Proactiv Solution by Guthy-Renker

I started using Proactiv in June 2005 to treat my mild acne. Over the

next several months of using Proactiv, I suffered severe outbreaks of

skin lesions that I had never experienced before using the product.

When inquiring about these severe outbreaks, Guthy-Renker's unlicensed

medical support representatives "consistently" advised me to continue

using Proactiv, "You're just experiencing the 'normal' breakout

period. Results vary by person, some see results as little as two

weeks, others don't see results until a few months later. So continue

to use the product and your skin will get better." In fact, even a

Proactiv

representative at the Proactiv Kiosk Queen Center Mall in New York,

looked at my face and said exactly the same as the phone

representatives. When they learned that the product caused further

injuries after the third month or the end of the program, a

Guthy-Renker representative said, "You have senstive skin. You are

probably allergic to the benzoyl peroxide ingredient. We do have

another kit called the Gentle Formula for sensitive skin. I will rush

you this product and it will work for you."

With no improvements to my condition, in late November 2005, I stopped

using Proactiv Solution. Despite the advice given to me by Proactiv

representatives to continue treatment with Proactiv, I sought the

professional care of a dermatologist to treat the severe outbreak of

skin lesions. After consulting with the dermatologist, I was

prescribed a costly and powerful medication, which helped improve my

condition. He also had to inject each of the pimples caused by

Proactiv, which was quite painful. However, I have been left with

permanent pit-scarring and skin discoloration on my face as a result

of the irritation caused by my prior use of Proactiv Solution. I will

need to have an expensive laser surgery procedure to reduce this skin

discoloration with no guarantee that the damage can be reversed.

After watching numerous infomercials where celebrities would endorse a

product, I never once questioned if these products were actually used

by them. Yet, after I watched the infomercials for Proactiv Solution,

it seemed like the celebrities not only used the product, they praised

its ability to clear the skin of blemishes. When I was experiencing

mild acne, I had high hopes for Proactiv, and the claims that the

celebrities, and the company made. As you have read, the results were

not favorable; not only was Proactiv ineffective, but it also caused

permanent scarring, short term anguish and depression. This could have

been avoided by knowledgeable representatives advising me to stop

using the product and consult with a professional dermatologist. The

issue is NOT whether Proactiv works or not, but what matters is the

lack of accountability taken by the manufacturer and its affiliates;

and also the advice given to me by the Proactiv reps to continue using

the product despite the outbreaks that I reported. I urge anyone

considering the use of this product to carefully re-evaluate their

decision, and perhaps prevent a lifetime of pain and embarrassment as

the result of using "The Answer for Acne."

I am hoping to make it to the news media on a national level. If you

can help in anyway, please let me know.

See before and after pictures on my personal website: www.propassiv.com

Watch the video version at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Za3tM2Ruadw