Preventing Bacne: Proactiv vs. Murad

CONFESSION: The past three months have been terrible for my skin and in particular my back.  Yes, ladies, I have bacne.  It seems to have popped up out of nowhere and now, the only thing I keep thinking about (aside from getting rid of it) is how horrible I'm going to look in my strapless wedding dress.  Extreme, I know, but when you're used to having completely clear skin, a change like this makes you feel like you're living a nightmare.

I've tried everything: Clinique's Anti-Acne line, any and all acne-clearing body scrubs, changing shampoos and conditioners, changing laundry soap and even homemade treatments but nothing seemed to clear the area.  So, I went out on a limb and bought two new products: Proactiv's Deep Cleansing Wash and Murad's Clarifying Body Spray.

Proactiv Deep Cleansing Wash  

Pros:

Skin feels tingly after use

A little goes a long way

Cleans skin really well

When used on arms, all little bumps disappear

Makes skin feel very soft 

Cons:

Dries sensitive skin (at least mine became dry)

Doesn't prevent new pimples from appearing

Cost - $40 CAD

I try not to hate proactiv lovers but I do, just a little.  This line has NEVER worked for me.  I tried the face products before and my skin was so dry that I looked as if I had a sunburn.  Though the cleansing wash worked wonders on my arms, it did nothing to clear any of my bacne.  I'll continue to use the product for me arms but will not be repurchasing it any time soon.

Murad Clarifying Body Spray 

Pros:

Easy-to-use spray container

Leaves skin feeling very tingly

Coats the back with little product

Doesn't dry my skin 

Doesn't have an odour or odd smell 

Cons:

Cost - $37 per bottle 

I've used Murad products before and have had amazing results so I was very eager to try this out.  (I bought it at the Sephora VIB event over the weekend.)  I have been using this twice a day (morning and night) since Friday and my back has COMPLETELY cleared.  Honestly, I was crying this morning when I looked at how good my back looks.  Never will I ever use anything else but this!  I highly recommend this to anyone who is a sufferer of bacne.

Have any of you ladies tried this products before?  What are your thoughts?

Murad's Anti-Aging Acne Regimen Saves the Day

Murad is a skin care line that I'd heard fantastic things about and yet had never tried before.  So when I was sent some Murad products to test a few weeks ago, imagine my surprise and excitement.

Murad was founded by Howard Murad MD, a certified dermatologist, a number of years ago.  He "is widely acknowledged as one of the world's foremost authorities on skin health and his pioneering efforts include creation of the first line of doctor branded skincare." (Check out www.murad.com for additional details.)  Not only does he continue to create miracle products but still actively treats patients too.

When I received my products in the mail, I was thrilled to see the Murad Anti-Aging Acne Regimen in the box.  The great thing about this little set is that it comes with all four anti-aging products: Time Release Acne Cleanser, Acne & Wrinkle Reducer, Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 20 and the Acne Spot Treatment.  Needless to say, I couldn't wait to get home and try them out.  After a bit more research, I learned that:

• Time Release Acne Cleanser (Step 1) - Super gentle, low foaming cleanser that improves skin's appearance by delivering a sustained release acne treatment and optimizing hydration to restore suppleness.
• Acne & Wrinkle Reducer (Step 2) - A soft light cream that reveals a clean, more youthful complexion by clearing congested pores and neutralizing acne-causing bacteria and diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 20 (Step 3) - A lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer that improves skin's appearance by fighting premature aging through advanced UV protection and minimizing blemishes.
• Acne Spot Treatment (Step 2, after the reducer but before moisturizer) - A light gel that promotes immediate healing of blemishes by delivering targeted acne medication and providing on the spot relief.

I have been using this line for just over two and a half weeks now and am blown away but how clear my skin looks.  PLUS, I haven't even had to use the spot treatment once.  My skin is glowing, my redness has faded and even my pimple scarring seems to be disappearing.  I am also so happy to find an acne treatment that actually promotes anti-aging.  I really think that by combining the two, (acne treatment PLUS anti-aging) Murad is ten steps ahead of the competition.

I will, without a doubt, be buying these products myself and knowing that they'll carry me through prime wrinkle years is a huge bonus.  If you have problem skin, I highly recommend this line.

Have you tried this line before?  What are your thoughts?

XO