HELP!! Weaning off proactiv?

[KatieH406]

I think there's already a discussion about this, but not with my specific products. I use the advanced 3 step system twice a day, and the dark spot reducer once a day. I also use a rose water infused alcohol free toner either once a day or after I take off my makeup. I use the elf hydrating eye cream twice a day. I've read so much about how proactiv is awful for your skin and how your skin becomes dependent. Well mine definetly has! I can't go one time without washing or my skin will break out in tiny little bumps 😞 I'm kind of in love with the idea of the Korean 10 step skin care and I want to try that, it sounds a lot better for my skin! If anyone could give me tips about weaning off proactiv and maybe some products to replace it with, I would very much appreciate it!

[RGbrown]

@KatieH406

I'm not sure which Proactiv products you are using; looking at their site, I see the original system, Proactiv+, and ProactivMD...nothing is marked as "advanced", so my product replacements for your specific items will be a bit vague.

Original Proactiv is based around Benzoyl Peroxide as the active ingredient, which can be found in many drugstore items. I don't think it's all that common outside of drugstore items though. I'm guessing this isn't your system anyways, but it ties into the next set of items.

Proactiv+ adds salicylic acid to the benzoyl peroxide. SA, also known as BHA, is effective for both acne/blackheads and anti-aging, and is found in a wide range of products from drugstore to high end. Paula's Choice makes a lot of nice items with it, but it can be found practically everywhere from Neutrogena to Sunday Riley. I'd recommend adding this to your post-Proactiv routine; I used Paula's Choice 2% Clear when I stopped Proactiv+ and coming off Proactiv wasn't a problem.

ProactivMD takes out benzoyl peroxide and adds in adapalene (aka Differin). I'm not seeing any salicylic acid either, at least not in the three core products they sell as the starter kit. Differin is available OTC at any drugstore, WM, Target, Ulta, etc. (ETA: adapalene is a retinoid, so feel free to experiment or swap out with other retinol/retinoid products)

The dark spot reducer is hydroquinone-based; check out Murad Pigment Lifter for an equivalent.

You can add in Korean 10-step methods with any routine or products; the key is simply finding stuff that works for you (which is the biggest hurdle lol). With any skincare changes though, I recommend going fairly slowly; add in new items one at a time, and give them a week or two to settle in before adding new stuff. It's much easier to gauge effectiveness that way so you know which product works (or which is the culprit behind a new breakout).

Good luck!