Using Proactiv

1. What is the recommended age to begin using Proactiv? 41 found this answer useful

The recommended age to begin using Proactiv is 12 years and older. For pre-teens, we recommend that you start slowly, by using the products every other day. However, if you are unsure, we suggest that you consult your healthcare professional or pediatrician, before using the products.

Was this answer useful?

2. When do I use the Refining Mask? 19 found this answer useful

For best results use 2 or 3 times a week. Start with Cleanse - Step 1 to remove dirt, oil and impurities and leave your skin with a clean slate.

Then apply the Refining Mask to dampened skin and leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

For best results, follow with Tone - Step 2 and Repair - Step 3.

The mask can also be used on spots, left overnight and then washed off.

Was this answer useful?

3. Why has Proactiv suddenly stopped working? 16 found this answer useful

Pimples can be a cyclical problem that may last for many years with sudden flare ups. It is important to use the Proactiv every day (twice a day) to help prevent future breakouts. If flare ups continue, we suggest that you consult your dermatologist or health care professional.

Was this answer useful?

4. How do I use Proactiv? What order should I use the products in? 4 found this answer useful

Find out more about the recommended steps in 'How Proactiv Works'.

Was this answer useful?

5. Can I use Proactiv with other products? Such as antiwrinkle eye creams or night creams? 16 found this answer useful

Yes, Proactiv can be used with other skin care products. We also have a range of eye creams and night creams designed specifically for blemish prone skin.

Was this answer useful?

6. Will I have the same product effectiveness if I use the products individually? 3 found this answer useful

We recommend using the Proactiv 3-Step System as directed for optimal results.

Was this answer useful?

7. Why would I breakout from Proactiv Solution? 15 found this answer useful

If a breakout occurs when first using Proactiv, you may be sensitive to Benzoyl Peroxide. If this happens, stop using Proactiv for two days.

When your skin begins to improve, we suggest you resume with Cleanse - Step 1 and Tone - Step 2 once daily. 

Repair - Step 3 should be used twice a week at night to slowly build a tolerance for Benzoyl Peroxide. Increase nightly usage of Repair - Step 3 as tolerated.

If persistent redness or breakouts occur, stop using the product and consult your doctor.

Was this answer useful?

8. Can Proactiv Solution be used on the chest, back, and buttocks? 8 found this answer useful

Proactiv works on both your face and body. Keep it in the shower so that you remember to use it daily.

Alternatively you can use our Deep Cleansing Wash or Cleansing Body Bar on your body. The exfoliating beads lift away dead skin cells while soothing botanicals help condition the skin.

You can also follow with our Clear Zone Body Lotion to keep your skin soft and hydrated.

Our Deep Cleansing Wash, Cleansing Body Bar and Clear Zone Body Lotion contain Salicylic Acid to help purity the pores.

Was this answer useful?

9. Why do I feel / see a white film on my skin with using Oil-Free Moisture? 2 found this answer useful

The sunscreen in the formula is Titanium Dioxide. By nature of this ingredient, many people tend to see a slight “cast of colour” that quickly dissipates.

Was this answer useful?

10. What make-up is recommended for use with Proactiv products? 12 found this answer useful

We recommend wearing products that are non-comedogenic and oil-free, such as Proactiv's range of make-up products. 

Try to avoid wearing make-up during strenuous exercise and avoid make-up with fragrances.

Was this answer useful?

11. When using Proactiv, do I need to be careful about being in sunlight? 8 found this answer useful

A product with a sunscreen minimum factor SPF 15 is recommended when out in the sun and while using Proactiv. Consider our Oil Free Moisture with SPF 15.

Apply the our 3-Step System first and then apply the sunscreen over it. Re-apply sunscreen as needed.

Was this answer useful?

12. Does Proactiv reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles? 6 found this answer useful

Tone - Step 2 contains Glycolic Acid, which is a mild AHA. In our formula it's a cosmetic, therefore we say that it helps remove dead skin revealing younger-looking complexion.

Was this answer useful?

13. How long does the System last for? 11 found this answer useful

Your first Proactiv System is designed to last for 30 days with day and night usage. Your follow up items come in a convenient 90 day size and should be used twice daily, morning and night.

Was this answer useful?

14. Can a customer use a different lotion, instead of Repair - Step 3 and still see results? 1 found this answer useful

They may not see the same results by not using Repair - Step 3.

Was this answer useful?

15. Will the Refining Mask leave dark spots if left on overnight? 1 found this answer useful

This may happen in cases where there is excessive drying or irritation to the skin.

Was this answer useful?

16. How do I clear up little whiteheads that Proactiv isn't clearing up? 4 found this answer useful

We recommend seeing a health care professional.

Was this answer useful?

17. Can the quality of water (hard, soft, or purified) affect the results from Proactiv? 4 found this answer useful

The quality of the water should not affect your results with Proactiv, however, we do not have scientific data to concur with or conflict this statement.

Was this answer useful?

18. Can saltwater cause breakouts and if so, what would you recommend using? 2 found this answer useful

No, we are not aware of any specific circumstances that would cause an outbreak. Please consult a health care professional.

Was this answer useful?

19. Can Proactiv be used by pregnant women or nursing mothers? 3 found this answer useful

We strongly suggest that you consult your healthcare professional before using Proactiv.

Was this answer useful?

20. I use the Oil Control System, but do I still need to moisturise as well? 1 found this answer useful

Yes, even blemish prone skin needs moisture too. We recommend our Oil Free Moisture with SPF15. It's a light and refreshing lotion specially designed to keep blemish prone skin healthy and hydrated, while protecting the skin from the sun’s rays with combined SPF 15.

Was this answer useful?

21. Does Proactiv work on older blemishes? 7 found this answer useful

Yes

Was this answer useful?

22. Can Proactiv help in the appearance of superficial acne scars? 5 found this answer useful

Yes, try our Pore Refining Peel.

Was this answer useful?

23. If I stop using Proactiv will my spots return? 4 found this answer useful

Results may vary per individual, but yes they can return.

Was this answer useful?

24. I've just started using Proactiv and my face is going red after use. Why is this happening? 21 found this answer useful

If you experience redness when you first use Proactiv, you may be sensitive to Benzoyl Peroxide. If this happens, stop use for 2 days.

When your skin begins to improve, resume using Cleanse - Step 1 and Tone - Step 2 once daily.

To slowly build a tolerance for Benzoyl Peroxide, use Repair - Step 3 twice a week at night. Gradually increase nightly usage of Repair - Step 3, as tolerated.

Was this answer useful?

25. Will Proactiv dry out my skin like some other products? 18 found this answer useful

Benzoyl Peroxide can cause the skin to go dry at first while your skin is getting used to it. Generally this side effect disappears after a week or so. We recommend using our Oil Free Moisture or Green Tea Moisturiser in conjunction with the 3-Step System. They're designed specifically to help soothe and soften your skin without clogging pores.

Was this answer useful?

26. Is Proactiv effective for dark skin of Asian / Indian background? 5 found this answer useful

Absolutely! Proactiv is suitable for most people of all ages and nationalities. We do recommend you do a patch test to ensure you don’t experience any irritation. Once a day apply a small amount of Cleanse - Step 1 or Repair - Step 3 to the nape of your neck or to the underside of your neck at the jaw-line for 3 consecutive days. Check for any signs of irritation. If irritation occurs please consult your healthcare professional.

Benzoyl Peroxide products may bleach or discolour towels and fabrics. Wash hands after use and allow skin to dry completely before coming into contact with clothing. Keep from eyes, lips, mouth and sensitive areas of the neck. If excessive swelling, irritation, redness or peeling occurs, discontinue use. If these persist, consult a physician.

Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight and other sources of ultra violet light.

Proactiv is Australia's No. 1 acne brand and has been used by 15 million people worldwide so we hope you’ll join the team and become another happy Proactiv user. Remember if you’re not 100% satisfied with Proactiv you can return your product within 60 days for a refund of the purchase price (exc p&h).

Was this answer useful?

27. When using the Refining Mask, do you still do all the steps and in which order? 10 found this answer useful

Yes, you do all the steps, in this order:

Step 1: Cleanse (twice daily)

Step 2: Refining Mask (2-3 times per week)

Step 3: Tone (twice daily)

Step 4: Repair (twice daily)

Was this answer useful?

28. Are you supposed to use a moisturiser as well as the Repairing Lotion? 17 found this answer useful

Repair - Step 3 is not a moisturiser. The Benzoyl Peroxide in this light lotion is designed to go to the source of the problem to dry up blackheads and blemishes.

We recommend you use our Oil Free Moisture with SPF 15, after Repair - Step 3, which is designed to provide moisture without added oil. It helps to hydrate the skin and prevent dryness.

Was this answer useful?

29. Can I apply make up after using Proactiv? 5 found this answer useful

Yes. Although we recommend wearing products that are non-comedogenic and oil-free, such as Proactiv's range of make-up products. 

Try to avoid wearing make-up during strenuous exercise and avoid make-up with fragrances.

Was this answer useful?

30. Does Proactiv help get rid of blackheads? 19 found this answer useful

Yes. We recommend you try our Pore Cleansing System. It's an easy-to-use 2-step system that lifts away unwanted dirt, oil and impurities from pores, gently removing blackheads and eliminating whiteheads.

Was this answer useful?

31. Should I use a separate make-up remover when using Cleanse - Step 1? 8 found this answer useful

You may wish to use the Proactiv Make-Up Removing Cloths to remove make-up, followed by Cleanse - Step 1 to rid the skin of impurities. Avoid the eye area as Cleanse - Step 1 was not designed to be used as an eye make-up remover.

Was this answer useful?

32. What product can I use as a spot treatment? 4 found this answer useful

We recommend using our Blemish Control Stick. Its ultra precise and a fast drying spot treatment with Salicylic Acid. It targets individual pimples and helps keep skin clear of new breakouts. For extra stubborn pimples use our Advanced Blemish Cream with 5% Benzoyl Peroxide.

Was this answer useful?

Suggest a Question