I have dry(combination in the summer) and sensitive skin that is prone to breakouts on my forehead and on my chin (due to hormones). I have tried many skin care ranges to try and clear my skin and stop these breakouts and many have been unsuccessful.

The Cleanser -
Upon first using this skin care system (using the Renewing cleanser) I became very much aware of how harsh it was on my skin and how much it was irritating it - it was definitely not gentle. When I apply it to my skin it feels very tingly, much like a sting. The "tiny beads" are scratchy on the skin and had caused my skin to turn very flushed and it felt sore. I think this was because I had really buffed in the cleanser all over my face, when you really only need to dab it onto the skin and leave it. Upon using this for a second time, the night after, I only applied it to my forehead, which was less irritating to my skin but still felt tingly on the skin, deterring me to keeping this on my face for too long.

After using the cleanser, my skin is left very smooth and appears clearer.

I also found with this exfoliator that, if you use too much, when you try to remove the beads from your skin it was difficult and you are left with some on your face. However, experimenting with different removal methods, a damp muslin cloth is best.

The Toner -
This again, is definitely not as gentle as it claimed. When I first used this it felt very irritating on the skin as I rubbed it too much on the skin however when dabbing this instead - it is less harsh. I also found that the more I have used this, the less irritating it is on my skin.

I often, when I'm feeling lazy or my skin is irritated, will skip the cleanser and just use this. It removes my make-up easily and is refreshing on the skin.

It does leave a residue on the skin after using it, so you may feel the need to blot your face with a towel/tissue.

Repairing Treatment -
This lotion follows after the toner to defend against breakouts. I am not certain if this is supposed to act as a moisturiser or not but I use it as a spot treatment, that I apply all over my face, either before or after moisturiser. It is a thin cream that is easily rubbed into the skin and dries to a matte finish, making it easy to apply makeup on top. I do find that this won't reduce smaller spots however will reduce the appearence of breakouts over a larger area, such as my forehead.

General Overview
ProActiv advises to use this system twice daily but I have never done this as I feel it would irritate my skin too much but will perhaps reach for the toner or treatment in the morning then follow the full system at night if I feel my skin needs it.

I have seen a visible difference in my skin using this routine but my skin got significantly worse when I first started using this, breaking out in unusual places with large spots ( I have read that the cleanser does this, to clear the skin and then prevents breakouts in the future). Fortunately, after weeks of persevering, these have now gone but I can't say that my skin now, after the ProActiv has got rid of active breakouts, is much better than it was before I started using the system. I still have spots under the surface of my skin and I still get breakouts.

I have also found that this system has made my skin more dry leading to a requirement of more moisturiser, morning and night.

Overall, I can see why people love this because it improves your skin, which I have seen, but I do feel that if you want to make more of a significant difference to your skin that you do need to persevere with this ( I have been using this system for almost 4 weeks) otherwise you may be disappointed.

ProActiv works but it isn't a very pleasant system to use - it feels more like torture to me. If I were to be able to purchase these products separately in store I perhaps would however I don't feel I could justify the £39.99 price tag every 3/4 months