Why Does Using Proactiv Solution Help Your Skin?
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General Overview
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Proactiv Solution is an acne treatment system developed by two dermatologists, Katie Rodan and Kathy Fields. It is an over-the-counter (OTC) treatment that combines acne-fighting medicines with soothing herbal extracts to destroy acne lesions and prevent new blemishes from forming. Proactiv is a three-step program that involves cleansing and exfoliating the skin, toning the skin, and applying potent medication to treat blackheads, whiteheads, and inflammed pimples. The skin care product has had quite a few celebrity spokespersons over the years, including Vanessa Williams, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and Jessica Simpson.
Active Ingredients and Benefits
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The active ingredient in Proactiv Solution is benzoyl peroxide, a powerful acne-fighting medication that destroys the Propionibacterium acnes bacteria that leads to pimples in the first place. P. acnes bacteria exists on the surface of most people's skin, and it's also responsible for other conditions like corneal ulcers and cholesterol gallstones. The benzoyl peroxide absorbs deep into skin to destroy the bacteria before it has a chance to infect clogged pores and cause them to become inflamed. Benzoyl peroxide in high concentrations, between 5% and 10%, is most effective in destroying this bacteria.
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Why Proactiv Helps Your Skin
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Proactiv helps skin in two ways: by exfoliating to remove dead skin cells and by using benzoyl peroxide to destroy acne-causing bacteria. The first step in the Proactiv acne treatment system involves using an exfoliating cleanser that contains tiny beads which, when massaged over the skin, slough off accumulated dead skin cells. When skin cells are not shed readily, they clump together and become stuck in otherwise healthy skin pores. The tiny beads in the Proactiv cleanser break down the bonds that stick the skin cells to each other. As a result, pores are cleaner and less likely to become infected.
The second step includes an herbal toner that absorbs excess oil, unplugs clogged pores and evens out skin tone. The toner contains herbal ingredients like witch hazel and aloe which cleanse pores and soothe redness, respectively. It is applied all over the skin with a cotton pad. By absorbing excess oil, the toner prevents the sebum from seeping into pores and causing them to become congested. Thus, skin is smoother and more even.
The third step in the Proactiv acne treatment system involves using a powerful skin lotion that contains a high percentage of benzoyl peroxide. When used on a daily basis, the benzoyl peroxide consistently destroys the bacteria on the surface of the skin and effectively prevents new pimples from forming by keeping the P. acnes bacteria from entering pores. Thus, skin is clear, luminous, and blemish-free.
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