|
There are galore acne treatment productions you may find exclusively on the internet. This review will focus on two ordinary acne merchandise that are sold on the internet, Proactiv solution and Exposed acne solution. Which product provides you with better value and more importantly, better looking skin? When comparing two productions it’s indispensable to look at a merchandise value. Is it worth the price you remunerate for it and are you getting what you pay for? Both productions in this review are priced around $60 for the greatest acne starter set. Exposed’s larger kit comes with 6 productions and Proactiv comes with 5. If you looked at the scheme based on all that you receive for the cash it would seem like Exposed gives you a little more. But, is Exposed’s acne system worth $60.00? Second, we may valuate a product based on treatment regimen. Both merchandise in this review use a proprietary formulation for getting rid of acne and preventing new acne from returning. The initial step is washing the face, toning it and then using a oil free moisturizer. Both companies suggest the use of a great deal of further and added merchandise to go along with the three step process, however, each day cleansing with each of the skin care merchandise are advised. Next we look at the type of ingredients to genuinely see if there is a divergence amidst the two products. This is where Proactiv and Exposed Acne start out to percentage ways. Proactiv holds typical ingredients that could be found in mutual over the counter products. Benzoyl peroxide is the main active ingredient in Proactiv solution. It is normally used in acne merchandise for it’s capacity to kill bacteria and efficaciously treat acne. Proactiv Solution does integrate more benzoyl peroxide (2.5%) than you may specifically find in the stores and they may assert that it’s the way it’s formulated that enables Proactiv to work so with great success versus frequent acne outbreaks, however, this type of medication may not be suitable for all skin types. Those that have sensible skin might find their skin more arid and irritated after using a product such as this. The Exposed treatment does comprise a special kind of benzoyl peroxide in the morning serum that they assert won’t arid your skin out. Proactiv, on the other hand, requires you to use benzoyl peroxide on your skin two steps out of three. Furthermore, there is no other product in the Proactiv line of productions that allows you to treat acne internally. Exposed acne care offers a probiotic internal supplement that isn’t included in their main kit, but may be purchased separately that will attack acne from the inside out. Finally, you must always check out what type of a guarantee a company will give you when attempting a new product. Because everyone’s acne is different, not all the merchandise you try will work for you. Proactive gives you 60 days to undertake the product and get your cash back if you are dissatisfied. This might sound good, but it specifically takes that long or longer to determine if a product is working or not. On the other hand, Exposed offers a full 1 year cash back guarantee which gives you a great deal of time to see if the product is genuinely working. There are likewise other incentives Exposed offers such as free bonus gifts and credits on your next buy that make it a product that’s at least worth checking out. Overall, while Proactiv has had a good deal of endorsements by celebrities and has become widely known it would appear that Exposed’s acne solution offers their customer’s a better value, a better guarantee and ingredients that are beneficial for all skin types. When it comes down to dissimilar types of merchandise to treat acne, ultimately the choice is yours. |
Most helpful customer reviews
103 of 105 people found the following review helpful.
Works for me, but is kind of like flipping a coin between Clear Skin or Not
By S. Coleman
Though Proactiv Solution works pretty well for me, I have never seen a product vary so drastically from one user to another. I started getting terrible acne in the 9th grade, and it had a major effect on my confidence. People would stare at my zits–and not into my eyes–whenever we were having a conversation, and my 10th grade history teacher even held me back at the end of class specifically to recommend a skin care product that she had ordered from Avon. If that were not embarrassing enough, my acne reached a peak during my senior year of high school–the primetime of every young woman’s life. Every inch of my cheeks was covered in bright red, pus-filled pimples. It was so terrible that some people looked disgusted to even stand near me, and I had to wear a TON of concealer for my senior photos–which only exacerbated the problem as soon as picture day was over. After my high school graduation, I started spending a lot of time out at the pool, and (despite what the experts say), the sun drastically improved my skin. My face turned really red one day when I forgot the sunblock, and the next day, all of the zits were gone. However, when the summer ended and I went to college in the fall, the zits came back. It was then that I decided that I need something stronger than an over-the-counter medicine to deal with my skin. After watching a commercial for Proactiv Solution, I ordered it over the phone on a whim. The first few weeks didn’t give me any results, but after a about a month, the product worked to its full potential. I have been using it for almost two years now, and I am very happy with my decision to purchase it. Though it has not provided the magical results that are showcased in every commercial (I still get a couple of pimples every couple of weeks, my face is not the horrible red mask that it once was. Unlike some reviewers reported, the product does not dry my face out at all, and I haven’t experienced any redness. The most redeeming product of the entire system is the toner. Though it does not smell very potent, it succeeded in removing from my hands and forearms a botched application of self-tanning lotion that almost a week of constant scrubbing did nothing to help. For me, this is very good stuff. Unfortunately, as I stated, this product varies so widely from customer to customer that it is hard to determine the effectiveness of its use. In my circle of friends, three girls (myself included) are using Proactiv. My skin reacted very nicely to the product, but the other two weren’t as lucky. One of the girls had mild acne and experienced no change in her condition. Another girl had moderate acne and experienced such severe burning and redness of the skin that she discontinued usage and even voluntary went through the seven levels of Hell (also known as Proactiv Service) to get a refund.
Overall, here are my basic recommendations for those considering using Proactiv:
1.) Since results vary so widely between each user, buy the smallest amount of the product that is available. That way, if it does not match your particular needs, you are not out an arm and a leg on something totally useless
2.) Beware of the freebies/extras. The basic three step Proactiv system and the Daily Oil Control lotion work wonders (compared to the “before” situation), but the other items in the Proactiv line were actually pretty damaging. As a “free gift”, I received a tube of the Refining Mask. I applied it according to the directions, but approximately twenty minutes after I removed it, my face was covered in large red, itchy blotches. I immediately threw the tube in the garbage, and by the time I resumed using my regular system the next day, the spots were gone. So, if you get extras in the mail, proceed with caution.
3.) DO NOT, under any circumstances, tell the representative that you want a free month’s supply VitaClear Vitamins with your purchase. First of all, the vitamins are disgusting. VitaClear comes in a box with thirty individually wrapped packets of 5 vitamins. After taking that first packet of five vitamins one morning, I had to make a run to the restroom to vomit. The next day, I had didn’t throw up, but I did a second time after using the vitamins a few days later. Though I followed the direction to eat before usage, no matter how much or how little I ate, I would puke at least twice a week. If this is not enough, as soon as you agree to accept a free order, you (unknowingly) sign yourself up to receive auto-shipments of Vitaclear every two months–which means that your credit card will automatically be charged $29.99 every six or weeks. I have no idea how to cancel an account with VitaClear (which is sold by a different company than Proactiv). The only reason I stopped receiving shipments was because I changed addresses and my credit card just happened to expire that same month. So, if you like swallowing five vitamins each day that will make you puke, feel free to sign up for auto shipments of a product that is impossible to cancel.
4.) As I mentioned previously, Service is Hell (according to the people I know who have tried to cancel). If you want to cancel your account, you have to locate the customer service number from the website or from your previous bill. Proactiv does not allow easy online cancellations or (to my knowledge) mail-in requests to cancel. Then, when you call a representative and mention that you want to cancel your account, you are mysteriously put on hold for an indefinite amount of time–though they jump at the chance to talk to you if you are willing to order Proactiv. If you are not put on hold, the reps will talk in circles and try to convince you to order more products. One of my friends who successfully canceled her account recommended setting up a web count on the Proactiv site, going to the help feature, and then emailing a representative with the question “How do I cancel my account?” A rep contacted her by email a few days later, asked for her account number, and subsequently canceled the account. I recommend following this procedure or continue to receive the automatic shipments each month.
Overall, this product worked for me, but it will not work for everyone. It is kind of like spinning the Wheel of Fortune or flipping a coin…only this time, instead of head and tails, the sides are “Clear Skin” and “Not”.
63 of 66 people found the following review helpful.
Buy on Amazon!! Avoid Proactiv.com site at all costs!!!
By Larry Johnston
Hello,
What ever you do, do NOT buy this from the Proactiv web site. They will force you into a auto delivery system that is next to impossible to escape. All the bad things you hear about their customer service is a 100% FACTUAL!!!! However, the products are very good for mild to moderate acne, but some folks do not see the results they had hoped to acheive after all the hype. Your best bet is to purchase the products from a seller here on Amazon at a considerable discount. While you will not get the 60 day gaurantee, you will not be locked into a nightmare dealing with Proactiv attempting to escape the endless automatic purchases they will continue to send you. These products are VERY EFFECTIVE for MOST individuals, but NOT all. I hope this clears things up a bit.
Larry
35 of 36 people found the following review helpful.
Poor Service
By Ali Loewenstein
I am 28 and had a few blemishes, so I decided to try proactiv. Now my skin is a mess! It seemed like it would work, so I stuck with it for a month, and then I got another box in the mail of more product. Be wary, it is not obvious that once you buy the initial kit you will automatically be signed up to receive proactive and be charged continuously. Perhaps proactiv works for some, but since it was having reverse effects for me I called to return the additional box of product that they sent me. Though I still had 2 weeks left to return proactiv for a refund, the customer service representative said that they take 4-6 weeks to process returns, and so it would not be enough time to get my return order refund! Not only do I now have to pay for shipping and handling which is estimated to be around $10 but additionally for a certificate of delivery so I can prove I sent the product in on time. How frustrating. My last rant is that once the customer service woman heard I wanted to return the product, she tried to get off the phone very fast, and I had to keep asking her not to hang up, since she was VERY short and not forward about how to go about handling the return (ie. address, filling out the return slip etc). I would normally not write any review even if the product didn’t work for me, but the customer service i received put me over the edge.
Similar Products To Proactiv Solution 3 Step System Kit 2 Month
Proactiv Solution 3 Step System Kit, 2 Month Supply
Super Size Proactiv Solutions 3 Piece Kit (90 day)
AcneFree Clear Skin System, 3-Step Kit (Purifying Cleanser, Renewing Toner, Repair Lotion)
Proactiv Solution 3 Step Acne Fighting System plus Refining Mask – 4 Piece Kit
Overpriced
Rating:2 out of 5 stars
First of all, order from anyone but Proactiv itself to try the product out. You have to be careful these days because nearly all “risk free trials” are enrollment programs. So, to TRY the product for real I outright bought a one month supply from that other site.
*It’s not a bad system really, I like the textures and the toner scent. I even saw some improvement. But not enough to justify being enslaved to the Proactiv line (and prices) for the rest of my days.
*The sizes of the one month supply and the corresponding price seem grossly out of sync to me. I would be willing to spend $30 quarterly tops, but monthly? No.
*It all felt like an exploiting of common sense to me. Wash your face twice a day with nearly anything (for your skin type of course), follow it with any mild toner, and top it off with a thin layer of a salicylic acid or benzoyle peroxide treatment. You can find all that and more at your local Walgreens.
I have found that my best results come from:
1) wash face twice a day – let dry completely
2) use mild toner – let dry completely
3) (morning) pat oil free moisturizer on – let dry completely before applying makeup
(evening) apply acne treatment, let dry completely, pat moisturizer on, let dry completely
Good luck.
Made acne worse
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
I have had cystic-type acne along my jaw for several years. This product did not help this problem, in fact, it made it much worse. I switched to Clinique’s acne line and am much happier with the results.
Great buy, price and shipment time.
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
The product arrived within 5 days and was exactly what I ordered. The only suggestion that I would make to the seller is to maybe think about wrapping the bottles in some bubble wrap, provide a little more cushion for the bottles, or ship the product in a box v.s. a large mailing envelope. The bottle tops were slightly dented, but not broken.
great product
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I purchased this product for my grown granddaughter (21) who was experiencing severe breakouts on her face, especially her chin. With in a matter of three days of use she began to see results. She loves this product and I am sure she will continue to use it.
Looooove Proactiv!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
When I turned 30 and saw acne on my forehead and chin it was the last straw for me. I ordered Proactiv from the company and in combination with my birth control regiment (ie, hormone control), Proactiv is extremely effective for me. When I was younger I used more harsh medications and would cry as my skin would peel off and turn so dry and flaky. Proactiv has never had this type of effect on me and I consider myself to have very sensitive skin. Because I have sensitive skin, my skin does have a bit of redness, but once I put on foundation (I use this mainly as sunprotection), it appears more ‘pink’ and radiant. Proactiv makes my skin very smooth and even toned and I NEVER have a breakout while using Proactiv along with my hormone control–but if I take a break from the product I can predictably expect a breakout in a week. I do recommend using a moisurizer along with the product. Also, I only use the cleanser once a day (in the morning). At night I use Aveeno clear complexion foaming cleanser (which does not container any scrubbing particles and is quite gentle) along with the other two components of the Proactiv kit.
Now that I am 33 I still love the product, but I hated dealing with the company. For some reason, when you order the product it takes >2weeks for the product to arrive doing the standard $4.99 shipping option. Also, sometimes they would charge me $39.99 for the product and other times $49.99. On Amazon, not only can you always find a $39.99 option or less for the same product, but with Prime I get FREE shipping and it arrives on my doorstep a couple days after I order it. Yay!
Proactive treatment
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
I have used Proactiv for about 4-5 years. In the beginning it worked great for me. I used to swear by it. I never left home without it. I think its still a great product and I use it only a couple of times a week now. The reason for that is because I recently have been under an extreme amount of stress lately. My face has gotten out of control with acne and I believe it is because of the stress. No product including the Proactiv solution has worked for me. I need get rid of my stress before my skin can begin to heal. So I would recommend the product. I think everyone’s situation is different and they should at least try it.
Proactive is a Great System!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I have had great success with this product! I have never really had a problem with acne until this year. After trying many systems from the store I decided to give this one a try. Proactive is amazing and works quickly. You will love the results jsut like they say you will.
Not the best acne treatment anymore
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
I’ve been using Proactiv for about 8 years, but on and off. When the stuff first became popular, I was still in high school and my mother had to charge it to her card for me. What a pain! Back then they would ship it every month whether you needed it or not. I ended up having so much backed up that I eventually had my mom cancel the whole membership. It lasted me through college! After everything fianlly ran out, or expired, I used regular drug store cleansers, but they’d bleach my clothes or towels and often dry out my face or just stop working all together. I had never had that problem with Proactiv so I decided to start ordering it again about two years ago. I got stuck with the same problem with the vitamins (Vitaclear). They seemed like a good idea and thought that I’d just keep taking them, but they made me so nauseous and didn’t help my face, or anything, at all. It took a month of searching the internet to finally get the number to call to cancel. THEN after I cancelled, they told me they were STILL going to charge me for one more shipment and send it anyway. I was so frustrated I just told them OK. Oh, and now all of a sudden, Proactiv bleaches certain clothes and has bleached all my towels. Even when used in the shower. A good number of my fiance’s shirts are ruined from sleeping on his shoulder at night. I had to tell him to sleep with a shirt off so I didn’t bleach any of his shirts because we never knew if it would mess it up or not. I’ve always loved Proactiv and it really does work if used consistently and correctly, but I think at this point it is more of a hassle. Even though I have it set up to ship every 12 weeks, it always ships and charges me so randomly. I hate to cancel because it really did work for me in high school, but I think I might be switching to the Neutrogena kit. I think that now there are so many other products out there that can do the same, if not better, than Proactiv and that are much cheaper and less of a hassle.
Pro Active
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
Used it for a month, every day and every night. Didn’t do a thing for me. I was very disappointed.
Worked for me
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I started using Proactive last January and I started noticing a difference within days. I did have an occasional pimple at times but my skin was so much smoother and felt great. I recently stopped using the product and my skin is a nightmare. It is amazing to me how well it worked. I didn’t realize it until I stopped using it. You can bet i will be rejoining the club.
Less expensive solutions available
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
- Works for 13 yr child; you should see positive change within a week. If acne reacts badly, try only once a day at bedtime.
- Expensive since you really pay for the commercials and a known brand name and have to order by phone/online.
- Simple and easy to use, rinses clean. Need cotton pads to apply.
- Other brands available that may be effective for you. Currently trying AcneFree kit since other customers report similar results and it’s cheaper and available at drugstores or on Amazon.com.
- Go to [...] website and enter “acne” to read about other recommended acne treatment products with same or similar ingredients. Visit [...] website to educate yourself about acne and the ingredients to combat it. There’s also a product line made by [...] that people seem to like and maybe more cost-effective.
Proactive
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Recommended. This was a Christmas gift. Great price. No hassles with having to sign up for monthly shipments (autoship) like you have to when you order direct from Proactive website!! Will definitely order from seller again.
beware!
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
POroActiv will NOT refund your money and puts you on auto-shipments once you order ANYTHING from them. My second auto shipment was 2 boxes of stuff for over $100! I sent it back in July and was promised a refund…NOTHING! Don’t give them your credit card # or else use a preloaded credit card # so they can’t keep charging you. Their customer service reps will just lie and say you are getting your money back but you never will!! Too bad they don’t let you just buy the product ONCE to TRY IT but you NOOoooo you can’t–no matter what, if you buy a kit you are enrolled AUTOMATICALLY in their “skin care club” which translated means: we will send you boxes of stuff you didn’t order and charge your credit card forever!!
Did not work!!!!!!!!
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
I got this for my daughter. We used it for several months and it did not work. We tried several other things Also, did not work. We discovered Lugol’s iodine. Put several drops (10) in a shallow pan of warm water. Dip face in a few times twice a day (morning and evening). Do not rinse. This works wonderfully!
Rip Off
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
This product is a rip off. My daugthers skin got worse and the product was guaranteed to work. After calling them I never did get my money back. I bought an over the counter product for about $2.00 that worked great that her doctor suggested.