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How old do you have to be to use the acne treatment PROACTIV?

Hey Dave, can you tell me how old do you have to be to use the acne treatment PROACTIV? I've heard great things about it, but I fear that at 14 I'm too young and would rather have real facts than try to argue with my dad about it, yknow?

Dave's Answer:

I haven't heard of PROACTIV, but a little bit of investigative work with our pal Google will certainly reveal any of the limitations or restrictions of this prescription drug.

First off, I simply used Google to search for "manufacturer PROACTIV" and instantly found that the manufacturer conveniently has an AdWords paid advert in the search results:

PROACTIV Acne Medication: Sponsored Link @ Google

I won't click on this ad, however, because I can just as easily type in the short URL and save the company a few cents in ad costs: PROACTIV.com.

First thing I see on the PROACTIV site is that famous celebrities like Vanessa Williams, Jessica Simpson and Elle Macpherson all use this skin care system. Impressive! I kinda wonder how much these celebrities are charging the company to use their likenesses and names, but since PROACTIV is produced by Guthy-Renker, I get the feeling that this is more about marketing than pharmaceuticals.

Buried in the Customer Care: Product Questions area is the following question and answer:

Is Proactiv Solution safe for teenagers?

Proactiv Solution was originally developed and formulated for young adults between the ages of 12-25, but people of all ages have had success with our products. Please contact your personal physician if you have concerns about using Proactiv Solution.

But let's not stop here.

The active ingredient in Proactiv Solution is benzoyl peroxide, so let's pop over to the US Food & Drug Administration site and see what the FDA has to say about benzoyl peroxide, shall we?

Ah, interesting. On a page entitled On the Teen Scene: Using Over-The-Counter Medications Wisely, the FDA says:

Another type of skin problem, pimples or acne, can also be treated with topical OTC products. Many of these lotions (such as Clearasil products and Oxy-5 and -10) contain benzoyl peroxide in strengths of 2.5, 5, or 10 percent. It's best to try the lower dosage level first, to keep your skin from getting too dry.

The FDA has called for more safety studies on benzoyl peroxide because of concern about what happens when skin treated with it is exposed to the sun. Until research can establish or disprove a possible skin cancer link to the use of benzoyl peroxide products, the agency plans to require an extra warning and directions on the labeling: "When using this product, avoid unnecessary sun exposure and use sunscreen." and "If going outside, use a sunscreen. Allow [product name] to dry, then follow directions in the sunscreen labeling. If irritation or sensitivity develops, discontinue use of both products and consult a doctor."

I can't find anywhere on the Proactiv Solution site that indicates what dosage of benzoyl peroxide is in their product, but it seems reasonable to assume it's at ten percent, doesn't it? Further, note the implication here: Clearasil and Oxy-10 have the same active ingredient at the same strength as Proactive. And I bet it's a lot cheaper).

Anyway, from my research it's clear that Proactiv Solutions is a very popular approach to dealing with acne, and it's also apparently safe for 14 year olds, but I'd encourage you to try less expensive over the counter solutions coupled with a good cleanser before you pay for the fancy 60-day supply.

Whatever path you travel, good luck to you!

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Categorized: d) None of the Above (Article 5968)
Tagged: acne medication, guthy-renker, proactiv solution
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Comments

I don't know too much about proactive but I'm fairly confident that most mild cases of acne can be controlled by simply following a simple face washing technique and a few simple acne tips.

Posted by: Andrew R. at September 18, 2006 11:13 PM

HI!!!

I just wanted to say that Proactive has a 2% solution of peroxide and while a lot of people have said that it doesn't work for them, I have found that it works wonders for me. In fact it is the only thing that keeps my face clear. Yes it can dry you out, but you have to use the moisturizer. Also, if it doesn't work for you see your doctor. Everyone's skin is different and what works for some may not work for you.

Posted by: tanya at December 29, 2007 9:38 AM

For those interested, here are the ingredients from the packaging. My son uses it and won't use anything else.

ProActiv Renewing Cleanser
Renewing Cleanser Active Ingredient:
Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5%
Renewing Cleanser Other Ingredients:
Water, Disodium Dimethicone Copolyol, Sulfoscuccinate, Glyceryl, Neopentylglycol, Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Sorbitol, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Polyethylene, Cetyl Esters, Sodium Pca, Chamomine Extract, Xanthan Gum, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Sodium Hyaluronate, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Fragrance
(Details copied from product packaging.)

ProActiv Revitalizing Toner
Toner Ingredients:
Water, Glycolic Acid 6%, Polysorbate-20, Aoe Vera,
Chamomile Extract, Rose Bud Extract, Witch Hazel Extract,
Glycerin, Panthenol Allantoin, Hydroxyetghylcellulose, Sodium PCA,Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Sodium Hydroxide,Benzophenone-4, Tetrasodium EDTA, FD & C Blue NO. 1, Fragrance, FD & C Yellow NO. 5
(Details copied from product packaging.)

ProActiv Repairing Lotion.
Repairing Lotion Active Ingredients:
Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5%
Repairing Lotion Other Ingredients:
Water, Carbomer, Cyclomethicone, Ethoxydiglycol, Glyceryl Stearate, Peg-100 Stearate, Cetereth-20, Propylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Panthenol, Allantoin, Xanthan Gum, Triethanolamine, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Fragrance
(Details copied from product packaging.)

Posted by: nmyb at May 28, 2008 5:05 PM

I have something to say, now that you mention it, but ...

I do have a lot to say, and questions of my own for that matter, but first I'd like to say thank you for all your efforts on this Web site by buying you a cup of coffee!

I do have a comment, now that you mention it!