Monday, July 24, 2017

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?

42 comments:

  1. These sound like they would be great products for my teenage twins who are starting to go through that teenage acne stage.

    Ingrid
    http://www.fabulousandfunlife.blogspot.com.au

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    Replies
    1. Yes, they have a separate Kit especially for teens, too!

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  2. Replies
    1. Oh cool! I know they've been around for ages but had never tried it! xx

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  3. I am curious about the exfoliator now. I no longer have troublesome skin but these sound great for my teen.

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    Replies
    1. The exfoliator is fantastic and has so many beneficial ingredients in it :)

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  4. Ive been wondering about these for years. I'm super keen to try them now

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  5. Great review, even i thought the same about proactive few years back until my brother ordered these on a whim for his acne and they did work, we are amazed at the results.

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    Replies
    1. That's great news! I love hearing other people's success stories! :)

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  6. I had a friend who had some serious acne, she used this line and it cleared up her skin so well, it was quite amazing to see! :D

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    Replies
    1. That's great! Yes I was so impressed with my results :)

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  7. I have been lucky with my skin regarding acne, and remember the ads for pro active when I was a teen! I have used it before YEARS ago and had no idea it was still around :)

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    Replies
    1. I would love to be blessed with naturally clear skin! Yep, this Proactiv+ has been reformulated from the original Proactiv.

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  8. Im glad to hear this is an awesome product. I keep wanting to order it!

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  9. My daughter used to use Proactive during her late teens when she had some pimples and acne issues. It was fabulous! Exceeded our expectations. I'm not surprised to see you were impressed with it also! :-)

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    Replies
    1. I'm so happy to be reading all these success stories! I really had no idea if it would work, but I'm so glad it did for me and other people such as your daughter! :)

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  10. It's awesome to hear that you're really enjoying these! I remember quite a few years ago I was using a couple of Proactiv products and while I noticed results, I didn't really stick with them. These are new products though and they sound really good!

    Tasha // shiwashiful.

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    Replies
    1. Yes they've been reformulated with additional skincare benefits! Thanks for reading Tasha :)

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  11. Wow these sound so lovely! I'm not going to lie, Proactiv always scared me a little bit, but these sound lovely. I want to try that mask now!

    Laura || www.thelifeoflaura.com.au xx

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    Replies
    1. Yeah I wasn't sure what to think either, but I'm so pleasantly surprised! xx

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  12. Oh this looks interesting. I'm old but getting acne again.. could use this!

    SSG xxx

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  13. I tried the range many years ago when I had acne. It worked well at the time, but I still ended up going on Roaccutane (which didn't end well).

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  14. I've heard such great things about the range! I've used the original Proactiv range in the past and was very impressed with the results.

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    Replies
    1. Oh cool! You'd probably like these reformulated products even more then!

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  15. Thank you so much for sharing this, I've been curious about the range but never tried it. I love the sound of the skin purifying mask!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Marisa! Yes, the mask is really lovely, I'm enjoying it :)

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  16. The skin smoothing exfoliator sounds sooo great!

    Rochelle || www.simplesocialsister.com

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  17. I love these products! There was a time when I used them religiously!
    Lisa

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    Replies
    1. How awesome! I actually didn't realise they were so popular!

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  18. Thank you so much for linking up for #lifethisweek 28/52. As it is my first week back since major surgery and I am very much in recuperative mode, I am leaving this general comment on your blog this week. Many thanks for your support of my blog and my recovery, Denyse x
    Next Week's Prompt: Winter.

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    Replies
    1. I totally understand Denyse and hope you're not taking on too much! Have a restful recovery. Love your #LifeThisWeek linky xx

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  19. i wonder if we have this over here. My skin tone is not even at all and these sound perfect to sort that out!
    Pam xo/ Pam Scalfi♥

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    Replies
    1. I hope they are available over there Pam, the products are great at evening out skin tone!

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  20. I don't have troubled skin but I reckon that the exfoliator will do me the world of good - terrific post Di! xxx

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  21. These sound really intriguing! I love a good mask and I've got a lot of blemishes lately!

    Carla x

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Max and I love reading your comments! We will do our best to visit your blog and comment, too :)

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