subject: AcneFree Review [print this page] AcneFree Review AcneFree Review
AcneFree is an over-the-counter topical acne system that is nearly identical to ProActive. The difference between AcneFree and ProActive, however, is that you can purchase AcneFree at your local Target or Walmart, and its a little bit cheaper. Everything else is the same though - down to the exact portions of active ingredients. (Actually, I wouldn't be a bit surprised if I found out that the name "AcneFree" was owned by ProActive).
All in all, the system is great if you are looking for a topical solution to acne. The active ingredient is benzoyl peroxide, and depending on whether you purchase the regular or "severe" version, will have either 2% or 10%. I've heard that more than 2% benzoyl doesn't do much good besides dry out the skin, and that 2% should be fine for any skin condition, but I've always used the "severe" version just to be safe.
AcneFree is a 3-step topical treatment:
Antibacterial Cleansing Wash. This cleanser is medicated with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide that kills acne bacteria and removes dead skin cells.
Corrective Toner. The toner step is VERY important. Use a cotton ball to apply the toner to the entire face, scrubbing until you remove all excess dirt and oil. I am always surprised at how no matter how effectively I can wash my face during step 1, the toner always pulls up more icky dirt.
Repairing lotion. This is the cream that you apply to your skin twice daily, and then works the entire day to clear up and heal all existing acne.
I've used the AcneFree system many times in my life, mostly because its a hundred times better than any other face wash you can buy at the store, and its affordable for when I don't have the money to buy the more expensive products I normally use and rely on.
The biggest problem with it is that its only a temporary fix, and usually by 2-3 months of using it your skin will begin to adapt to the dryness created by the benzoyl peroxide and adjust sebum production levels even higher to compensate, creating more (and sometimes worse) break-outs. This is because AcneFree does not treat the root cause of your acne, it only deals with the symptoms on the skin's surface. However, there is much more going on within your body behind the scenes that is causing your acne, and its important to get to the bottom of it and solve the problem where it starts.
