This past winter I changed up my skin  routine a bit due to the harsh weather. As I mentioned  in my previous  post, the dry winter weather caused my skin to breakout. I decided to try the new Proactiv+ because nothing else seemed to be working. The first time I used the original Proactiv was in middle school and did not have good results, but decided to give the new formula a try. I saw great improvements in the first few weeks, but around week 4 or 5 my skin hit rock bottom. My skin was the most dry it had ever been in my whole life and I was breaking out more. I could have tried the “sensitive” Proactiv/Proactiv+ line,  but I was just completely turned off by the product.  I know Proactiv/Proactiv+ has helped a lot of people; it was just not the right choice for me.  I have mild, sporadic acne with  combination oily skin. The Proactiv+  treatment was too harsh for me especially during the drying winter months. If you think Proactiv/Proactiv+ is a line you may want to dry I would recommend trying out the sensitive line if you do not have moderate to severe acne.

Although Proactive  did not work out for me, I was impressed with two products on their own. The Skin Purifying Mask is a product I have continually purchased for over 10 years. It works great at clearing up those random pimples that pop up out of no where. For the best results, dot some on as soon as you feel a pimple coming and sleep with it on over night. This product can also be used as a full face mask. I dampen my face, apply the mask all over and let sit for 10 minutes before rinsing with warm water. I think it is safe to say this is a product I will continue to keep on stand by for random breakouts! As a spot treatment I try not to use more than 2 or 3 days in a row and as a mask not more than once a week. Using this product too often may cause dryness.

During my Proactiv+ trial this winter I was also impressed by the Revitalizing Toner. I am pretty sure this is the first toner I have ever used and loved how it exfoliated my skin without scrubbing. Although I did not repurchase this product it enticed me to try another toner. I ended up deciding on the Clinque Clarifying Lotion #3 (aka toner). I will post a review on this toner in a separate post!

Battling breakouts, whether it be full blown acne or a random pimple, is a struggle. Finding the right skincare line or combination of products may require a lot of trial and error. Please share your favorite products in the comment section!

Has anyone tried Proactiv or Proactiv+?

xo Miss Alyss