| Proactiv is pretty good stuff. Some important points to understand about acne: - Acne is basically the result of your sebaceous glands (pores) becoming clogged. These pores secrete waxy oil onto your skin, but when they get clogged (from too much oil, or dirt), the pore fills up with bacteria. This is a whitehead. Blackheads are just oil + dirt and no bacteria. - By time you get a whitehead...you're too late. Most people think whiteheads are the problem. They are actually just the symptom. The whitehead has been "brewing" for a couple of days to a week. - What this means is that acne control isn't about treating your whiteheads, but being proactive (heh) about preventative treatment. Clean your face with gentle soap designed for sensitive facial skin, use toner to tighten pores, apply benzyl peroxide to help prevent bacterial colonization. - At least for me, diet had a HUGE effect on my acne. Eating crappy food and not drinking enough water almost always resulted in an outbreak of acne a week later. Even in college, all-nighters and fast food would lead to some acne in a few days. - A lot of people think "Acne! Must scrub my face to pieces!" Not true. Acne can be caused by an abundance of oil...but can also be caused by dry skin. As you dry your skin out scrubbing, your face increases oil production and you get more acne. - Some people have more sensitive skin than others. What works for me may not work for you. Try a variety of products and routines to see what works the best. I had good luck with morning applications of benzyl peroxide, and salicylic wash at night to help cut through the day's oil. |