***How did I hear about it?*** I've always had a little trouble with my skin and have already tried various treatments but never found something that I would actually like enough to stick to it. A friend brought a Proactiv Solution set from a business trip in the States and was recommending it strongly.
***Where did I get it? How much did it cost?*** For Christmas I got a set from my mother (pointed her in the right direction...). She ordered the 4 piece cleansing set for 39.90 from proactivsolution.co.uk. This report is about the first product of this set, the "Renewing Cleanser".
***Set only!*** The first disadvantage is thus that you can only get hold of a complete set of Proactiv Solution, but on the other hand the system is designed to be used together so should also probably be used this way.
***Automatic re-sending*** When buying online you're entered into a scheme which will automatically send you a new set after 2 months. I wrote an email to them to opt out of this, since I wanted to test it first to see whether I'd even want a new set.
***How does it look? How does it work?*** Alright, now let's get to the details about the cleanser. The set contains a bottle of 120ml which is mainly white with dark green writing on it. Its main ingredient that is supposed to reduce spots is salicylic acid which is different from the cleanser sold in the States!
***Appearance, Smell and When to Use*** The cleanser is very efficient so you'll only need a little bit of it to clean your whole face thoroughly. The smell is fairly indistinguished - smells ... clean. You're supposed to use it every morning and every evening followed by toner and moisturiser (which I will talk about in a separate report).
***Good cleanser*** When using it you feel that the little grains in the solution removemake-up and other dirt fairly easily. It's simple to use and didn't irritate my skin at all.
***Peeling effect*** However, the texture is much closer to a face peeling and I'm not quite sure whether it's a good idea to peel your face twice a day. It is supposed to be developed by dermatologists and if that's true they can't really have attended lectures that much.
***In the long run*** The result was that, after using it for a couple of days as prescribed, I felt that my skin was getting increasingly dry and I had to moisture many times a day which is something that I usually never do.
***Solution to problem*** I've now gone to using it only in the evening and only when I've been wearing make-up during the day. That works just fine.
***More spots*** The first couple of days I've used the set I also developed more spots than normal. First those that you can easily get rid of, later on a few that sit under your skin in a way that you can feel them (because they hurt!) but you can't do anything about them...
I'll take that as a normal process of thoroughly removing spots, so won't complain too much. It's the first time this has happened to me though.
***Conclusion*** A very thorough cleanser, but should be only used moderately since otherwise the natural skin protection could be "rubbed away".
***Buy again?*** Would I buy it again (i.e. would the cleanser be an pro-argument for deciding whether or not to order a new set)? No. I've had other cleansing products that are less aggressive and moisture at the same time. However, especially for people with problem skin or acne it's definitely a recommended peeling - which is why it still gets 4 stars.
***Recommended?*** However, the recommendation for its intended use - as a cleanser - is still >no< due to above average dehydration.
Thanks for reading, rating & commenting!
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Advantages: For any skin type, does not cause irritation and does not take long to see difference a Disadvantages: Having to buy it online because it not in store
Advantages: Has cleared up skin a bit, Comes as part of skincare set Disadvantages: Small bottle, Expensive (product and delivery), Don't know long term effects of ingredients
Advantages: Has cleared up skin a bit, Comes as part of skincare set Disadvantages: Small bottle, Expensive (product and delivery), Don't know long term effects of ingredients