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!

~~~~~~

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?

Review: SkinB5 Acne Control range*

A few months ago I was contacted by Michelle from SkinB5 to see if I'd like to trial their acne-clearing range. As someone who has always had problem skin, I jumped at the chance. In the past year alone, I've been dealing with a bad, persistent breakout on my face and what I'm pretty sure was cystic acne on part of my neck! Not fun, and if you're anything like me, after a while it starts to break your spirit. I had been treating this with the Paula's Choice Extra Strength Clear Kit, but I wanted to see how SkinB5 products compared. Besides, SkinB5 seemed to bring something new to the table: treating the skin from within.

The products I was sent to test out were:

• Acne Control Cleansing Mousse
• Skin Purifying Mask
• Acne Control Moisturiser
• Acne Control Caplets
• Acne Control Extra Strength Tablets

The products were accompanied by a comprehensive folder full of product information and success story testimonials. I did email Michelle from SkinB5 with a few queries along the way and I must say, the customer service and support I received was extremely friendly and helpful. Here's a look at the products and my experience with them....

Acne Control Cleansing Mousse*

'Gentle antioxidant rich cleanser that works deep down to remove excess oil and problem causing bacteria. Soothing combination of Green Tea, Vitamin B5 and Aloe Vera refines skin texture and helps heal the skin, while Salicylic Acid removes dead skin and prevents breakouts.'

This was probably my least-liked product of the lot, not because it's bad (it's not), but because I'm so used to using gel or cream cleanser, so it was strange using a foaming one. One pump dispensed enough product to clean my whole face, demonstrating great value for money. Because it's a foam cleanser it's more voluminous on the face than a gel, so my main concern was not getting it into my eyes (thankfully that didn't happen). Once I'd adjusted to the different texture, cleansing with the SkinB5 Acne Control Cleansing Mousse was a piece of cake. The claim is that this product removes dead skin and excess oil, unclogs and tightens the pores. I found it to be a satisfactory cleanser that was gentle and left my skin soft and feeling more balanced.

Skin Purifying Mask*

'SkinB5 Skin Purifying Mask is a fast-acting, unique selection of core ingredients including French Green Clay, Australian Great Barrier Reef Sea Minerals, Bergamont oil, Avocado oil, Aloe Vera and a hint of cooling peppermint, combined with Vitamin B5 to cleanse, purify and soothe acne prone skin. The active ingredients work together to absorb and extract oils, toxicities and impurities from deep within the skin layers helping your skin to heal and renew.'

I really love using this green mask. Because it's fast-drying, it meant I could moisten my face, slap it on, then go about de-tangling my hair ready for a shower, and by the time I'd done that, it was ready to wash off! I do love a pamper session, but I kind of feel like I'm wasting time if I'm waiting half an hour for a mask to do its thing. The mask itself is fairly thin in consistency and smooths on easily. I've been using it weekly, but I'm thinking of upping this to bi-weekly, as I think it's doing great things for my skin. It seems to work well to draw out impurities and refine my skin, giving it a healthier overall appearance. This is a great product for anyone with acne-prone skin, and one I'll continue to use.

Acne Control Moisturiser*

'A light antioxidant rich moisturiser for oily acne prone skin. Non greasy formula that is easily absorbed leaving no shiny residue. Contains powerful natural ingredients: Green Tea, Jojoba Oil and Vitamin B5 that deeply moisturise and help prevent breakouts. Completely free of Benzoyl Peroxide.'

This is another product in the range that I had to adapt to, but liked as soon as I'd grown accustomed to it. This moisturiser has a super thin and lightweight consistency. When I first dispensed one pumps worth I thought there's no way that small amount would do my whole face, but I was pleasantly surprised. One squirt's worth spread easily over my entire face and absorbed really quickly. I really love this moisturiser and the results it gives me. I've noticed:

~ Clearer skin. Existing blemishes have cleared up and I've had minimal breakouts.
~ Really even skin tone. I'm barely having to use concealer and I'm much more confident in how my skin looks without makeup.
~ Smaller pores. My pores are far less visible, as this moisturiser seems to 'tighten up' my skin (no, it doesn't feel tight, though).
~ More balanced skin. My skin's less oily and my makeup stays on better, lasting longer. Far less powder touch-ups are needed throughout the day!

Acne Control Caplets* and Extra Strength Tablets*

'Acne Control Extra Strength Tablets is one of the world’s most advanced clear skin tablets available today. It’s scientifically formulated, containing a potent dose of Vitamin B5, to treat moderate to serious facial and body acne with very oily skin from within. Suitable for all skin types, it’s ideal for teenage and adult acne sufferers. SkinB5’s advanced formula delivers proven clear skin vitamins and minerals when your body needs them.'

'Acne Control Caplets is ideal for teenage and adult sufferers of mild acne or occasional breakouts, dry skin acne, large pores, blackheads and whiteheads. Suitable for all skin types, each caplet contains powerful blemish fighting antioxidants and carefully selected natural herb Vitex that work from within to treat facial and body acne and help balance the hormones.'

Now at first, I was like 'I'm not taking those!' when I saw the size of these mothers (the tablets in particular), but the whole point of SkinB5 is that it works as a system. The products work best when taken together, and this is how you'll achieve optimal results. Having said that, I did use the smaller Caplets first, as opposed to the larger Tablets. The information sheet explains the products usage.....

Caplets: Take 1 caplet 3 times per day for the treatment of acne
or
Tablets: Take 2 tablets 3 times per day for the treatment of acne or take 2 tablet twice a day for the maintenance of healthy skin.

The Caplets treat mild acne and are designed to maintain healthy skin, whereas the Tablets are more hardcore, promising to control serious acne breakouts. Now you can crush these up and add them to smoothies, but frankly, I couldn't be stuffed. Once I got into the habit of adding the Caplets to my daily medication, it was a no-brainer and basically I didn't think twice about it. Once I finished all the caplets I started on the tablets, which was actually some good timing, as I had a pimple coming up on my chin.

During my time using the SkinB5 range, my skin was the clearest its been in a long time. I noticed a more balanced complexion, in that I definitely wasn't as oily as usual. My skin tone was really even and overall, my skin looked really healthy and clear. I was using far less concealer and could get away with using a BB Cream instead of a medium coverage foundation, because my skin simply didn't need to be as 'covered up'. Thinking back on it now, I might switch back to the Cleansing Mousse (I'm still using the Moisturiser and Mask) as I really liked how my skin looked. It's gotten a bit more congested since I've started throwing a few different products into the mix, and I miss my clear, even-toned, healthy-looking skin! I'd recommend these products to anyone who suffers from problem skin, persistent breakouts or serious, hardcore acne.

SkinB5 do not test on animals and their products are suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans.
You can buy the SkinB5 Acne Control range online here.

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Disclaimer: *All products 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.

Am I the only one with troubled skin? Please tell me you get the odd breakout!