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Horrible Skin After Stopping Proactiv

MemberMember
0
(@downtrodden9)

Posted : 12/28/2013 7:21 am

Hello

I'm posting to ask for some help. My skin has been in an atrocious state for months now. Proactiv kept my skin 100% clear for years but stopped working this past year. However, my skin has been even worse since I stopped using proactiv in September. I'm now using a brand called evologie that uses azaleic acid and salicylic acid, along with some natural ingredients.

I break out in painful cysts along my jaw line. But the worst area is around is around my chin. I don't use a toothpaste with fluoride or SLS. I'm attaching pictures because I'm lost and don't know what to do.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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MemberMember
12
(@ripon10)

Posted : 12/28/2013 3:53 pm

If Proactiv stopped working, likely your acne is hormonal. Skin does not get immune to BPO. Depending on your age, see about getting on a birth control pill or spiro to help with the hormone imbalance.

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MemberMember
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(@downtrodden9)

Posted : 12/28/2013 5:35 pm

Thank you for your reply! I don't know if my skin became immune to the bp. My skin was getting flakey, yet still very oily, so I stopped using it. I've heard that skin tends to freak out after discontinuing proactiv. Anyone have any experience with this?

I'm not sure if they are too visible, but I have these odd flesh colored bumps underneath my mouth. They don't look like closed comedones or milia.

I don't even know if the acne in the first pic are papules or cysts or what

:(.

I know that my blood work from about a year ago showed that I have low estrogen.

I've tried duac before. It helped a bit, but nothing significant.

I'll be heading to the doctor as soon as winter break is over. I'm guessing I should go to the regular doctor first and get blood work done before going to the derm.

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MemberMember
0
(@downtrodden9)

Posted : 12/29/2013 6:42 am

Bumping. Could really use some help.

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Guest
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(@Anonymous)

Posted : 02/20/2014 10:02 am

Hello!

 

I am experiencing the same exact issue! I discontinued using proactiv about three weeks ago and now my skin is worse than ever. I was an avid user for 10 years. I too am getting cystic acne in the same exact location as you. I am also starting to break out on my forehead as well.

 

I read that proactiv is incredibly addicing to the skin. So, it is only natural for our skin to experience "withdrawal" symptoms.

 

I am trying the all natural route.

 

How is your skin now?

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