I have always been prone to breakouts since I have oily skin. I started using Proactive products several years ago. They worked great until we moved up North. The cold weather is reaking havoc on my skin. It is fine during the spring and summer. But, once the cold weather hits, I start breaking out(and I am not talking little ones. These are ones that hurt and take forever to go away). I know, TMIF. I also get dry patches on my cheeks. Does anyone have a face wash or product they can suggest. I am desperate.

By Reds9298 on Saturday, December 17, 2005 - 09:17 am:

Oh sorry! I switched to Proactiv a few years ago and love it. Before that I used BioElements, which I aboslutely LOVED!!! Maybe you could try that? It's a salon product, but they also have a website I know. I only switched to Proactiv because of some hormone issues I was having and my skin lost control. I know Bioelements also has a sensitive skin line, but I never tried that one. It is a pricier line altogether. Good luck!

By Vicki on Saturday, December 17, 2005 - 09:39 am:

I think what is happening is that the Proactive is just too harsh for you skin during the dry winter months. I wouldn't give up on it completely as I have heard MANY success stories with it. I would just cut back on the amount of times a week you are using it, or perhaps, just some of the products that you are using. Are some more drying than others? Could you use either the cleanser and skip the lotion or perhaps use a more gentle cleanser and use the lotion? I think I would first try using the cleanser and then trying a different moisturizer. It sounds like you just might need more moisture in your skin. I use the philosophy skin care line and love it. They have a wonderful moisturizer. I also tend to have a oily T zone to my face and their products don't make me oily at all. Their cleanser is great too if you wanted to switch that way. They even have a line for acne prone skin, but I don't have experience with that line. But, if the proactive normally works great for you, I think I would stick to some of it and just try to customize it to get some more moisture in your skin. Good luck!!

By Reds9298 on Saturday, December 17, 2005 - 11:13 am:

You know that's a good suggestion Vicki about the Proactiv. I actually do the same thing but "customizing" it to my own skin. I have to use the Proactive mositurizer in the winter, but never through the rest of the year. Do you use the Proactiv moisturizer at all? Sometimes in the winter I have to use it both morning and night.

I also found with Proactiv that using the "whole system" dried out my skin just in general. I don't use the toner, and only use the repairing lotion on isolated spots. I just use the cleanser, moisturizer if I need it, and the eye cream.

Also...do you use the sulfur mask? I can't remember the exact name of it. I bought that when I was having all my probs a few years ago and used it on isolated spots like the ones you mentioned that just won't go away and are really gross. I had a miscarriage and my skin went wacko from head to toe. I was miserable and Proactiv saved me!! The sulfur mask works wonders! Now when I get a pimple every once in a while, I use it and it's great.

By changing your face products to something completely different, it might cause more problems since the Proactiv was working for you for the most part.

By Debbie on Saturday, December 17, 2005 - 12:12 pm:

I have such oily skin that I have never needed to use a moisturizer. So, I think the Proactive, in combination with the cold weather, is drying out my skin. So, I am now using their mosturizer. I think that is causing the breakouts. I guess I am looking for a gentler cleanser to use in the winter, but one that will still keep my breakouts under control. Then, I can switch back to the Proactive when the weather gets warmer.

By Debbie on Saturday, December 17, 2005 - 12:16 pm:

Deanna, I will check into the sulfur mask. I don't use the toner either. I just use the cleaser and then the repairing lotion only were I am prone to breakouts.

By Vicki on Saturday, December 17, 2005 - 12:36 pm:

Actually Debbie, it is a big myth that oily skin doesn't meed a moisturizer. The reason you have the oil is because the skin needs moisture, just not oil. I would look for a good moisturizer that contains no oil at all. There are really good ones out there! I think that if you stuck with the Proactive cleanser and found a good oil free moisturizer, you would find a great improvement in your skin! It might be that the proactive moisturizer has too much of the "medication" in it and it actually over doing it to your skin.

By Reds9298 on Saturday, December 17, 2005 - 01:07 pm:

I thought the Proactiv was just an oil-free moisturizer though...no meds in it. I think at least, I'll have to check mine.

By Feona on Saturday, December 17, 2005 - 01:28 pm:

I actually stopped using moisturizer on my skin since pregnant. I can't stand putting anything on my face right now. Most of the bumps disapearred .

By Conni on Saturday, December 17, 2005 - 06:54 pm:

Have you changed anything? Make up? Food? Are you stressed from dh's situation? Have you been sick recently?