Proactiv Renewing Cleanser Product Review

Having beautiful, clear, and acne free skin is a wish any girl would have. Well, I've been wishing for that ever since I hit my teens. Now that I'm in my early 30's (huhu yes birthday coming up in several days from now... :P) I had kind of hoped that I will eventually get over the acne dilemma. Ever since last year, I learned so much from Proactiv and realized that the acne doesn't all go away. BUT you can control it with the help of Proactiv. So I was pretty much excited that I was able to personally try out and test their amazing product -- the Proactiv Renewing Cleanser! 

So if you haven't heard about Proactiv yet, well THIS is supposed to be the answer to your acne woes! The Proactiv Renewing Cleanser is an oil free, soap free medicated formula contains advanced micro crystal benzoyl peroxide in combination with mild cleanser that lightly washes the skin. Tiny beads gently exfoliate dead cells and impurities so they can’t clog pores. The benzoyl peroxide penetrates the pores fast while being gentle to the skin. It attacks, kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce the number of acne pimples.

Key Ingredients

Benzoyl Peroxide This is the key anti bacterial agent to fight  acne. The 2.5% concentration is just effective as 10% solutions in controlling the majority of acne cases and much gentler to your skin. This low concentration gives it the acne-fighting benefit of even higher concentrations, but not the side-effects!

Other Ingredients Include

• Sodium Hyaluronate. This mucopolysaccharides act as humectant to draw moisture to skin. Mucopolysaccharides are gel like substances surrounding the collagen and elastin in the dermis layer of the skin. 
• Polyethylene. These small round beads have no sharp edges that can tear and scratch the skin while they gently remove old, dead cells. 
• Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract. A botanical extract known for its soothing properties.

  

I couldn't wait to try out the Proactiv Renewing Cleanser. Of course before anything else, you must know how to use it. Here are the directions.  

1. Use morning and night. Yes like any cleanser, you can use it twice a day. So clean face before you sleep and clean face before you face a brand new day. :)

2. Now as part of my routine, I normally remove my makeup first before using a cleanser. :) Now if you don't use makeup or if you are going to wash your face in the morning, you can skip this step. 

 

I just came from a long day of work and commute. So I've got my makeup on on the LEFT photo there. Yes, it kinda smeared.. coz of the oiliness of my face and well commuting in the heat of the afternoon didn't help either, So the RIGHT photo is after I had used my makeup remover. On the surface it does look a bit clean (less shine on my face) but you and I know that that's not the complete story. It still needs a thorough cleaning so that acne will not populate my face. hehe. 

3. Then apply a small (dime-sized) amount to damp skin and gently massage for 1 to 2 minutes.

So basically that's how much I use on my face. Yes it doesn't look a lot but I tell you, it packs a punch! I mean, it's definite enough for it to make it's magic on my face. While applying the product to your face, DO NOT EXPECT FOAM OR BUBBLES. Yes, don't look for it coz it's not gonna happen. The Proactiv Renewal Cleanser doesn't work like that. And later on this post, I will explain why that's a good thing. 

Here's a tip someone taught me on how to wash my face -- don't use your point fingers. When you wash your face, be GENTLE. And you can achieve that gentle washing by using your last three fingers. Di masyadong madiin ang dating pag ganun. Then what I do is just use upward circular strokes while massaging the Proactiv Renewal Cleanser on my face. This kind of motion helps maintain the firmness of your face. Downward direction will only help in the sagging of your cheeks.. now we don't want that to happen diba? :)

After a minute of massaging, you can definitely feel your face reacting the product. Don't be alarmed. In my case, I could feel a slight tightening on my face. I figured that means.. it's working. YAY!

4. Then of course, rinse thoroughly with warm water. 

5. And finally, pat dry

**Please take note that if bothersome dryness or peeling occurs, reduce application to once a day or every other day. And of course, if going outside use a sunscreen

For me, one of the immediate results that I can sense from the Proactiv Renewal Cleanser is my amazingly super smooth face. YES! I swear my face becomes softer and smoother as compared before any other face cleansing product that I've used. I've never felt this level of smoothness to my face IMMEDIATELY after the cleansing. Kaya pala medyo rough or magaspang yung face ko before is because of dead skin cells. When I look at the mirror, I feel it lightened. (hehe or feeling magaan ang face kasi no more oil.. no more dead skin cells). Now it's all clear!

Well it looks like that indeed, Proactiv Renewing Cleanser is superior than regular cleanser or soap. While it may seem counter intuitive, harsh scrubbing does not unclog your pores any better than 

gentle cleansing, and may actually worsen your acne. That's why ang advise ko, gentle upward circular strokes! Cleansing and scrubbing only reduce surface oils and dean skin cells. Many people use harsh products, laden with alcohol and foamy surfactants (detergents) somehow wash the acne off their skin. However, these actions produce irritation and worsen acne. Now with Proactiv Rewnewing Cleanser, it is possible to gently unplug pores with fine polyethylene beads that gently relieve impacted pores without irritation

Look Ma, no pimples! hehe. Yep, the dark spots are just dark or red spots of where I used to have pimples. As of three days of using, no pimples have surfaced. Hopefully, this will be the good report I will be sharing as I continue using the product. 

One thing that I really appreciate about the Proactiv Renewing Cleanser is that it does not contain any surfactants that can harsh the skin. Proactiv Renewing Cleanser is formulated without the harsh detergents known as surfactants found in many other cleansers. Surfactants, which are responsible for a sudsy foam and lather, strip skin of its essential oils. As a result, the skin barrier becomes damaged and vulnerable to irritation and impaction. That's why when you use the cleanser, you won't see any suds or foam. While massaging it gently on your face, you will feel tiny tiny beads (the Polyethylene) rolling on the surface of your skin. It's not harsh but gentle. If you have heavy acne, then that means less irritation to your skin. :)

So to sum it up, what is the role of Renewing Cleanser in Proactiv Combination Therapy? The Renewing Cleanser help removes dead skin cells and impurities which can clog the pore. The advanced microcrystal benzoyl peroxide in the Proactiv® 3-Step System kill acne-causing bacteria while the glycolic acid and other exfoliants reduce excess oils and dead skin cells. If this just Step 1 to an acne free skin, imagine how much more effective the whole Proactiv Combination Therapy will be to you. I've been using the cleanser for several days already and can feel the results. So far no pimples have surfaced. YAY! I've tried it.. and loved it! I really really recommend this to you if you have acne. Hope you will also feel and enjoy an acne free summer (yes yung weather na natin ay parang summer na! hehe). 

The Proactiv Renewing Cleanser is included in the Proactiv Solution 30-day and 60-day kits. 

Proactiv Solution kits are available at: 

a. Proactiv Online Shopping: http://my.proactiv.com.ph 

b. Proactiv Delivery Door–to-Door Hotlines:

c. Proactiv Mall Kiosks

d. Watson and SM Department Stores (Beauty Section) nationwide

Metro Manila Landline: (02) 729-2222

Globe Provincial: 1-800-8-729-8888

PLDT Provincial: 1-800-10-889-4444

Mobile Number: 0917-801-888

Glorietta, Ground Floor

Trinoma, 2nd Floor

Nicole Scherzinger Sizzles as Proactiv's New Endorser

Hey coffeeholics! Guess whose Proactive's brand new endorser? Well who else but the very lovely Nicole Scherzinger! And well who hasn't heard of Nicole Scherzinger? Her fabulous face and equally wonderful voice is definitely memorable especially when we all found out that she's one of our very own kababayan. Nicole is actually of Filipino/Hawaiian/Russian descent and her charisma knows no bounds. Her international sex appeal needs no translation. Bet you didn't know that her rise to fame and success wasn't always smooth and easy. She was raised in a modest household by her mom and German-American stepfather, her humble upbringing didn’t deter her from pursuing her burning ambition to become a singer. She exploded into the pop scene as the lead singer of the Pussycat Doll. I was pretty impressed with her awesome vocals and she just exuded this aura of exotic beauty and confidence. One of my favorite songs that she has rendered as part of the Pussycat Dolls was Jai Ho. Absolutely loved her vocals there! Then she embarked on a solo career as a recording artist, selling a total of 60 million records. She also has film experience, won Season 10 of Dancing with the Stars and was a judge at the UK and US editions of The X Factor.


Her Proactiv Story

So how did Nicole got to know about Proactiv? It all started with one of her friends in her band. She must indeed be a good friend because we all know that even if someone has radiant, glowing skin like Nicole, you must still work hard to maintain it that way. Her friend had really bad breakouts and blemishes that really scarred her skin. But then her friend discovered Proactiv and blossomed.

“I feel like in my line of work, I’m always under the microscope. It’s quite traumatic when you have an acne breakout and blemishes because you wake up and you’re hoping that your face is clear,” she shares. Fortunately for Nicole, she found a beauty ally, which allows her to emphasize her personal philosophy that sexiness starts from having clear, blemish-free skin. In no time, she grew to be a Proactiv lover as well.

“They say that the eyes are the windows to our souls, right? But when you have an acne breakout, nobody’s looking at your eyes. They’re looking at your appearance. But when you get clear, they can see you for who you really are,” Nicole says. “With Proactiv, I’m empowered now. I can hold my head up higher. I can smile bigger. And I can put the energy on other people.”

Why Nicole chooses Proactiv over other acne medication

 
Nicole chose Proactiv because of the benzoyl peroxide formulation found  in Proactiv’s 3-Step System. It works safely and more effectively than other products claiming to have benzoyl peroxide in the market. The Proactiv Combination Therapy acne management system combines finely-milled, prescription-grade benzoyl peroxide with sulfur and soothing botanicals like allantoin, panthenol, aloe and chamomile. Together these ingredients gently exfoliate your skin, unplug your pores, attack acne-causing bacteria and soothe inflammation.

Here is what Nicole Scherzinger, certified beauty icon, wants you to know about Proactiv:

“What would I say to somebody who has gone through breakouts and blemishes? That there’s hope. That you can take control. That you can do it. That you can change. Proactiv gives you clear skin. It gives you clarity of mind and self and spirit. I would say that you can take charge of your life again. You can be empowered. You can be who you are meant to be.”

So my dears, if you have been lamenting about all those breakouts and blemishes, Nicole herself said it. There is HOPE. :) You too can have clear beautiful skin. All you have to do to get your hands on Proactiv Solutions is to drop by the nearest Watsons and SM Department Stores (Beauty Section). Or better yet, you can order online and have it delivered to you! Just click this link. Have a great weekend!

Be Stress-free and Acne-free this Christmas with Proactiv

Christmas season can be a very stressful time of the year. It’s the time of year when we usually experience a lot of good stress like the excitement brought about by Christmas shopping and family reunions. But we can also experience bad stress such as Christmas rush traffic and year-end business activities. Regardless if good or bad, stress may aggravate acne.

Photo credit - Proactiv Facebook

I've had my fair share of stress and the aggravating acne that comes with it. The increased levels of stress stimulate the body's production of various hormones and trigger different changes in the skin. Sometimes it causes the skin oils to become more viscous making you more acne prone. Stress also reduces your body’s natural immune defense and your skin doesn’t fight off bacteria build-up as well. When these happen, we become more prone to breakouts. Acne begins when oil collects at the base of the hair follicle and becomes trapped by dead skin cells. Bacteria flourish, form a plug and swell beneath the skin. Stress can make acne worse, causing more anxiety, and creating a vicious cycle.

Photo credit - Proactiv Facebook

I for one has been a bit stressed these past few days.Last week was the "last" week in school for the year 2014. Of course we were all happy but still stressed out with all the practices the students had to do to give their wonderful Christmas presentations for their parents and families to see. Trying to squeeze in some Christmas shopping was also a bit stressful.. whew especially with the TRAFFIC oh diba? To top it off, one of my closest cousin just got married last Saturday, and being one of her bridesmaid was fun but I couldn't help but feel a bit stressed with all the wedding preparations and other bridesmaid duties. But the good news is.. I SURVIVED. I had to.. despite all the puyat and pagod. That's because I made sure that despite all that stress.. I had to find a way to "de-stress" coz bawal din ako ma-stress sabi ng doctor ko (more on that on another post).

Here are some of my favorite ways to de-stress

1. Pamper your feet with a foot spa!

Imagine relaxing your feet in that warm bubbly water. :)

2. Have a mani pedi and relax at your favorite nail salon.

3. Have a MASSAGE (my most favorite way to relax!!!)

FYI I did 1-3 the night before my cousin's wedding

hehe.. that's me and my sis relaxing.. syempre the bride had a massage first 

while we had our nails done. 

4. Snuggle in bed and read a book.

5. Or better yet, Use Proactiv Solution Combination Therapy to prevent acne before they begin.

It's better to start early and prevent acne to become more aggravated right? This can be done with the Proactiv Combination Therapy System. It is a 3-Step System that work together to cleanse your skin, fight the blemishes, help stop new one from forming, and gently heal damaged skin.

Photo credit - Proactiv Facebook

Step 1: Renewing Cleanser
This medicated Renewing Cleanser is made with exclusive micro-crystal benzoyl peroxide – featuring smaller, finer particles designed to quickly penetrate pores to start killing acne-causing bacteria on contact. Tiny exfoliating beads gently remove dirt, excess oil and dead skin cells to help keep pores from clogging.

Step 2: Revitalizing Toner
This refreshing, alcohol-free toner helps remove impurities and excess oil so your skin looks and feels clean, soft and refreshed – not tight and dried out. Soothing botanical agents gently balance your skin tone.

Step 3: Repairing Treatment
The repairing acne treatment is a feather-light medicated treatment that gets deep into clogged pores faster but is designed to be gentler on the skin. It’s an oil-free formula that’s safe for your entire face.

Bonus: Refining Mask
Our rich, deep cleansing mask uses sulfur, a proven acne blemishfighting ingredient that reaches deep into the pores, heals existing blemishes, pampers inflamed skin, and softens and refines the skin’stexture.

So this Christmas, have a stress-free and acne-free face by using the Proactiv Solution Combination Therapy. Gift it to yourself or to your loved one this Christmas! Don't forget to take advantage of the ongoing Proactiv promo which is  The Proactiv 60-Day Limited Edition Pack with FREE Proactiv Advanced Daily Oil Control 50ml which is available at Watsons and SM Department stores (Beauty Section) nationwide. Also, don't forget that you can order your own Proactiv Set ONLINE.. just click this link here.

Have a Merry Stress Free Christmas! :)