Anyone use Proactiv Skin Care?

Meehanbride · February 2011

I never had acne as a teenager. Once inmy 30's I started having terrible acne and tried severeal cleansers including Mary Kay. Finally last year in January I tried Proactiv and it worked wonders. I have read that some of it isnt all that safe to use during pregnancy because of the benzoyl peroxide and the sulfer so this past summer when I got pg, I quit using it. I did NOT break out at all so was happy and started using some Aveeno facial cleanser.

I am now heading into my 2nd tri with this pg and this weekend I have broken out something terrible. I have 4 pimples on my chin, 2 on my nose and several small ones around my forehead and jawbone.

In some ways I would like to start using the Proactiv again but also want to be as safe as possible. Does anyone else have acne problem since getting pregnant? Anyone use Proactiv?

Auki13 · February 2011

I am breaking out too and in the past I have gone to the dermotologist who prescribed something very mild, safe during pregnancy, and it worked wonders! I would suggest asking your doctor first and/or going to a dermatologist.

jntaylor11 · February 2011

I have been using it for 4+ yrs. I have read conflicting reviews some say it's ok some say it's not, I have been able to cut back to using it once a day instead of twice with no additional breakouts. My BF used proactiv her whole PG and her baby is perfectly healthy. If it's really something your questioning ask your Dr for their opinion.

msjcordova · February 2011

Like pp said I think everyones experience is different. I used it for a year or so and when I stopped using is ( due to it being a bit expensive) I broke out really really bad. It took a few months to get it all calmed down again.

mama livingston · February 2011

I use Acne Free, which I think is so much better than ProActive and cheaper, it's only 20.00 dollars. I told my sister and sister law about it and they swear by it now. It's REALLY good! And it's more accessible. You can get it at your local market or pharmacy (Stop and Shop or CVS for example). However, I stopped using it when I realized I was pregnant and I just learned in one of my classes and acutane (an ingredient in a lot of face cleaners) is VERY dangerous for the baby. Now I haven't even looked at the ingredients of ProActive or Acne Free, but like others have said, talk to your doctor first, they'll know what's best. It stinks having a break out when you already feel so crappy (if you're like me and still getting sick and sleeping all the time). I hope your doctor is able to help!

lob · February 2011

I use a line of products from the body shop made with natural ingredients. It's very effective!

https://www.thebodyshop-usa.com/tea-tree

preg_amy · February 2011

mama livingston:
I use Acne Free, which I think is so much better than ProActive and cheaper, it's only 20.00 dollars. I told my sister and sister law about it and they swear by it now. It's REALLY good! And it's more accessible. You can get it at your local market or pharmacy (Stop and Shop or CVS for example). However, I stopped using it when I realized I was pregnant and I just learned in one of my classes and acutane (an ingredient in a lot of face cleaners) is VERY dangerous for the baby. Now I haven't even looked at the ingredients of ProActive or Acne Free, but like others have said, talk to your doctor first, they'll know what's best. It stinks having a break out when you already feel so crappy (if you're like me and still getting sick and sleeping all the time). I hope your doctor is able to help!

Accutane is NOT an ingredient in facial cleansers.

It is a pill for acne, and yes, it is extremely dangerous. But no one here would likely be using it. You have to take monthly pregnancy tests in order to get a prescription. Your doctor has to fill out something online and your pharmacy does too.

Trust me, there is no accutane in your facial cleanser.

Matt Dvorak · February 2011

I've read mixed things - so I just stopped using my acne free. I use only soap and water. I definitely have break outs -but I've managed to control it a bit by limiting my make-up wearing (I know - sucks not to wear make up all of the time when my skin isn't so hot!).

princessheath17 · February 2011

I used this in the past (not while pregnant) and it worked great, but eventually ruined my skin. For at least a year plus my skin was incredibly dry and flaking off - and it had never been like that before. I have also heard that the benzoyl peroxide is really bad while pregnant so I have just been using plain soap now.... I would def check with your doc first.

princessheath17 · February 2011

preg_amy:
mama livingston:
I use Acne Free, which I think is so much better than ProActive and cheaper, it's only 20.00 dollars. I told my sister and sister law about it and they swear by it now. It's REALLY good! And it's more accessible. You can get it at your local market or pharmacy (Stop and Shop or CVS for example). However, I stopped using it when I realized I was pregnant and I just learned in one of my classes and acutane (an ingredient in a lot of face cleaners) is VERY dangerous for the baby. Now I haven't even looked at the ingredients of ProActive or Acne Free, but like others have said, talk to your doctor first, they'll know what's best. It stinks having a break out when you already feel so crappy (if you're like me and still getting sick and sleeping all the time). I hope your doctor is able to help!

Accutane is NOT an ingredient in facial cleansers.
It is a pill for acne, and yes, it is extremely dangerous. But no one here would likely be using it. You have to take monthly pregnancy tests in order to get a prescription. Your doctor has to fill out something online and your pharmacy does too.
Trust me, there is no accutane in your facial cleanser.

THIS! Accutane is a pill, not in over the counter or even prescription face cleaners. And very, very dangerous!

megd06 · February 2011

I use the extra-strength kind--it was cleared by my dr. at my last appt. I used proactiv all through high school, college, and then quit--but just started using it again about a year ago. So far my skin is 95% clear!

kellie7 · February 2011

I recently discovered Neutrogena's Complete Acne System. It's the only thing that has ever worked for me. I've had acne for years and I FINALLY have a clear face at 28. I started using it just before I got pg. For some reason, it's really hard to find though. Lots of places carry it, but it's always sold out.

allyg1006 · February 2011

I use proactiv as well. My doc said that using it once a day is fine since it's topical. He told me not to take any acne meds where you have to ingest them. Like those silly kits they sell at mass retailers.

He also said that it probably won't matter what you use, your hormones are about 8 times their normal level. So far, at 16weeks, I have found that he's right. I used proactiv before just to keep my skin smooth and get rid of blackheads- I've never really had acne. Now... my teenage brother has better skin that I do! I haven't found ANYTHING that gets rids of these big painful things. But if you find something that works, please share!!!

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