caused by dirt, overwashing won't help - it's more likely to dry out your skin, causing it to produce even more oil. So limit yourself to two daily cleansings…and once you've found a routine that works, stick with it!

While it's true that small amounts of sun exposure may initially improve acne, don't be fooled; the benefit is temporary. Consistent sunbathing will dry your skin, causing it to produce more oil and slough old cells more frequently. Combine the extra oil and extra dead cells, and you create the ideal environment for blemishes. So it's important to wear sunscreen (at least SPF 15) every day, even if it's cloudy.

A good night's sleep (7-8 hours) can do wonders for your complexion. How? A healthy, well-rested body has the resources to build a strong immune system. While a robust immune system won't prevent acne altogether, it can help fight infection so your lesions clear up more quickly.

Movement improves circulation and helps you relax, reduce stress and increase your energy level. Your skin benefits from an increase in blood flow achieved by a higher heart rate and oxygen level in the bloodstream. If you are prone to body acne, wear loose-fitting cotton clothing when exercising.

All makeup, even those advertised as oil-free and non-comedogenic, can clog pores. It's best to wear as little makeup as possible, and make sure to remove all makeup before you exercise, or before you go to sleep.

When you become tense, your adrenal glands flood your bloodstream with the hormone cortisol, triggering the sweat glands in your face to produce more oil. So it's important to take time out of every day to relax - read a book, take a bath, practice yoga, or do whatever makes you feel happy and calm. It's an important step towards overall good health…and in turn, the health of your skin.

Acne is the most widespread skin condition in the world - yet there are still many misconceptions clouding public awareness about it. These "myths" are passed down from a friend or family member... reinforced by advertising... even published in magazines. For those who suffer from persistent breakouts, these little seeds of misinformation can blossom into a bigger skin problem. Following are some of the most common myths... use this list to test your knowledge. Because the more you know about acne, the more you can do to fight it.

Acne is caused by a number of factors - but dirt isn't one of them. Blemishes form when dead skin cells mix with your body's natural oil, forming a plug in your pores. This has nothing to do with dirt, so frequent washing of your face or body (more than twice a day) will not make your acne better. Overwashing or stripping with alcohol in an effort to "clean" your skin can actually make blemishes worse.

No, those french fries you had yesterday didn't give you new zits today. In fact, scientists have been unable to find ANY substantial connection between diet and acne. So all the foods you've been afraid of - pizza, french fries, chocolate - are fine. So use your common sense, but don't be afraid to indulge every now and then.

Unfortunately, acne can strike at any age. Over 85% of all people 12-24 have acne. Acne can also start as late as ages 20s or 30s...especially in women, whose hormones are constantly fluctuating. It's estimated that one in four adults between the ages of 25 and 44 experiences acne, and nearly half of all adult women experience mild to moderate acne.

Untreated acne can leave permanent physical and emotional scars. No matter how old you are, it's important to start treating breakouts early. And the best way to treat breakouts and blemishes is to prevent them from appearing in the first place.

Since blemishes take 2-3 weeks to develop, you're treating an old symptom of the problem rather than the problem itself. The best way to treat acne is to help stop the blemishes from developing in the first place - which means treating the whole face or area every day, even when you aren't breaking out.

Yes, acne does affect the way people look - it's not a serious threat to a person's physical health. But it can also affect the way you feel about yourself and the world around you, causing low self-esteem and even depression. Don't let anyone discourage you from seeking treatment because your acne is just "a little problem."

Wrong...the "Bronze Age" is over! While small amounts of sun exposure may initially improve acne, continuous sunbathing often increases plugging of the pores - producing comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) and small pimples. Ultimately, the risks of sun exposure outweigh its minimal benefits.

Not yet...but don't lose hope. Acne can be prevented and controlled with continued daily use of products, such as Proactiv® Solution, which contain powerful acne-fighting ingredients. And remember this: Even if your blemishes go away, your acne is not cured. It's important to be diligent about your treatment plan, even after your skin is clear.

When most of us think of acne, we think of adolescence; pimples go hand-in-hand with puberty and all its bother some bodily changes right? Wrong. While teenagers do make up the largest percentage of the acne-afflicted population, they're not alone in their suffering. Acne strikes adults, too - more than half of all adult women and about a quarter of adult men. And these figures appear to be climbing. As the world begins to wake up to adult acne, it's becoming clear that the psychological, social and physical effects of this condition don't diminish with age.

It's difficult to know for sure exactly why adult acne seems to be on the rise. One study found that the mean age of patients treated for acne had increased significantly over the course of a decade, from 20.5 years to 26.5 years. This could mean one of two things: Either more adults are getting acne, or more adults are seeking treatment for their acne. One can make a compelling case for either statement — but most likely both are true. While some recent studies have suggested that incidences of adult acne are increasing, others suggest that adults (particularly women) are simply more concerned about their skin than they used to be.
Whether one's acne persists through adolescence into adulthood or strikes suddenly after 30, the condition can have lasting physical and psychological ramifications. Dermatologists have known for many years that adult acne is more likely to leave permanent physical scars; as the skin ages and loses collagen, it's much harder for it to bounce back after tissue damage. Psychological scarring is much harder to trace. For many years, the prevailing perception was that older acne patients were less affected by their condition than younger patients, having accepted its symptoms as part of life. Without a visible peer group, many of these people felt too ashamed to step forward to get treatment. Adults with acne found themselves suffering silently — and most importantly, privately.



Two recent developments suggest that public perceptions are changing. Dermatologists have reported an increase in the number of adult patients coming to them for help. As the world's awareness shifts to include adults in the group of acne-afflicted people, more adults are coming forward with their skin problems. Bolstered by this fact, today's adult acne sufferer is learning to be proactive. Not surprisingly, these new attitudes are reflected in the product market. Both prescription treatments (including oral contraceptives) and over-the-counter acne products have experienced an increase in sales. Also on the rise: Hope.

As we begin to recognize acne as a condition for all ages, we can find better ways to fight it. Doctors, like everyone else, are beginning to see acne as an adult problem. With reported cases of adult acne on the rise, doctors will be considering the special causes and unique effects of this condition on older patients. And as public awareness increases, more people are likely to consider seeking treatment — and take the first steps toward an acne-free existence.

Acne can't be cured, with or without a prescription. Even after blemishes disappear, you must continue to use an effective acne treatment to keep new blemishes from forming. Our expert dermatologists have created a breakthrough way to treat acne safely and effectively. Combination Therapy® uses several different medicines in one system to heal the blemishes you have now and help keep new ones from forming.

Renewing Cleanser
Tiny, smooth grains unclog the pore and help remove dead skin cells. Benzoyl peroxide penetrates deep to attack bacteria.Revitalizing Toner
A gentle alcohol-free formula helps to balance skin tone and remove dead skin cells, while preparing the pore for the Repairing Lotion.Repairing Lotion
Finely milled benzoyl peroxide penetrates deep into the pore to attack bacteria, healing existing blemishes and preventing new ones from forming.
How Acne Happens >>

Proactiv Solution is a Combination Therapy® acne management system - it combines prescription-grade ingredients in a system that works together to heal and prevent acne. Developed by two Stanford-trained dermatologists, this unique acne fighting system combines finely milled benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, and our special formulation. These ingredients gently exfoliate your skin, unplug your pores, attack acne-causing bacteria, and soothe inflammation.

Many of the acne medications you buy at the store are "spot treatments," designed primarily to get rid of existing acne, one pimple at a time, with harsh creams that can cause redness or irritation. Gentle and effective, doctor-developed Proactiv Solution is designed to be used on the whole face (or acne-prone area) every day. It gets rid of existing acne - and proactively helps prevent future breakouts before they even surface on your skin. And since it's formulated with soothing botanicals like allantoin, panthenol, aloe and chamomile, it leaves your skin feeling healthy and hydrated... instead of dry and flaky.

Proactiv Solution's unique formulations work together to knock out acne in 3 easy steps:

Renewing Cleanser: gently exfoliates your pores and allows the benzoyl peroxide to penetrate.

Revitalizing Toner: helps unclog your pores and remove dead skin cells.

Repairing Lotion: allows delivery of benzoyl peroxide deep into your pores to attack acne-causing bacteria at the source.

Proactiv Solution also offers a Refining Mask that boosts the effects of your 3-Step System. This cool, soothing formula includes sulfur to refine pores and help heal existing acne more quickly. Work it into your skin care routine 2-3 times per week for even more acne-fighting power!

The most important thing to remember about acne is: It's not your fault. Contrary to popular belief, acne is not caused by anything you're doing - what you eat, how often you wash your face or work out - but by a combination of factors at work far beneath the surface of your skin. The regularity with which you shed skin cells can change throughout your life. Your hormone balance affects the rate at which you produce oil. Research has also shown that genetics play a big part in the development and persistence of acne, so your family history is a valuable prediction tool as well.
You're not alone: About 90% of all teenagers develop acne. Acne is starting at even younger ages today as puberty begins earlier. Acne may also start as late as the 20's or 30's, especially in women whose hormones are constantly fluctuating. It's estimated that 1 in 4 adults between the ages of 25 and 44 experiences acne, and nearly half of all adult women experience mild to moderate acne.
There's still no cure for acne, with or without a prescription. The secret to controlling acne is PREVENTION - stopping the formation of acne before it becomes a visible pimple. To avoid the risk of permanent scars, it's important to treat acne as soon as the first signs appear. Even after blemishes disappear, you usually must continue to use an effective acne treatment to keep new blemishes from forming. Proactiv Solution is safe and effective for everyone, and it can help prevent blemishes from becoming a larger problem.
For most forms of acne, Drs. Rodan and Fields prefer topical medications. They may prescribe antibiotics for inflammatory nodular and cystic type acne, and Accutane for more severe cases. Oral antibiotics and Accutane don't cure acne - like topical medications, they gain control of the problem.
Please keep in mind that Accutane is the strongest oral medication available for acne and often can make a dramatic difference. But it may have severe side effects, including depression, liver damage and birth defects if taken during pregnancy. Patients must be under a dermatologist's supervision for the 5-month course of treatment.

Proactiv Solution can heal your existing acne, and help stop new blemishes from forming. Its mild formulations gently exfoliate your skin, remove excess oil, and deliver powerful acne-attacking medicine. Proactiv Solution works alone or; when following your doctor's advice, in combination with a dermatologist's prescription.