# Giving up Proactiv. Advice please? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 5, 2011, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-up-proactiv-advice-please/587934 "2011-07-05T20:51:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 14\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Kimmy\_Gibbler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Kimmy\_Gibbler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimmy_Gibbler)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2011, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-up-proactiv-advice-please/587934/21 "2011-07-07T04:39:39Z")
> [@fluiddruid](#): > > Benzoyl peroxide is easy to find. Note though that more may not be better as it is also a bleaching agent. Higher percentages (~6%+) are good for spot treatments, lower concentrations are best for the whole face. So many towels I’ve ruined using Clean & Clear 10% benzoyl peroxide face wash. Not just washcloths, but the towels I use to dry off after a shower during which I’ve used it. But it does work. ---
**Author:** ![Sattua](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sattua/32/11906_2.png) [@Sattua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sattua)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2011, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-up-proactiv-advice-please/587934/22 "2011-07-07T16:16:48Z")
> [@Zulema](#): > > I bought a kit that is almost identical to Proactive at Walgreens. It’s made by University Medical and is called Acne Free. It was 19.99 and I get the same results as Proactive, it even smells the same and has the same size bottles. Aha, this is exactly the kind of answer I was hoping for… no brainpower required on my part. I’ll check it out. We’ve even got a Walgreens in town. ---
**Author:** ![Toucanna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3bc359/32.png) [@Toucanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Toucanna)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2011, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-up-proactiv-advice-please/587934/23 "2011-07-10T22:03:25Z")
[Accutane/Roacccutane](http://acne.emedtv.com/accutane/accutane-and-breastfeeding.html) is **not** recommend for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or who are likely to become pregnant. From [University Medical](https://www.acnefree.com/faqs.htm)’s FAQs: “Can I use _AcneFree_ if I am pregnant or breastfeeding? Because _AcneFree_ has not been tested on pregnant or breastfeeding women, it is recommended you consult with your physician or pharmacist before using.” Okay, I’m done nagging. 😉 Best wishes for clearing up your acne soon. Regards, ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2011, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-up-proactiv-advice-please/587934/24 "2011-07-11T17:56:37Z")
> [@JKilez](#): > > Why not (with your dermatologist’s approval and supervision) just use Roaccutane? With only four months of slight discomfort, you can be free of acne forever. Insurance pays the bulk of the costs and then you would have no more creams and lotions to buy. I just looked up the cure rate for accutane (85% are permently cure)…holy hell, why didn’t a doctor ever mention this when I was in college and happily insured? ---
**Author:** ![lindsaybluth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/90db22/32.png) [@lindsaybluth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lindsaybluth)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2011, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-up-proactiv-advice-please/587934/25 "2011-07-11T21:41:08Z")
**Oooo, I am the answer to your prayers!** No really, I’ve done a LOT of research and spent a load of time on this. Read my reviews on Amazon: [Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask](http://www.amazon.com/Neutrogena-Clear-Pore-Cleanser-Ounce/dp/B000NSIGE6/ref=cm_aya_orig_subj) and of [Stri-dex Power Pads](http://www.amazon.com/Stri-Dex-Power-Pads-28-Count-Boxes/product-reviews/B000II57B6/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1). Basically: AM: Wash with **Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask** (3% BP) OR Cetaphil gentle bar. I use the Cetaphil in the winter and the Clear Pore in the summer. Apply moisturizer/sunscreen combo (I list options in the reviews) PM: **Wash with Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask** Apply **AcneFree** (buy it on Ebay or Amazon, Ebay’s usually cheaper) Weekly:\*\* Proactiv’s sulphur mask\*\*. [Linky here](http://www.amazon.com/Proactiv-Solution-Refining-Mask-Lot/dp/B001KZ1AM6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1310420252&sr=8-3). This’ll keep the blackheads at bay. Steam your face in the shower or with a hot washcloth beforehand. In the winter keep it to your T-zone only. Right now the 2x1oz ones are cheapest but sometimes the 2.5oz bottle is cheapest. In between: get a script for **Stridex 3% pads 60 count box**. Swipe face with after working out or on the go. I don’t use these anymore but I used to. Oh yeah, and the toner is garbage. Toss it. ETA: I found AcneFree’s and Acne dot org’s cleanser to be garbage, FWIW. The Clear Pore is like $7/bottle but it lasts a LONG time since you only require a thin layer. ---
**Author:** ![Sigmagirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c89c15/32.png) [@Sigmagirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigmagirl)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2011, 12:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-up-proactiv-advice-please/587934/26 "2011-07-12T12:43:22Z")
> [@elfkin477](#): > > I just looked up the cure rate for accutane (85% are permently cure)…holy hell, why didn’t a doctor ever mention this when I was in college and happily insured? Accutane is some nasty stuff. I have taken it twice and will not take it again. I guess I am among the unlucky 15% as my dermatologist has suggested I take it a third time. ☹ Things are actually fairly good right now; I take a low dose of doxycycline and it keeps things pretty leveled out. And I have a Z-pak prescription for when I need it. Accutane made both my thumbnails split vertically from the nail bed, and they took years to grow back together. That is one of the _mild_ side effects. :eek: ---
**Author:** ![Shot\_From\_Guns](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ccd318/32.png) [@Shot\_From\_Guns](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shot_From_Guns)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2011, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-up-proactiv-advice-please/587934/27 "2011-07-12T14:49:06Z")
> [@Sigmagirl](#): > > Accutane made both my thumbnails split vertically from the nail bed, and they took years to grow back together. Ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow. ---
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2011, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-up-proactiv-advice-please/587934/28 "2011-07-12T16:07:08Z")
> [@elfkin477](#): > > I just looked up the cure rate for accutane (85% are permently cure)…holy hell, why didn’t a doctor ever mention this when I was in college and happily insured? Because if you’re a woman, doctors will make you swear that you won’t even dare look at a man, lest you accidentally get pregnant while on this stuff. Seriously, it is highly likely to cause birth defects and the obstacles required by the FDA before prescribing it are major, plus women have to promise to use **two** forms of contraception during, and for a month before and after, using it. Oh, and the list of **common** side effects is daunting - and I work in medical research, so I’m used to seeing scary lists of side effects that might happen but probably won’t. ---
**Author:** ![Shot\_From\_Guns](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ccd318/32.png) [@Shot\_From\_Guns](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shot_From_Guns)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2011, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-up-proactiv-advice-please/587934/29 "2011-07-12T16:16:01Z")
I’m pretty sure that anybody using it has to jump through those same hoops–male or female. Presumably the difference is that if you’re female they’ll actually know if you have an IUD, are using oral contraceptives, etc. ---
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2011, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-up-proactiv-advice-please/587934/30 "2011-07-12T16:25:57Z")
From what I’ve read, there’s no evidence that the drug shows up in seminal fluid, but guys still do have to make promises and sign up for the same FDA-mandated website, answer sensitive questions about their sexual history every month, etc. It’s basically easier and less intrusive to get thalidomide in the US. Anyway, my WAG is that if you don’t hear about it as a patient, either your doctor has not gone through the stringent licensing requirements to prescribe it, your type of acne may not quite “qualify,” or your doctor is reluctant to prescribe it to a possibly sexually-active and fertile patient for fear of potential consequences (medical and legal). ---
**Author:** ![Shot\_From\_Guns](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ccd318/32.png) [@Shot\_From\_Guns](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shot_From_Guns)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2011, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-up-proactiv-advice-please/587934/31 "2011-07-12T16:30:13Z")
[Here’s the Wikipedia article on iPLEDGE](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPLEDGE), the crazy system you have to go through to get the drug in the U.S. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Duality](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mr.duality/32/4098_2.png) [@Mr.Duality](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Duality)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2011, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-up-proactiv-advice-please/587934/32 "2011-07-13T01:58:19Z")
> [@rhubarbarin](#): > > In the past year I’ve cured my acne with diet/nutrition changes - lifestyle is a huge factor as well. My skin is the best it’s been since I was 14, I still can’t believe it. I barely have to wash my face any more (after 10 years of moderate to severe non-cystic acne and trying everything to treat it - yes, I tried water-only washing, oil cleansing - but unless I used benzoyl peroxide, my skin was a disaster area). When I was _forty years old_ I at long last realized _nuts_ were causing most of my acne. Quit eating peanuts and almonds, stopped having more than an occasional zit. ---
**Author:** ![Melysnl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/76d3ee/32.png) [@Melysnl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melysnl)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2011, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-up-proactiv-advice-please/587934/33 "2011-07-13T13:43:19Z")
As someone already said check out AcneFree which you can get at Walgreens or Walmart and it costs less and works just as well. You can also try giving up dairy products to help keep your skin clear. I stopped intaking dairy about 7 years ago and that alone has helped keep my skin clearer than any over the counter acne products. ---
**Author:** ![lindsaybluth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/90db22/32.png) [@lindsaybluth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lindsaybluth)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2011, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-up-proactiv-advice-please/587934/34 "2011-07-13T17:07:56Z")
Something nobody else has mentioned is that AcneFree’s lotion is 3.5% BP and ProActiv’s is 2.5%BP. If you’re already using a thin layer I suggest using an even thinner layer of AcneFree’s or cutting AcneFree’s with some regular night cream, like Olay Regenerist or something. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-up-proactiv-advice-please/587934.md?page=1)