Yep, that’s right I’m reviewing a product. No, I’m not getting paid for it. Yes, I wish I was. lol :D I’ve been using Proactiv for about… eight years now off and on. After prolonged periods of use my skin begins ignoring it. I take a four to six month break and begin using it again and it’s as if I never had before.

I use the basic three-step system: the renewing cleanser, revitalizing toner, and repairing lotion. I used to also use their sunscreen and refining mask. I now own their makeup as well. I have the concealer, compact foundation, and sheer finish loose powder. I have absolutely no complaints about any of their products! I can honestly say that, for me, their products have worked wonders. My skin used to break out any time I got stressed (which is a lot) and it is naturally on the oily side. Since using their products I have very little breakouts and the overall condition of my skin has improved tenfold.

But in addition to their products having Proactiv in my daily routine has encouraged me to actually take care of my skin. What I mean by this is simple. Before I started using Proactiv I didn’t wash my face more than twice a day (once in the morning, usually in the shower, and once at night before bed). But when I started using I washed my face twice a day with the Proactiv and an additional once or twice throughout the day using the toner and lotion afterwards (leaving out the renewing cleanser and washing with just gentle soap). I’ve also become more conscious about touching my face a lot and having my hair away from my face when its dirty.

So, lets review the products in groups.

The three-step system

If you’re looking for something effective and better yet easy, then this is one for you. You wash your face with the renewing cleanser first. The cleanser has a very light smell from the ingredients but is perfectly tolerable (I don’t even notice now) and has a grainy texture in order to scrub the dead skin off. You rinse with warm water and pat dry. Now, the instructions say to use a “dime size” amount but honestly I’ve never felt like that covers my whole face so I use a bit more. It all depends on you and your preference really.

Next is the revitalizing toner. You can use a cotton ball or pad to apply it evenly over your whole face. If there are any abrasions or cuts in your skin, you’re going to feel it – just a warning. I’m not sure if it is noticed by others, but my skin is a lot tighter after using the toner and definitely more vibrant. You have to allow this step to air dry, so it will take a minute or two.

Last is the repairing lotion. It literally only takes the recommended “pea size” drop to cover all your skin, and I sometimes end up using even less. There is no extra smell to it, just that plain lotion scent and it goes on very smooth and absorbs quickly.

All in all, it will take you less than five minutes in the morning and night to use this system. And if you have problem areas elsewhere it will work on any skin, though Proactiv now makes a body wash I believe. I used the normal system cleanser on my back and it was clear of any acne within two months (something my older siblings had to battle with for years I got rid of in two months. sweet). And if you become a member of the club you can customize your system. Because I use more of the cleanser I get one basic system the first order and then switch it to the triple cleanser system afterwards. The lotion and toner last me a very long time whereas the cleanser goes bye-bye really quick (I don’t just use it for my face after all).

The Extras

So on top of the basic system there is a mask and a sunscreen that I have tried. When I used to spend a lot of time out in the summer I used the sunscreen pretty religiously and as a result never had anything happen to my skin. It has the same consistency as the repairing lotion and once again no real smell.

The mask however is very, very smelly. That may be a bad thing to others but to me I don’t really care. It smells like sulfur because it is an ingredient and there’s really no getting around it. However, it is a fantastic mask. It comes in a very small bottle but that will last you somewhere between 5-10 uses. The cream is very thick and it takes very little to coat your entire face. Wait fifteen minutes for it to do it’s business and then rinse off with warm water. My skin is immediately softer and brighter after using the mask.

The Makeup

You may or may not know but I am not a makeup wearer. Me wearing makeup is about as rare as me saying OMG I want to wash dishes!! lol I usually only wear makeup if I am going to the Opera or some other equally fancy occasion where I am in a gown not normal clothing. I don’t even wear makeup to work. I don’t have to wear makeup. Honestly my skin is pretty beautiful and I just don’t need product caked on it.

BUT I enjoy Proactiv’s makeup. It gives very even coverage, matches my skin tone pretty darn well (hard to come by), and best of all – it’s medicated. That’s right. The Proactiv makeup has Proactiv in it! So putting on makeup isn’t hurting my skin, it’s helping and that is why I bought it. I believe the makeup comes in three or four different shades (I use tan/medium) and as I mentioned before there are three pieces: concealer, compact, and loose powder. I have had this set of makeup for about.. a year and it hasn’t degraded, at all.

So there you go. I love my Proactiv and if you are looking to use it, I recommend you try it out!