Fo how long should the ProActiv lotion be left on the skin before it can be washed off?

My wife and I have recently started using ProActiv. Its been about 2 weeks. Though we see some improvement on the acne front, it looks like both of us are starting to get a dark layer or some dark patches on our skin. It seems like our skin is getting a bit burnt. Is this common?





We normally do not wash our face for 7-8 hours after applying the lotion. Is that too long? Is the acidic nature of the toner and the lotion burning the skin? How long should we keep the lotion on our skin for it to be effective. Should we wash off after about an hour or two? Would frequently moisturizing the skin help?





Even though we see some improvement on the acne front, we are a bit concerned about continuing with it because of this dark layer that is getting formed. Any advise on that front would be appreciated.Fo how long should the ProActiv lotion be left on the skin before it can be washed off?
if you're having problems with a product stop right away. it means something is wrong. proactive is a benzoylperoxid based system, which means that it's drying your skin out and they also use a light exfoliate. Proactive, for most people, works for a while and then your body gets use to it and it stops working. this is normal for most people. it's best to switch between two different systems, here's some acne advice that will help you not break the bank:





i am an acne expert (or sorts, i got acne when i was 8 years old and i am ow 22 and i just now have found the secret to controlling it after trying many different medicines and brands)


by looking at it's ingredients it's claiming it:


exfoliates and cleanses and 're-freshens'


honestly, here's how to go all that without breaking the bank:


exfoliate: buy a loaf or a bath cloth. the rougher the better (without making you bleed of course) you could even use bar soap with it and just rub your face. this gets rid of dead skin and blackheads and helps prevent acne from forming.


cleansing: cleaners these days say 'cleans without drying your skin out,' but don't worry about that, dry your skin out, you need to. use any cleaners you want, even bar soup as long as it's oil free.


re-freshen: moisturize. by an oil free moisturizer and you're set, this is why if doesn't matter if your cleanser dries your skin out, you're gonna be using a moisturizer anyway.


99.9% of acne companies use an expensize inefficent method of these three steps. this is the basic and cheap way to prevent and cure acne.


i would also recommend (if your acne is bad) to buy a benzoylperoxid based cream and a salicylic acid based gel. these are the main two ingridents ance companies use. benzoylperoxid dries up oil thus dries your skin out and salicylic acid 'stips' old skin away. buy both and alternate then every two week to a month. that way your skin doesn't get too use to either of them.Fo how long should the ProActiv lotion be left on the skin before it can be washed off?
clean and clear makes a very good salicylic gel it comes in a small clear tube in a clear box most brands make a Benzoylperoxide based cream if you can't tell what is is by looking at it read the active ingridients Report Abuse

I also use ProActive, the steps are - use the facewash (rinse face), then apply the toner with a cotton ball. let face dry, then add the lotion. My doctor also prescribed a phosphate lotion that goes as the 4th step. (I also noticed that the face felt really dry and the phosphate helps) If you do use regular lotion throughout the day make sure it is oil free. If you feel that is it burning your skin, you should probably stop using the product and contact proactive asking if it is a side effect - or ask your doctor. hope this helped!!! Also - I don't think that there is any certain amount of time that you have to wash your face in. The lotion is not actually acidic - its active ingredient is benzoyl peroxide - which acts kind of like a bleach. (that is also why your towels or sheets/pillows get bleached out with use of proactive.
For acne cures, e-mail me at:


Jorgensen_Corliss@yahoo.com


I can help!


Just give me your skin type and I will send you tips and tricks!
I had a lot of difficulty using this product. Not that problem, but I never really noticed a difference while using it. I switched to Clearsil Advanced, and it seems to work better, with no strange side effects. I'm trying ProActiv again, but I'm getting no where, I just figured since everyone was raving about it, I'd try it again. You could be allergic to something in the lotion? I don't know, but it's like using any other lotion, it wouldn't matter if you waited an hour or ten hours, once you rub it in, it's already pennitrated the skin, and started working, it disipates on it's own. The only thing I can suggest, is using ANY of the acne lotions they suggest using a HEAVY layer of sunsreen before going outside, so if you spend some time outside, with no sunscreen, that could be it. I've always used sunscreen while on acne lotions, so I'm not sure of the results, perhaps that's your case.


Hope I helped!
I've never tried proactiv, but some people seem to respond well or 'ok' and others have great difficulty with the product. There was someone that posted on youtube.com about his unfortunate experience in which he started out with 'mild acne' and then even after having adverse effects and worse acne, customer service said to keep using it and even sold him more products. He now has severe (cystic) acne. His website is www.propassiv.com I would quit while you are ahead! Not everyone reacts well to every product. Please take good care.





And as for facial cleanser, I use Cetaphil liquid cleanser which is so gentle on my very sensitive skin. Just fyi :)
I've actually emailed companies before asking how long their products should stay on, and they state that they should stay on for the rest of the day until you wash at night. Therefore, the 7-8 hour span should not be the problem. It could be that you are both having an allergic reaction to the lotion.