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For many, Proactiv Solution works wonders bringing clear skin and confidence. Yet for others it is expensive, drying, irritating, and smells bad. For those that want the results Proactiv advertises, but don’t want to use the Proactiv series of products, try this combination instead.

Daily cleanser – Cleansing in the morning and in the evening are critical steps in skin care. If Proactiv’s Renewing Cleanser doesn’t work for you, Astara Daily Refining Scrub is a good alternative.

Exfoliate – The Proactiv Renewing Cleanser contains small granules designed to exfoliate your skin every day. Exfoliation is important because it removes dead skin and impurities from the skin making sure to make your skin look and feel fresh, not to mention it reduces the number of clogged pores. However, exfoliating too much can dry your skin making existing acne look worse and also causing your skin to over produce oil. The Astara Daily Refining Scrub contains granules as well, so if you find this to be too drying an alternative is a gentle daily cleanser like Cellex-C Betaplex Gentle Foaming Cleanser and a more aggressive scrub like Gemology Face Scrub that is used two to three times a week.

Toner – Not every skin care regimen requires a toner, however, many feel that the minerals in the water used to cleanse the skin may also be harmful for the skin. A toner is good in equalizing a pH balance, just make sure that it is not too drying. A good alternative to the Proactiv Revitalizing Toner is SkinMedica Acne Toner.

Benzoyl Peroxide -The Proactiv Repairing Lotion is used on the entire face and contains benzoyl peroxide, which is a commonly used acne treatment. Benzoyl peroxide is proven to be the most effective acne treatment, but for some it can irritate sensitive skin so be sure to use just a little at first and build up to more frequent use. An alternative to Proctiv Repairing Lotion is N.V. Perricone Acne Treatment Gel Cream.

Moisturizer – This is one product that the Proactiv three-part system does not include; however, Proactiv does sell an Oil Free Moisture separately. For those with acne and/or dry skin, you need to moisturize after you cleanse, every time. If your skin becomes too dry, it will produce oil in turn clogging your pores. An alternative to the Proactiv Oil-Free Moisture is SAMPAR Barely There Moisture Fluid.

Mask – Proactiv provides an excellent Refining Mask. Because it contains sulfur many notice quicker healing in existing pimples. Do not use any acne mask more than two or three times a week because it will be too drying to your skin. If you don’t like the smell of the Proactiv Refining Mask, but still want similar results try Pevonia Purifying Skin Mask.