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| Image from Huffingtonpost |
While I believe my mom knows best, the "apply toothpaste on your pimple so it'll dry up" that she told me when I was in my puberty years is probably one of the craziest beauty myths I've heard. Of course, I only realized that when I became more conscious on my skin and looked for better and more effective treatment.
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| Image from fotosearch |
While that may have worked on some people, it clearly did not work for me. That huge pimple did not go away, and even invited some of it's annoying friends. Urrgghh. What's even more crazy? They always appear when there's a special occasion. Thank God for makeup, but I would still rather have a good skin than a well-concealed pimple.
How does acne / pimples even form and how can Proactiv help?
An acne blemish begins approximately 2-3 weeks before it appears on your skin's surface. So while it may seem like you get a pimple overnight, what you're actually seeing is the final stage of a much longer process. It starts in your sebaceous hair follicles – the tiny holes you know as pores. Deep within each follicle, your sebaceous glands are working to produce sebum, the oil that keeps your skin moist and pliable. As your skin renews itself, the old cells die, mix with your skin's natural oils, and are sloughed off. Under normal circumstances, these cells are shed gradually, making room for fresh new skin.
An acne blemish begins approximately 2-3 weeks before it appears on your skin's surface. So while it may seem like you get a pimple overnight, what you're actually seeing is the final stage of a much longer process. It starts in your sebaceous hair follicles – the tiny holes you know as pores. Deep within each follicle, your sebaceous glands are working to produce sebum, the oil that keeps your skin moist and pliable. As your skin renews itself, the old cells die, mix with your skin's natural oils, and are sloughed off. Under normal circumstances, these cells are shed gradually, making room for fresh new skin.
Dead skin cells may block the pores, resulting to over-accumulation of oil underneath. Bacteria that live on the skin naturally begin to grow and multiply in this site, triggering an inflammatory response causing a red, angry pore that we see as pimple already at the tail-end of the acne formation process.
Proactive Solution can help in preventing acne at the root cause and destroys the acne cycle:
1. The Proactiv Renewing Cleanser (Step 1) and the Proactiv Revitalizing Toner (Step 2) works by removing dead skin cells, ensuring that the pores don’t get clogged.
2. The Proactiv Revitalizing Toner (Step 2) removes excess oils too, eliminating food for bacteria.
3. The Proactiv Renewing Cleanser (Step 1) and the Proactiv Repairing Treatment (Step 3) kills the bacteria and prevent proliferation
4. The Free Refining Mask helps reduce the inflammation and swelling.
(see more about The 3-Step Proactiv Solution here)
Why is Proactiv my choice of weapon to zap my acne problems?
Because Proactiv is a superior acne treatment. Other treatments are reactive, spot-treating pimples when they're inflamed - already at the tail end of the acne formation process. These treatments often leave scars or dark marks, and do
nothing to prevent future breakouts.
Proactiv Solution Vs. Overnight Spot Treatments.
Like most people, spot treatment was my go-to treatment for acne because they're cheap, easy to apply, and usually effective in drying out my zit overnight. I didn't realize that it's that effective because these spot treatments contain high concentration of benzoyl peroxide (5% to 10%), which kill the acne bacteria, but results to redness or irritation. These products may also cause hyper pigmentation (dark acne marks).
Proactiv Solution contains only 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, a safe and effective concentration which makes it OK for daily use and may be applied to the whole face. With Proactiv’s Advanced Microcrystal technology, eradicating bacteria is faster and gentler than common spot treatments which can prevent the aftermath of dark acne marks.
Like most people, spot treatment was my go-to treatment for acne because they're cheap, easy to apply, and usually effective in drying out my zit overnight. I didn't realize that it's that effective because these spot treatments contain high concentration of benzoyl peroxide (5% to 10%), which kill the acne bacteria, but results to redness or irritation. These products may also cause hyper pigmentation (dark acne marks).
Proactiv Solution contains only 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, a safe and effective concentration which makes it OK for daily use and may be applied to the whole face. With Proactiv’s Advanced Microcrystal technology, eradicating bacteria is faster and gentler than common spot treatments which can prevent the aftermath of dark acne marks.
Proactiv Solution Vs. Topical Antibiotics.
Doctors need to supervise people using antibiotics because the long term use of antibiotics in general may cause bacterial resistance – making the person “immune” to the benefits of the active ingredient.
Proactiv Solution will never have bacterial resistance because it does not contain an antibiotic, but rather an anti-microbial agent. It is safe for long term use for the treatment and prevention of acne.
Proactiv Solution vs. Oral Drugs.
When acne is severe, dermatologists sometimes prescribe oral drugs like isotretinoin or hormonal pills. I am truly scared of taking any pills. The hormonal imbalance and all the side effects (while using it and years after) scare the heck out of me. There are studies that support that these methods are extremely effective for severe cases, but because of the nature of these drugs there are side effects that make it questionable if the benefits truly outweigh the cost. For example, there were reports in 2010 linking suicidal tendencies and psychotic behaviors among acne patients on isotretinoin. Hormonal pills, which are mainly indicated as a contraceptive sometimes causes water retention, weight gain, mood swings, and in the long run, even breast cancer.
Proactiv Solution does not have these side effects!
Proactiv Solution Vs. Derm Clinic Injections.
One of the parts that I hate when getting facials from the derma? The injection they perform especially on the biggest zits. It's painful, or at least uncomfortable, and not to mention can be pricey. The Philippine Dermatological Society is campaigning for awareness among Filipinos to patronize only the services of highly qualified doctors, and not to be too trusting of attendants who may not have the proper training and experience to do this. This type of procedure is extremely painful, and when done by inexperienced hands, may cause scars for life. And because acne is a cyclical condition, recurring acne imposes recurring painful injections.
Proactiv Solution is gentle on you. With advanced micronized benzoyl peroxide and ingredients designed by Doctors Katie Rodan and Kathy Fields, your journey to clear skin is one that does not incite pain.
Proactiv Solution Vs. Custom Derm Packs.
The promise of acne’s miracle cure comes in different shapes, sizes, and prices. But do not always think that designer packs that costs Php 10,000 in expensive clinics are great! Expensive acne systems often do not have the backing of massive consumer trial from all over the world, and you end up being a guinea pig. I was probably one of the first teenagers who got to try this very expensive acne treatments. I was probably 18 or 19 when I got to try this treatment from one of the well-known clinics here in the country. It was time-consuming (had to go back to the clinic every weekend for at least 4x), extremely uncomfortable (stings really bad), and expensive. While it helped a lot, it's the kind of treatment that needs an expensive maintenance. I had to spend another PHP10k for the skin care system that I'll use after. That is waay too much so after that 1 session and 1 kit of the skin care system, I had to look for a cheaper alternative.
Proactiv Solution is the world’s number 1 anti-acne. Millions of customers worldwide can testify on how effective Proactiv is, including Hollywood superstars. Proactiv even dares you to try it risk free – you get your money back if you’re not happy.
Doctors need to supervise people using antibiotics because the long term use of antibiotics in general may cause bacterial resistance – making the person “immune” to the benefits of the active ingredient.
Proactiv Solution will never have bacterial resistance because it does not contain an antibiotic, but rather an anti-microbial agent. It is safe for long term use for the treatment and prevention of acne.
Proactiv Solution vs. Oral Drugs.
When acne is severe, dermatologists sometimes prescribe oral drugs like isotretinoin or hormonal pills. I am truly scared of taking any pills. The hormonal imbalance and all the side effects (while using it and years after) scare the heck out of me. There are studies that support that these methods are extremely effective for severe cases, but because of the nature of these drugs there are side effects that make it questionable if the benefits truly outweigh the cost. For example, there were reports in 2010 linking suicidal tendencies and psychotic behaviors among acne patients on isotretinoin. Hormonal pills, which are mainly indicated as a contraceptive sometimes causes water retention, weight gain, mood swings, and in the long run, even breast cancer.
Proactiv Solution does not have these side effects!
Proactiv Solution Vs. Derm Clinic Injections.
One of the parts that I hate when getting facials from the derma? The injection they perform especially on the biggest zits. It's painful, or at least uncomfortable, and not to mention can be pricey. The Philippine Dermatological Society is campaigning for awareness among Filipinos to patronize only the services of highly qualified doctors, and not to be too trusting of attendants who may not have the proper training and experience to do this. This type of procedure is extremely painful, and when done by inexperienced hands, may cause scars for life. And because acne is a cyclical condition, recurring acne imposes recurring painful injections.
Proactiv Solution is gentle on you. With advanced micronized benzoyl peroxide and ingredients designed by Doctors Katie Rodan and Kathy Fields, your journey to clear skin is one that does not incite pain.
Proactiv Solution Vs. Custom Derm Packs.
The promise of acne’s miracle cure comes in different shapes, sizes, and prices. But do not always think that designer packs that costs Php 10,000 in expensive clinics are great! Expensive acne systems often do not have the backing of massive consumer trial from all over the world, and you end up being a guinea pig. I was probably one of the first teenagers who got to try this very expensive acne treatments. I was probably 18 or 19 when I got to try this treatment from one of the well-known clinics here in the country. It was time-consuming (had to go back to the clinic every weekend for at least 4x), extremely uncomfortable (stings really bad), and expensive. While it helped a lot, it's the kind of treatment that needs an expensive maintenance. I had to spend another PHP10k for the skin care system that I'll use after. That is waay too much so after that 1 session and 1 kit of the skin care system, I had to look for a cheaper alternative.
Proactiv Solution is the world’s number 1 anti-acne. Millions of customers worldwide can testify on how effective Proactiv is, including Hollywood superstars. Proactiv even dares you to try it risk free – you get your money back if you’re not happy.
I've tried a lot of over-the-counter and dermatologist-prescribed medication, and nothing worked as good as Proactiv. It's also definitely cheaper than the PHP10k-worth of acne treatment I had with my derma a few years back, and more effective. The usual breakouts I get on my jawline are gone. My skin isn't just almost acne-free, it's now softer and glowing. What's left on my face are the scars and discoloration caused by pricking (guilty, yes) and the topical treatments that are quite harsh for my skin.
Although Proactiv is an over the counter anti-acne treatment (available in Watson's, SM Store's Beauty Section, mall kiosks (Trinoma, Glorietta and Marquee Mall), and online, they are formulated and approved by dermatologists and the FDA.
What's my point? With Proactiv, you'll get a superb anti-acne treatment without having to go to a dermatologist (which can get quite expensive, mind you). Effective and convenient!
Aside from using Proactiv, I would also suggest you get more sleep, stress less, drink more water, eat healthier, and if you can, exercise. I believe that our lifestyle and mindset reflects on our skin. Though I really can't avoid the short in sleep, Proactiv still works for me. But how much more if I sleep better, right? :)
