acne treatment

Proactiv X Out Wash-In Treatment

Coco

The unique, one-step X Out™ Wash-In Treatment is formulated to help kill the bacteria that causes breakouts, help banish existing pimples and help leave the skin feeling smooth and looking healthy.

Included in my Influenster Holiday VoxBox was Proactiv’s new one-step system, X Out™ Wash-In Treatment.

First Impression:

I’ve used Proactiv’s 3-step program in the past, and although it was a good product, the three step daily treatment wasn’t a fit for my lifestyle. When I heard about X Out, I was immediately interested because it was only one step! I also really, really love the bottle design. And as a bonus, there are three ways you can use X Out:

WASH-IN: Apply to dampened skin and gently massage for 1-2 minutes. Wash off and repeat 2x a day, morning and night.
MASK: Apply to dampened skin and leave on for 10 minutes. Wash off with warm water.
SPOT TREATMENT: Dab on zits and leave on for 10 minutes. Wash off with warm water.

Proactiv X Out Wash-In TreatmentAnother cool feature of X Out is the “Daily Distraction” to encourage proper wash time. All you need is a QR reader application (I use ‘RL Classic’ on my iPhone) on your smartphone to scan the QR code on the side of the bottle, which will direct you to watch a new 2-minute entertaining video each day while you wash (You can also watch from your computer at http://dd.xout.com/). This is such a cute idea, and definitely targets the teen market. Plus it shows that Proactiv is keeping up-to-date with technology.

X Out is 8.5% Benzoyl peroxide, which is much stronger than the Proactiv 3-step system which had 2.5% in both the cleanser and treatment, and might be too much for those with sensitive skin, but I haven’t had any issues. Other key ingredients include: Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Linoleic and Linolenic Acid, Polyethylene beads, Glycerin, Dimenthicone, and Menthol.

Application:

X Out has a pump top, unlike the 3-step system’s squeeze bottle, and is so much easier to use! One to two pumps is enough for your entire face, depending on if you’re washing or leaving on a mask. I ususally do a two-minute scrub in the morning when I take my shower, and then a mask before bed. I haven’t used it as a spot treatment yet, but I’m sure it will be great for when I’m too busy, lazy or tired to do a full on mask/scrub. The mixture is very thick and creamy, with just enough gritty beads for an exfoliating scrub. Others have complained about the smell, but it smells slightly like watermelon and I actually enjoy it while it’s on. Once applied, there is a nice cooling effect — what they call the “Icy Slap”. And my skin feels super clean and smooth afterward. As I noticed with Proactiv, Benzoyl peroxide dries my skin out. I have oily-combination skin, but sometimes it dries it out way too much, so I use a moisturizer after application.

Bottom Line:

It’s so easy to apply, and doesn’t take up much of my time in the morning or before bed. X Out is recommended for moderate to mild acne (check out the X Out FAQ page for more information). I have fairly mild acne, so I use it sparingly and even though the price is a little on the high side, one bottle will probably last me a few months.

X Out is sold as a 30-day supply for $19.95 (2.5oz bottle), and 60-day supply for $39.90 (7.0oz bottle) and both supplies come with a bonus Shine Control Oil-Free Moisturizer ($12 value) to help you fight oil all day. Learn more and purchase at XOut.com.

Courtney’s Rating: A

Disclaimer: I received these products to test for free through the Influenster VoxBox program.

Proactiv Solution 3-Step Acne Treatment System

Coco

Designed for daily use for the prevention and treatment of acne, the Proactiv 3-Step System gently cleanses and exfoliates while attacking acne-causing bacteria in the pores and helping to soothe inflammation.

Included in my Influenster Cosmo Voxbox was the Proactiv 3-step system. The 3-step system includes the Renewing Cleanser, Revitalizing Toner, and Repairing Treatment.

First Impression:

It’s hard to have a first impression on a product as well known as Proactiv, but I was immediately excited to try it when I saw it inside of my VoxBox. I had never used Proactiv before, but grew up seeing Proactiv commercials on TV. The 3-Step System comes with the Renewing Cleanser, Revitalizing Toner, and Repairing Treatment. Each bottle is marked with a large 1, 2, or 3, so the system is very simple to understand. I started my 30-day challenge the next day, on November 1st. On a side note: I also stopped wearing makeup for a 30-month challenge/bet with my friends.

Application:

The application of Proactiv if very straightforward. You use the products in order every morning and/or night. At first I tried using Proactiv in both the mornings and nights, but soon it became to difficult for me to keep up the twice daily routine, and cut it down to mornings. Unfortunately, the repairing cleanser left behind a little white residue on my skin, so I decided to switch to nights only. Once I figured out my routine, I began using Proactiv either every night or every other night. The results were not immediate, but after the first 2-3 weeks, I noticed my skin clearing up drastically. I’ve never had horrible acne, but the problem spots that plagued me were disappearing. I don’t know whether Proactiv did it or the not wearing makeup, but I definitely have noticed a change in my skin. Here’s a quick overview of the Proactiv steps:

Step 1: Renewing Cleanser: Apply a small (dime-sized) amount to dampened skin and gently massage over the whole face. Rinse thoroughly with warm water, pat dry. Follow with Revitalizing Toner.
Step 2: Revitalizing Toner: Apply to cleansed skin with cotton ball or pad, morning and night. Allow Toner to dry and follow with the acne fighting Repairing Treatment. If irritation or sensitivity develops, discontinue use of both products and consult a doctor.
Step 3: Repairing Cleanser: Use morning and night. On thoroughly clean skin, apply a thin layer of our acne treatment lotion to the entire affected area. Allow to dry. Do not rinse off. If dryness occurs, use our Green Tea or other noncomedogenic moisturizer. If dryness continues, reduce application use.

Warnings: When using this product, using other topical acne medications at the same time or immediately following use of this product, may increase dryness or irritation of the skin. If this occurs, only one medication should be used unless directed by a doctor. Do not use this medication if you have very sensitive skin or if you are sensitive to Benzoyl Peroxide. This product may cause irritation, characterized by redness, burning, itching, peeling or possibly swelling. Keep away from eyes, lips and mouth. Avoid product contact with hair and dyed fabrics, including carpets and clothing which may be bleached by this product. If going outside, use a sunscreen. Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

Bottom Line:

Overall, I believe Proactiv is a great product. At $20 dollars for a 30-day supply that can last multiple months, it really is a great investment. The cleansers and toner work great together, but also amazing solo. Admittingly, Proactiv probably isn’t the best acne treatment out there and it isn’t going to work for everyone, but you don’t need a prescription and the price is affordable. When Proactiv works, it works wonders. I would recommend those with bad acne to try Proactiv, because it might be the solution they’ve been looking for. For more information on buying and directions, please visit Proactiv’s website or call the directly at 1-888-819-2019.

Courtney’s Rating: B+

Disclaimer: I received these products to test for free through the Influenster VoxBox program.