The bottom line. Proactiv contains acne-fighting ingredients that may help treat mild to moderate acne breakouts. It won't help you if you have severe acne or cystic or nodular acne, though. Keep in mind that a good skin care routine should focus on keeping skin healthy, in addition to targeting and fighting acne.

ProactivMD® Adapalene Previously available only through prescription, Adapalene is a topical retinoid medication used for the treatment of acne in people age 12 years and older. It's the first FDA-approved over-the-counter topical retinoid for acne treatment.

Directions : Use daily (morning, night, and as needed) to alleviate dryness. Can be worn alone or under makeup. If going outside, layer this hydrator underneath a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

Week 1: You may already start noticing improvements and a new glow. Week 2: You may start to already see a reduction in acne. If your skin is flaky or if you're experiencing retinization described above, be extra generous with the Ultra-Hydrating Moisturizer included.

Most impressive, Proactiv has been so successful by relying on - and almost solely because of - a focus on direct-response marketing: infomercials and internet advertising. It goes far beyond the traditional brand awareness marketing harnessed by giants like Coca-Cola (KO) or Apple (AAPL).

What is ProactivMD ? ProactivMD uses low-concentration adapalene 0.1% as the main active ingredient replacing the sulfur/ benzoyl peroxide combination used in the standard Proactiv kit.

Side Effects of Proactiv A few people in trials have also experienced burning at the application site, influenza, sinusitis and gastroenteritis. “Even though Proactiv has these active ingredients in a very low concentration, the products can still be irritating,” says Cheung.

It's safe. Proactiv offers dermatologist-developed and dermatologist-tested treatment systems. Each system contains clinically-proven ingredients so you can successfully take care of your skin.

You'll want to apply the moisturizer shortly after applying any serums and treatments, to lock a barrier of hydration around the products. Moisturizing can be added to your routine day and night, though some moisturizers may be optimized to only one time of day.

The Ultra-Hydrating Moisturizer in the ProactivMD 3-Piece System features hyaluronic acid to help visibly smooth, soften, and restore the skin's moisture barrier.

In my dermatology practice, the three most common reasons for why acne-treatment products cause skin dryness are: One of the acne medicines in the products is causing irritation or allergic reaction (often salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide). The cleanser used for washing is too drying and irritating.

Its infomercials have featured celebrities who have themselves suffered from acne problems; the list includes Jennifer Love Hewitt, Kelly Clarkson, P. Diddy, Avril Lavigne, Lindsay Lohan, Alyssa Milano, Katy Perry, Jessica Simpson, Britney Spears, Kendall Jenner and Vanessa Williams.

Proactiv, the acne-oriented skin care brand, is rebranding. The company's new name will be Alchemee and the products will focus on a range of skin needs, not just acne.

A few people in trials have also experienced burning at the application site, influenza, sinusitis and gastroenteritis. “Even though Proactiv has these active ingredients in a very low concentration, the products can still be irritating,” says Cheung.

Which proactiv system is right for your skin type? Follow this guide to find out.

• Best for stubborn breakouts: ProactivMD® 3-Piece System.
• Best for oily and combination skin: Proactiv Solution® Acne Treatment System.
• Best for dry or sensitive skin: Proactiv+® Acne Treatment System.

A small group of people may be hypersensitive or allergic to active ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or adapalene, which are in some of the Proactiv products. If you are one of those people, you should not use a product without first discussing use with your healthcare provider.