For many people, acne has long been a source of difficulty and grave anxiety. Millions of individuals experience it every day, and with so many medications already on the market, it can be difficult to determine which ones are effective.
There’s a strong possibility that you’ve heard of Proactiv, one of the world’s top providers of acne treatment. Proactiv has been on the market for a while, and as time goes on, new varieties of the product line are introduced.
The main component of Proactiv is benzoyl peroxide, and it describes the three-step procedure to be used with products from the same company. Proactiv Plus, on the other hand, was created with tiny particles that enable the medication to penetrate through the “gunk” and reach deep into the pores.
Two fantastic acne treatment choices from the same manufacturer are Proactiv and Proactiv Plus.
So without further ado, here’s how the two items compare to one another; let’s begin!
What Is Proactiv?
Proactiv, a product made especially for acne-prone skin, penetrates your pores deeply with finely milled benzoyl peroxide to help stop acne-causing bacteria in their tracks and inhibit the development of new breakouts.
Proactiv treats and calms acne-prone skin by focusing on the bacterial, oil production, and dead skin cell buildup that are the main causes of acne. Benzoyl peroxide has been micronized.
Proactiv treats current outbreaks, reduces swelling and redness, and helps stop new ones from forming.
Because allergic skin reactions are a genuine possibility, even though Proactiv contains these active chemicals in very low concentrations, the products may nevertheless irritate some skin types.
Possible Side Effects Of Proactiv
Infrequent yet moderate side effects can include dryness and irritation in certain people.
Several of the Proactiv branded treatments contain substances like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, which may cause hypersensitivity or allergies in a small subset of people.
If you fall under one of those categories, you should not take a product containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide without first discussing it with your doctor.
The following negative consequences could occur if salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide continue to irritate your skin:
- Red Skin (Burning)
- Peeling
- Irritation
- Tightness in Throat
- Hives
- Swelling of Eyes
What Is Proactiv Plus?
In actuality, Proactiv Plus represents a substantial advancement over earlier products in the Proactiv line. The line and its advancement over the previous Proactive have been described with words like “healing,” “revolutionary,” and “important.”
With this innovative technique, the benzoyl peroxide in the original Proactiv penetrates your pores more deeply. Older cosmetics are too heavy to effectively penetrate those tiny pores.
Small particles used in the development of Proactiv Plus enable the medication to penetrate deeply into pores and pass through “gunk.”
Its mixture encapsulates the benzoyl peroxide particles at a concentration of roughly 2.5%, which is still quite powerful at eliminating the bacteria that cause acne, so they don’t inflame your pores but can still do their job of killing acne-causing organisms.
How Long Does It Take Proactiv Plus To Clear Acne?
Results from using Proactiv+ often take four to six weeks to manifest. If your acne is severe, it could take up to eight weeks for things to go better.
You must be sure to use Proactiv+ exactly as instructed. You might not immediately see all of the wonderful changes that your skin is undergoing.
The Proactiv 3-Step Method, which transformed the way acne is treated, must be used if you want the greatest outcomes.
Each stage builds on the one before it, addressing the acne cycle to get rid of existing blemishes and aid in the prevention of new ones.
Modernized micronized benzoyl peroxide, which is part of the Proactiv 3-Step System, is created to function more quickly and gently than ever before.
Ingredients: Proactiv vs. Proactiv+
Both of these high-end acne treatments contain some common ingredients which include the following, alongside their different functions in fighting acne:
- Benzoyl Peroxide
- Glycolic Acid
- Salicylic Acid
- Hyaluronic acid
| Ingredient | Function |
| Benzoyl Peroxide | It has efficacy against Cutibacterium acnes on the skin and in hair follicles and is antibacterial. |
| Glycolic Acid | It works by severing the connections that hold the next layer of skin cells and the outer layer of skin cells, which includes dead skin cells. |
| Salicylic Acid | It was once used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including acne, dandruff, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and more. |
| Hyaluronic Acid | It promotes skin flexibility and stretch, lessens lines and wrinkles, promotes wound healing, and can lessen scarring. |
The main factor of difference in terms of ingredients lies in Proctiv+ Skin Brightening Complex, as well as its three-step routine.
Skin-brightening botanicals like kojic acid, licorice extract, bearberry root, and sophora root are found in its Skin Brightening Complex.
It features a hydrating compound with potent humectants including hyaluronic acid that attract moisture like a magnet to help the skin look visibly plumper and more hydrated.
Last but not least, it has a compound for skin conditioning that contains specific skincare components like bisabolol that are meant to reduce redness and irritation.
Step 3 Complexion Perfecting Hydrator contains all three of these complexes as well as a skin mattifier and nourishing prebiotic. These are the high-end skincare components that Proactiv+ now contains.
What Is The Difference Between Proactiv And Proactiv Plus?
Proactiv and Proactiv Plus are both products from the same company and share the same purpose, which is to aid in the fight against acne-causing bacteria, treat acne, and stop additional acne buildup.
The texture, component formulation, and skin reaction are what differentiate them. The conclusions drawn from an extensive investigation into reviews and ingredients are as follows.
The original Proactiv had a thicker benzoyl peroxide consistency, which prevented the product from being fully absorbed and instead caused it to build up on the skin.
Typically, following the initial application, benzoyl peroxide gel or slow-release products containing up to 5.5% of the ingredient do not significantly irritate the skin.
Proactiv Plus contains 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, which is quickly absorbed by the skin and passes through pores without giving users a tingling sensation.
Moreover, Proactiv Plus includes a few extra functions. It turns out that Proactive Plus hydrates your skin as well, aiding in the retention of peroxide in your pores.
Also, the moisturizer will help with any other problems you might have, such as fine lines, wrinkles, or dark spots. In just a few treatments, your skin will be softer and more even.
Alternatives To Proactiv And Proactiv Plus
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Acne System
Salicylic acid is one of the dermatology-related chemicals included in its formulation. Its acne treatment effectively combats all phases of the pimple lifecycle while guaranteeing perfect tolerance, even on sensitive skin.
This acne spot treatment, which contains micro-exfoliating lipo-hydroxy acid and 5.5% micronized benzoyl peroxide, claims to produce results that can be seen in under three days.
It not only clears acne but also stops subsequent breakouts due to its special anti-recurrence activity.
Clean and Clear Advantage Acne Control Kit
An easy-to-use 3-piece Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Control Kit is available for skin that is prone to breakouts. It works to prevent them without over-drying the skin.
It has a cleanser, gel treatment, and moisturizer with benzoyl peroxide medication that works to unclog pores for skin that looks clearer.
Also, this topical therapy can make zits less painful in two hours and more attractive in four.
Conclusion
- Proactiv+ developed a more contemporary version of the cream by incorporating extra components and a lighter consistency that helps minimize skin irritation.
- Proactiv aims to lessen the irritation produced by acne-causing bacteria by employing benzoyl peroxide and similar chemicals.
- A moisturizer with one of the known comedogenic (pore-clogging) chemicals, ethyl hexyl palmitate, is present in the Complexion Perfecting Hydrator, one of the three steps of the Proactiv Plus program. It surpasses the original Proactiv because of this.
- Select the Proactiv system that is suited for your skin type for the best results. Consider your skin type before you try Proact products and create the system that’s best for you with additional products to ensure that you’re always giving your skin exactly what it needs to look young and healthy.