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by ziaomar on July 29th, 2006

ziaomar

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Does Proactiv really work as it says?

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Answers. 61 helpful answers below.

  • by anonymous on July 29th, 2006

    anonymous

    Yes, it works, but may i tell u its a real pain to use, and u must use it as directed..which takes about 10 minutes to apply when u do the 3 steps in order..and u will run out of proactive pretty quickly if u use it as much as the bottle and instructions say....but it works, itr worked for my back pimples and some on my face

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  • by ika on August 24th, 2007

    ika

    It takes a couple of weeks till you start to see results and as long as you use it, it does work, but my face seems to have more difficult breakouts now if I stop using it than before I ever used it.

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  • by Jenniferocious on July 31st, 2006

    Jenniferocious

    For some, yes. For others, no.

    A few people have already asked questions about Proactiv... why don't you read these and see if it answers your question.

    http://www.answerbag.com/q_view.php/32568

    http://www.answerbag.com/q_view.php/11683

    http://www.answerbag.com/q_view.php/46012

    Also- try searching answerbag for previously asked questions about your topic BEFORE you ask it. This way you don't ask unnecessary and duplicate questions. Thanks!

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  • by m4dm4nsgirl on March 24th, 2008

    m4dm4nsgirl

    I have never tried it but my x-boy friends sister used it and it didn't work for her.

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  • by MsMaaya on March 24th, 2008

    MsMaaya

    I have not tried Proactiv but apparently it doesn't seem that great as it claims to be. I have tried and therefore would recommend Clinique 3 steps.. Its good and easy on the skin.

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  • by Anonymous on January 27th, 2008

    Anonymous

    well, i have proativ right now.
    and i dont know if it suppose to happen or not but my face like sorta peals here and there.
    i dont know what to use anymore.
    >.<
    help?

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  • by Steak 652 on November 29th, 2007

    Steak 652

    I have just started using proactive.. I used it for about 2 weeks.. if anything it started to make my acne very red and sensitive... also it seemed like it made alot more.. i stoped using it for a week and my acne increased... I used it again and it dosnt seem to work now.. The only thing it did was clean my blackheads but basicly any acne cream will do that... I wouldnt recomend this product.

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  • by Anonymous on November 25th, 2007

    Anonymous

    Proactic works. Although I'm not someone who had severe or bad acne. I just kept breaking out mainly on my chin - it was embarassing. I was told it was hormonal or related to stress and there wasn't much I could do. I constantly had the same pimples on my chin.

    So finally out of frustration and embarassment, I tried Proactiv (I had worried it would be too harsh/drying for my sensitive/psoriasis skin) and it worked immediately. Within a week my skin was noticeably better and I would say that after the first couple of days I saw my pimples reacting in a way I had never seen with other products. Now, two months later, my skin is clear - it's amazing and it makes me so happy. I wish I had tried it sooner and saved myself some unnecessary stress.

    I should let you know that I was very careful when I began - I only used it once a day and I didn't use too much and stayed away from the mask for the first few weeks. My skin was a little red at first but now I am used to it.

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  • by mimi_the_1 on October 18th, 2007

    mimi_the_1

    i use to use proactiv when i was 17 and i used it until i was 20 but it was expensive and when i stopped i completely got worse my face went from flawless and compliments everday to a face full of acne and scras from picking and people comment how bad my skin is and now i began using proactiv again and its doing nothing... once u start using it u cant stop bc it gets sooo bad :(

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  • by DA BEN DAN yanggui zi on August 26th, 2007

    DA BEN DAN yanggui zi

    consumer reports said 'no'...that it wasn't any better than over-the-counter medications

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  • by BlueEyes0706 on August 26th, 2007

    BlueEyes0706

    My skin occassionally breaks out and lately I started to get more than usual. I ordered Proactiv a few weeks ago and when I received it I used it right away. First of all, don't use a good towel because it will automatically take the color out of it. Two weeks went by and slowly my face started to clear up. I read online about it and with what I read decided to stop using it. After looking online and talking to people I tried a 3 Step System by Clinique. I have been using it for a week and my face looks great. I read up on it on Sephora's website. There are different products for different skin types. I would recommend Clinique before Proactiv. Worked quicker for me and I love it!

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  • by england on July 29th, 2006

    england

    i have heard its the best product around

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  • by fefelaroo on April 3rd, 2008

    fefelaroo

    i REALLY hope it does, i just got it yesterday!

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  • by Pabski on July 18th, 2008

    Pabski

    I really don't know! I just ordered like 1 week and a half ad I will see if it works.. I really hope it works because I really asked my mom to buy it and it was a little expensive, but neither I want my face red or dry like many comments in this web say!
    Thank you 4 viewing!
    Pablo

    P.S. When I use it, I will tell u my results =)

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  • by cheer1000tn on August 14th, 2008

    cheer1000tn

    no i used it and my face got 10 times worse it got so bad that my dermatologist put me on the medication accutane which is the strongest acne medicine out there dont use it.......

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  • by frufru on November 4th, 2008

    frufru

    I just bought it today, but if it is going to bring out acne, then I don't think I want to use it. I don't have bad acne, just some on my chin. I hope it does work. And does anyone know how to get rid of acne scars? i picked at some pimples and now have scars that i hate.

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  • by that70sShop on March 24th, 2008

    that70sShop

    I used it about 10 years ago,and it worked really well for me,to the point I didnt have to use anything for along time to come.

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  • by Jade on March 10th, 2008

    Jade

    Everyone I know who uses it says it works very well, but you have to keep using it.

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  • by -_You Can Leave Your Hat On....- on March 10th, 2008

    -_You Can Leave Your Hat On....-

    yes but i suggest its only used as a quick-fix?

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  • by wALKing on waT3r on March 10th, 2008

    wALKing on waT3r

    I hear a lot of mixed reviews. But for the product to truly work, you need to use all of the given solutions even though some of the stuff is just normal benzyl peroxide which you can get from Walgreens, CVS, or your local Jewl-Osco. My cousin had pretty nice results.

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  • by Pcktszdpunk on March 7th, 2009

    Pcktszdpunk

    NO it does not, at least not for me. I was 16 when first used proactive. I had a few pimples they were not severe but I decided to purchase it since I believed It would work. I was wrong!!! My skin turn very red, I started peeling tremendously. It was not doing anything for pimples accept irritate them. Then A few months later I decided to completely stop using proactive but when I did, I broke out everywhere! My chin, my cheeks, my forehead. I even had some hurt full pimples on my nose. Now it's been 2 years Since I haven't used proactive. And I have severe acne scarring on my cheeks. And still to date nothing seems improve my skin. Accept Salycic Acid Neutrogina Cleanser ( its orange ) and it turns to foam when you use it so its very gentle on the pimples and wont irritate the skin. It's working very well on pimples but I'm really sad i have acne scars.

    Besides this, if you are on proactiv I advise you to always wear sun protection. Well you should always wear spf 15 lotion

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  • by kbomby on July 16th, 2009

    kbomby

    Check out:
    http://www.doesproactivreallywork.com

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  • by Anonymous on July 17th, 2009

    Anonymous

    Yes Proactive really works. It is like any other skincare product it works for most but not all. But let me tell you consistancy is Key. You cant use it whenever you want. You Have to use it Day, and Night, everyday. Thats the only way it will work. Im 14 years old and I discovered this on my own. You know how most people are saying it works but if you stop you break out. Thats Because proactive has a strong chemical in it (Like Nicotine) thats gets your skin addicted to it and used to it so if you dont use it you get the short end of the stick and break out.

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  • by Go know thyself is THE RED QUEEN on July 17th, 2009

    Go know thyself is THE RED QUEEN

    It is VERY drying.

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  • by RockRchick on November 4th, 2009

    RockRchick

    Depends on your skin type. It didn't work for me because I'm sensitive to the active ingredient. It burned my skin really bad. I think anyone who doesn't respond to regular OTC drugs should try this, but if it doesn't work you need a derm. I had to go to the derm unfortunately. :(

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  • by Anonymous on February 18th, 2007

    Anonymous

    I've used it and had some results, but I would still get pimples. I used a acne purification treatment that I found at www.acnefreeindays.com and it worked a lot better. Proactive is good for cleansing, but for the price I don't think its worth it. I also didnt like having to be on a autodelivery system with them.

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  • by Shanel with an S on July 14th, 2009

    Shanel with an S

    it made things worse before it got better, but in all it worked for me.

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  • by vj6999 on April 13th, 2009

    vj6999

    I din't use it but my friend did.. It really worked for him... I know it takes a little pain in using it.. but all is well that ends well.. he got what he paid for.... that is all that matters at the end of the day, right?... I personally don't recommend any medicines for pimples and scars... just being out of stress, eating healthy, and good sleeping habits will really help u look more younger and healthier than your age... excessive water intake is the best medicine for good looking skin..

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  • by Mz.MeMe on July 14th, 2009

    Mz.MeMe

    i don't have acne i just have a few pimples on my face and a couple on my forehead and i want to get proactive but i don't know if it works that well and i don't wanna risk anything can someone please help me.

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  • by unknown on July 14th, 2009

    unknown

    It really didn't work for me.

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  • by Pcktszdpunk on March 7th, 2009

    Pcktszdpunk

    NO it does not, at least not for me. I was 16 when first used proactive. I had a few pimples they were not severe but I decided to purchase it since I believed It would work. I was wrong!!! My skin turn very red, I started peeling tremendously. It was not doing anything for pimples accept irritate them. Then A few months later I decided to completely stop using proactive but when I did, I broke out everywhere! My chin, my cheeks, my forehead. I even had some hurt full pimples on my nose. Now it's been 2 years Since I haven't used proactive. And I have severe acne scarring on my cheeks. And still to date nothing seems improve my skin. Accept Salycic Acid Neutrogina Cleanser ( its orange ) and it turns to foam when you use it so its very gentle on the pimples and wont irritate the skin. It's working very well on pimples but I'm really sad i have acne scars.

    Besides this, if you are on proactiv I advise you to always wear sun protection. Well you should always wear spf 15 lotion

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  • by Anonymous on December 19th, 2006

    Anonymous

    not for every type of skin, because it can cause the acne to worst'n if you don't wash your face ONE time, then best to believe that you will have a face full of acne again or more then what you had. so don't waste your money!!!

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  • by Hannah_B9665 on August 10th, 2010

    Hannah_B9665

    It does work , it can take up to 4 - 8 weeks to see resluts during that time your acne can worsten but that is normal it will clear up as along can you use it as directed .

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  • by woman_for_God on July 8th, 2010

    woman_for_God

    I use to use proactiv and actually it irritated my face. It always left my skin breaking out or in a bad rash. The only thing that worked for me was the refining mask. It will work for some and others it wont. I always thought I would have acne the rest of my life and I would always have to live with that. But I saw a commercial on MaxClarity. I heard all this great stuff about it and it was in my budget range so I was like what the heck! And went for it. I've been using it for a month now and it works wonders! I saw results the next day after I used it for the first time. It dries out your skin for a few days then your skin will go back to normal. I would highly recommend using MaxClarity over Proactiv.

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  • by charismap1 on August 19th, 2010

    charismap1

    I have been reading the reviews about Proactive and I see there are mixed reviews. Some people says it works and some says it doesn't. A lot of people are saying that when you stop using Proactive , the acne comes back. But, if you do you research you will find that there is no cure for ACNE. I had ACNE since I was 14 years old and 20 years later- I still suffer from it. I have been going to the dermatologist and I have been using the prescribed medication Tazaroc which works. But, when I first started using it , my face got worst. It was so bad that I didn;t want to go outside. But, after a few weeks it started getting better and clear.

    However, I was unable to get an appointment with my dermatologist for a few months and when I stopped using the Tazorac , lo and behold, I broke out severly. The dermatologist wouldn't give me a new prescription until she saw me. But, my schedule conflicted with hers, So, I ordered Proactive. So, I just started using it for about a week and it does seem like my skin is getting worst. But, I think that is normal. The dermatologist told me that even when my face clear - I need to see her once every season because the acne will come back because there is no cure for ACNE. The dermatologist also advised me that the prescribed medication retin A, Tazorac makes your skin worst before it gets better. I don't know why but that is what I think will happen with Proactive. I am giving myself 2 months to see if it really works.

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  • by charismap1 on August 19th, 2010

    charismap1

    I have been reading the reviews about Proactive and I see there are mixed reviews. Some people says it works and some says it doesn't. A lot of people are saying that when you stop using Proactive , the acne comes back. But, if you do you research you will find that there is no cure for ACNE. I had ACNE since I was 14 years old and 20 years later- I still suffer from it. I have been going to the dermatologist and I have been using the prescribed medication Tazaroc which works. But, when I first started using it , my face got worst. It was so bad that I didn;t want to go outside. But, after a few weeks it started getting better and clear.

    However, I was unable to get an appointment with my dermatologist for a few months and when I stopped using the Tazorac , lo and behold, I broke out severly. The dermatologist wouldn't give me a new prescription until she saw me. But, my schedule conflicted with hers, So, I ordered Proactive. So, I just started using it for about a week and it does seem like my skin is getting worst. But, I think that is normal. The dermatologist told me that even when my face clear - I need to see her once every season because the acne will come back because there is no cure for ACNE. The dermatologist also advised me that the prescribed medication retin A, Tazorac makes your skin worst before it gets better. I don't know why but that is what I think will happen with Proactive. I am giving myself 2 months to see if it really works.



    Read more: Does Proactiv really work as it says? | Answerbag http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/67239#ans9545144#ixzz0x7Xe9kYy

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  • by Anonymous on August 24th, 2010

    Anonymous

    It's different for everyone...Worked for me, not my brother

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  • by mgdancerchik on August 24th, 2010

    mgdancerchik

    It doesn't work, dont spend yoour time and money on it. I used for a good 8 months. I WANT THAT 8 MONTHS OF MY LIFE BACK! It cleared up nothing. It gave me redness dryness stinging iching and peeling. If you want to get something that works, get Clean&Clear. Thats the best, and its cheaper and you can buy it in stores.

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  • by kayla9468 on June 19th, 2010

    kayla9468

    Well a week from now I made my order for the product pro-cativ
    desperatley wanting this prduct for so long, finally I have made the
    order a week from now so I am now waiting patiently for it.
    Right now I sit @ my computer and decide to read some information
    regarding pro-activ, most of the comments posted are negative, they
    reccommend for you to not buy this product, what am I gonna do????

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  • by ieowlakds on June 1st, 2010

    ieowlakds

    Short Answer: Pond's crema de limpieza (cleaning cream). It's a green bottle. If you want to dry out pimples quick, use a sulfur soap then a sulfur mask (AcneFree Therapeutic Sulfur Mask) only on the pimple. Use Pond's morning and night. Use the sulfur stuff like twice a week if you don't want to dry out your face and only if your acne is really really bad.

    Long Answer:
    You know, I drink tons of water and am pretty slim. I used to have clear skin. No lie, my teenage years, I had pretty skin. My first pimple came at 14 and like one when I was 17. When I started college, my skin broke out terribly. Acne is caused by different things but people, please, stop picking at your skin and stop drying it out with all this crap that you see on TV. I'm Mexican, so of course, I believe in Mexican medications so I pretty much ignore any American solutions now. Anyway, that's not the point. My skin is clearing up nicely and I have used TONS of stuff like the 3step Clearasil and Neutrogena and Clean and Clear. Well, I went with my Mexican gut and used what my mom, who has always had nice skin, used when she was my age. It was Ponds (crema de limpieza) meaning cleaning cream. It is the green bottle that takes off makeup and cleans your skin. Even if you're a guy, use it; it's not just for girls.

    I put it all over my face and massage it in everywhere. Then I leave it for about ten minutes and use just regular toilet paper to wipe it off my face. If you want, you can rinse your face with cold water afterwards but I don't. It really works. There are no chemicals or anything so it will NOT dry out your face. I have really sensitive skin so everything killed my face before. If you want to dry out pimples fast, use this and then wash your face with a face soap. I use sulfur soaps when my acne gets bad, but use it sparingly. Then use a little sulfur mask ONLY on your pimple, let it dry, and then wipe it with a soft damp towel. Try using AcneFree Therapeutic Sulfur Mask. Also use sparingly. You will see results!!

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  • by karma3p80 on April 16th, 2010

    karma3p80

    I used proactive for a while and it worked for me. I got compliments on my skin a lot. Then, I stopped using it because I didn't want to pay for it anymore. My acne got worse and my skin looks horrible. I just ordered some more to start using it again. If it works for you it is worth it.

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  • by alirew on April 8th, 2010

    alirew

    I have yet to try Proactiv, but have ordered it and received it about a month ago. I am already dissatisfied with it. First off if you order online you are signing up for reoccurring shipments every month. I did not know this until I saw my bank statement. I was displeased with that fact first and foremost because I dont even know if it works so why would I sign up for more and more shipments. Then I called customer service to ask why I was charged and the people were so unbelievably rude. I will never buy this product again even if it does work! I heard anyway from my friend whom uses it that as soon as she stopped using it her face broke out ten times worse than before she used it. You can buy ten dollar prescriptions from the doctor that work I am sure just as good. I say stick with a prescription because proactiv has been a bad experience for me and I haven't even used it yet.

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  • by lovespell123 on May 30th, 2010

    lovespell123

    I started using it about a week and a half to 2 weeks ago. i was SO excited because first of all my stress level was very high.. i didnt have that bad of acne.. and my acne has changed over the years. im 19 years old. when i was younger i had it around the mouth and chin every once in a whil i would get one here and there. i had HORRIBLE blackheads on my nose and my skin was DRY but oily .lol i know weird? like it would be oily lookin but i had like dead skin on it I HATED MY SKIN. i wore makeup every single day then i got proactiv. the first day i used it. my skin was soooo soft and the dry spots are gone.. sometimes it does get oily though but oh well. my main problem now that im 19 and has been for a year my forhead way at the top i have like scars or just red spots... they have cleared up A LITTLE bit. but hopefully within the full 3 weeks are goneee but i will see. all i know is my skin looks way healthier and not dry or anything. it looks so much better.ALSO nothing has gotten rid of my blackheads except this proactiv and i havent even used it long.. seriously i have used bore i have used olay and clean and clear and even those strips... but now my blackheads ARE SERIOUSLY GONE. even those spinning thngs that deep clean ur pores nothing has made my skin this great. so i do recomend it but i think it woorks different on different people so you cant really know unless you try it. it did bring out like a pimple in the middle of my forhead.. like between my eyebrows LOL. but it never came out..like just a red bump but now its like almost gone.. so i guess it brings all ur stuff out then clears it up i dont know but we will see i guess

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  • by DA BEN DAN yanggui zi on May 30th, 2010

    DA BEN DAN yanggui zi

    Consumer Reports magazine didn't give it a very high rating.

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  • by researcher on May 30th, 2010

    researcher

    use clean and clear three step system. I was clear in a week, for only 20.00$. My acne was horrible before!!

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  • by AmyLeeFan1 on August 26th, 2010

    AmyLeeFan1

    Yes it works, but you cant stop using it or you break out really bad. Its really expensive too and it does take a long time. Im just trying to figure out now how I can stop using it.....

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  • by FanOfAvrilLavigne on September 17th, 2010

    FanOfAvrilLavigne

    If you want to try proactiv, Just TRY it. Everyones skin is different. It may work or it may not. Best of Luck!

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  • by Mr. Black on February 17th, 2011

    Mr. Black

    I fuck'n hate infomercials but........ My wife uses this stuff and it works fantastic.

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  • by chrisssy00000 on February 17th, 2011

    chrisssy00000

    At first it didn't work for me it was about 2 years ago I used it for 3 months...Recently I 've seen a dermatologist and I got an antibiotic treatment it worked but not as much as I was hoping for so I thought I should give proactiv another try it worked miracles I'm still not sure what happened. The doctor said I had a bug and that's why nothing worked on my skin, after the antibiotic treatment my skin stays clear with proactiv it's working. If proactiv doesn't work for you maybe you should see a specialist at first and then you could give it another try, I don't regret I did.

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  • by jess6684 on March 19th, 2012

    jess6684

    I feel it works really well, but if you decide to stop using it, the acne seems to come back very quick. I am luck enough not to have to use it everyday as they recommend, I can go with using it only every 3 days. But I noticed when I stopped using it for a week because I didn't have the money to buy more, my acne came back so quick! I love the stuff though, so I usually look on craigslist to find people that have to many orders and are selling them for like half price!! I get the biggest bottles for half price and they last me a long time. After I had my children I started getting really bad acne, and I tried practically EVER over the counter face wash that was available at the store, and those face washes seemed to give me more acne. So I was at a garage sale one day and they had some for sale, I went home, used it, and noticed my face was clearing the next morning! It does work, but be prepared to use it forever haha

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