Review: Proactiv+ Blemish Control Range*

Hi guys! Today I'm bringing you my review of the Proactiv+ Blemish Control range of products! I'd heard a lot about Proactiv over the years, mainly through seeing the TV ads. You know the ones! I'd always been curious, especially as someone who consistently struggles with problem skin, so when I was contacted to trial the range for myself, I jumped at the chance. I was sent the Proactiv+ Skin Purifying Mask*, and the Proactiv+ 3 Step Kit*, which contains the Skin Smoothing Exfoliator*, Pore Targeting Solution* and the Complexion Perfecting Hydrator*. Read on for my thoughts!

Skin Purifying Mask (left), Skin Smoothing Exfoliator (right)

Skin Purifying Mask

"Skin Purifying Mask contains sulphur to help clear pores, blemishes and help prevent breakouts. Antioxidant vitamins and botanicals help to soothe, nourish and hydrate the skin."

This is a medium-thick white cream that contains really fine gritty particles. I absolutely love the texture and consistency of this mask! There was a slight tingling sensation as I applied it, which decreased the longer I left it on. Once dry, I moistened my face with warm water then gently rubbed the mask away in circular motions, which provided a light, and I might say quite satisfying, exfoliation. As such, on the days I used the Skin Purifying Mask, I skipped Step One, the Skin Smoothing Exfoliator, for fear of over-exfoliating and becoming a red-raw hot mess. This is actually my favourite type of mask. I have countless sheet masks in the cupboard, but I have to force myself to use them as they are wet, cold and uncomfortable, especially in Winter. I also don't like the feel of thin masks that absorb in don't feel like they are doing anything. This was thicker and tightened up and there was product to remove when the time came. It did dry my skin out a little (so I'm not sure how dry-skinned people would go with it), so I found it best to apply my eye cream and moisturiser pretty promptly afterwards to get some moisture back in. The 28g size is quite small and almost equivalent to a deluxe mini or a travel size product; I'd love to see this in a bigger size. Overall though, a really good mask.

Step One: Skin Smoothing Exfoliator

"This cleanser with 2.5% micro-crystal benzoyl peroxide clears blemishes, unclogs pores and exfoliates dull skin. Sulfate-free, paraben-free and suitable for all skin types; oily, dry, combination, normal and sensitive."

This Skin Smoothing Exfoliator is a revelation; I love using it and have even got my husband onto it! This is one of the most impressive exfoliators I've ever used, both in how it feels and the results it gives. It manages to be both gentle yet effective, hardworking yet non-abrasive. It's the gentle exfoliating beads combined with glycolic acid that work to slough away dry skin and open pores, and it's honestly such a satisfying scrub. I was a little taken aback at the lack of a separate cleanser in this 3 Step Kit, but this Exfoliator contains a mild sulphate-free cleanser that removes impurities. Purely based on habit, I did use a cleanser before this Skin Smoothing Exfoliator, that's just what I'm used to, don't hate! And despite the instructions saying to use twice daily, I admit I only used this every two days, because I just couldn't get my brain around using an exfoliant daily, let alone twice a day, no matter how gentle it is! However hubby is using this every day with no adverse effects and in fact, his skin is looking a lot healthier. I can't stress enough how much the Skin Smoothing Exfoliator impressed me. It's really good, you guys!

Pore Targeting Solution (left), Complexion Perfecting Hydrator (right)

Step Two: Pore Targeting Solution

"This light-weight gel with our exclusive patented Smart Target™ Technology, clears up blemishes by delivering more of the benzoyl peroxide in the pore while improving skin’s tone and texture. The Pore Targeting Solution is tough on breakouts, but not on your skin."

If you've been reading my blog for a while (or even if you just read my Intro lol), you'd know I've had troublesome skin for years. So obviously I've tried quite a few different acne-clearing products and systems. Well this Pore Targeting Solution, effectively the 'zit cream' element of the blemish-clearing system, reminds me of the Paula's Choice Clear Daily Skin Clearing Treatment (Extra Strength), which I used to use, however it's not as hardcore. The Paula's Choice works to clear blemishes really quickly but the disadvantage is that it really dried my skin out. The Proactiv+ Pore Targeting Solution is a product I can use every night and it's gentle enough to work without any negative drying effects on my skin. I love the lightweight gel consistency and the fact that one pump is exactly the amount I need to treat my jawline and chin. I do extend this down onto my neck slightly, because from time to time I get the dreaded cystic acne on my upper neck. The only downside I've found is that my upper neck does become slightly itchy every few days, but it's not annoying-level itchy, just 'I have to scratch my neck a couple of times a day, a few times a week' itchy. This minor issue would probably disappear if I applied it on my chin and jawline only, haha.

Step Three: Complexion Perfecting Hydrator

"This dual therapy product combines blemish fighting salicylic acid and rich botanicals with anti-aging benefits such as even skin tone, smooth texture, smaller appearing pores, increased hydration and a dewy, radiant glow."

Can you tell by now that I love these products? This Hydrator is an absolute joy to use, especially if you're a fan of lightweight, cooling gels. I love the gel consistency, it really is light on the skin and absorbs very quickly. I feel like it mattifies the skin as well. The inclusion of Bisabolol and chamomile extract helps calm and soothe the skin and reduce redness. There are so many other special ingredients that work together to improve and perfect the complexion, such as a moisturising complex, conditioning complex, skin brightening complex and salicylic acid, a hardworking blemish-fighting ingredient. I'm continuing to use the Complexion Perfecting Hydrator, even after my month-long trial for this review, because I love the results it gives me and the product itself is a pleasure to use. My skin tone is so even and clear lately that I'm even confident enough to go around the house without makeup. Yes, I used to hate my skin so much I would wear foundation and concealer every day even when staying home!

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I have to say in all honesty, these products are seriously good and exceeded my expectations. I really thought this was just another late-night TV infomercial brand, but the products really work to clear blemishes and prevent further ones and are really nice to use. My picks of the bunch would be the Skin Smoothing Exfoliator and the Complexion Perfecting Hydrator. I love these and am continuing to use them. If you have problem skin or suffer from serious acne, I'd highly recommend trying the Proactiv+ 3 Step Kit. Using these products daily cleared up a breakout I had at the start of the trial and during my trial I only developed one blemish, which the 3 Step Kit cleared up quickly. If you give this system a try, let me know how you go, I'd love to hear!

You can purchase Proactiv+ products on their website or find your closest stockist via the Store Locator.

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Disclaimer: Products marked * were provided for editorial consideration. Reviews are my honest opinion. There are no affiliate links in this post, links are for information purposes only. Please see the Disclosure page for further information.

Have you tried Proactiv+ and if so what did you think? Do these sound like products you'd try?