Proactive is ruining my face

[Srubey]

After two years of using proactive, my face is finally revolting. Non-stop break outs and horribly dry skin. I would love some recommendations on how to get my skin back on track! I’ll try anything!

[greeneyedgirl107]

@Srubey I've read that the menthol in many Proactive products is problematic.  I think you should start with a gentle liquid cleanser, like FAB Face Cleanser.  BHA is also very helpful; I only rec Paula's Choice.  Spot treat with Persa-gel.  You can also try OTC Differin; if you want better results, try the Rx Differin.  If you are still struggling, then I rec asking a derm if you are appropriate for Retin-A.

[YasmeenSOmer]

I suffered from really bad cystic acne and went through accutane twice so I feel you on having acne and dry skin together... it’s uncomfortable to say the least. I have been really loving the Neogen lemon pads, they’re both a physical and chemical exfoliant and then using a hydrating serum, the one from the Ordinary is great, although a bit tacky until it dries down, and it’s a super affordable option! I also find that their niacinimide + zinc 10% solution is good for preventing breakouts, and their aha peel is great for resurfacing and preventing new breakouts! I hope this helps!!

[jaykay3714]

Drunk elephant for sure! It’s made a huge difference for me! Pricey but for sure helped me in just 3 days I noticed a difference!

[Jcat808]

Come into a Sephora and speak to a skin care advisor. If you can’t come in drink elephant is a great line like the last comment says because the line is created to balance the ph of the skins moisture content. But if you get lots of break outs then maybe you may need a more active line like murad or Sunday Riley. Murad has an acne solutions starter set that has everything you need from cleanser to moisturizer

[Srubey]

I recently lost my makeup back in the airport and ALL my Sunday Riley products were in there. Heartbreaking. I’m slowing in the process of repurchasing them.

[Alexiana]

For sensitive skin, I would recommend Fresh products like their soy cleanser and rose face mask. If you’re having trouble finding a gentle exfoliator, I recommend Tatcha’s rice enzyme (pH 9-10).

[yankeefaithful]

@Srubey You may also want to look at the Paula's Choice line. They have several lines that addresses different issues and the Customer service is very helpful to help you find what would work for you. They have moisturizers and several other products that could help you. I hope this helps because this can be so aggravating!

[6come6]

Hi there! I feel for you as you go through this experience, as it sounds very similar to what I experienced with this brand- effectiveness at the beginning but then dull, dry skin. I had to learn the hard way that I was not keeping my skin sufficiently moisturized. So, first thing, do you feel you are moisturizing enough? Having learned the hard way, I would recommend to stop using that line all together if you are open to that. Alternatives would be products with salicylic acid and ones that aren’t so harsh and drying. As crazy as it sounds, a facial oil, with Vit C and/or rose hip, would be appropriate to add in your routine to rehydrate your skin. Also, I would chemically exfoliate to remove the dead skin cells from your skin’s surface. I hope this bit helps and that others can add to this post!

[Srubey]

Thank you! I will try that and report back!

[lovelykatya]

Look into Drunkelephant skin care line, its very nice with keeping skin balanced.  Also since you used proactive look into Rhodan and Fields line - they are original creators of proactive  and they have  anti acne line. 

Also maybe seeing a dermatologist/doctor because it also could be hormonal imbalances that causing ur skin to break out.