So i've been using ProActiv for 6 years (going on 7 now) and I think it's served it purpose, but after reading how people had issues once coming off, i'm really scared 'cuz it's worked so well for me. I did some research and found that AcneFree is VERY similar to ProActiv (even used to look like the bottles). I was wondering if anyone else has tired it and/or moved from ProActiv on to something else?

I used ProActiv for about 3 years and last summer I slowly, but surely weened myself off of it because I felt that I had more important things to spend my $50 once every 2 months on, such as bills. I tried the off brands of ProActiv such as the AcneFree you're talking about and absolutely hated it. The cleasner to me didn't make me feel clean and actually felt scratchy on my skin and the lotion was awful, it wasn't moisturizing at all and was difficult to rub in. I've tried so many different things since then and my skin just isn't the same. I'm actually thinking about jumping back on to the ProActiv band wagon because my skin has never looked as bad as it does now in a long time, except for before I started using ProActiv. Right now i'm keeping my skin care simple. I'm just using Clearasil Skin Perfecting Wash with 2% salicyclic acid and Clean 'n Clear Acne Advantage Treatment that also contains 2% SA and at night I just use the same face wash, but I also use the Equate brand Acne Cream with 10% Benzol peroxide. My skin is starting to clear up a little bit, but it definitely hasn't been the same since I used ProActiv :( Hope that helped you out some!

I've never used Proactiv but I have used the Acne Free and it sucks big time! The products all have a weird smell and texture to them and I noticed no difference in my skin while using them. The spot treatment was especially terrible. It burned and would dry up and flake off. I would recommend that Clean and Clear Advantage Acne kit that's always in commercials now. A girl I work with said it worked really well for her so I went out and got it and I have to agree. I also love my Clinique Acne Solutions products as well.

I agree with what's already been said. I didn't find AcneFree comparable in the least. The quality isn't the same, and it was a waste for me. It takes me ages to use up a kit, so I don't mind shelling out the money when the time comes. It's worth it to spend the extra, IMO.

I've been on Proactiv 3 times now, and really, it's the only thing that keeps my skin looking decent.

I also agree with the previous posters. I haven't used Proactive for about 5 years but I do remember that the quality of the products were awesome. For example, the toner seemed to melt into the skin when applied and quickly dried. Also, the B.P lotion was finely milled, whereas when I tried AcneFree B.P Spot Treatment, it was VERY grainy and dried up my skin badly.

Just because the ingredients are the same does not mean the quality of the products are the same.

Save yourself frustration, time, and essentially money, by getting proactive again.

Do what Bella did and wean yourself off. When you're done, DO NOT USE ANY BENZOYL PEROXIDE.

The problem, at least for me, was reintroducing the peroxide to my skin. Think about it - PEROXIDE bleaches hair. Imagine what it is doing to your face! I used ProActiv for over 4 years, and it worked well for me until my skin became immune to its effects. It burned me big time when I tried it and other peroxide-based acne products again.

Based on my experiences, I would suggest a sulfur-based treatment during the day if you're super oily and a tea tree oil-based treatment at night. As for a cleanser, check out my profile and look at the review for the tea tree oil cleanser by Desert Essence. It is great for oiliness and breakouts. If you prefer to use toner as well, also check my reviews for the tea tree oil pads. They are AWESOME. The whole "set" I recommend costs me about 30 bucks, but it lasts a long time. The only frequent replacement are the pads, which are only 6 bucks for 50.

Hope that helps! I feel your pain. :D

I have to agree with the others. I used Proactiv for a few years and I bought AcneFree once to see if there was a difference and because it was cheaper. Well, there was a HUGE difference! The texture of the products was terrible. They did not melt into my skin like Proactiv did, and they were grainy and dry. Definitely invest in Proactiv again rather than wasting your time (and money!) on AcneFree.

Thanks for all your responses, girls! I haven't canceled my ProActiv membership yet and your responses def. helped me with my choice to not. :)

Thanks for all your responses, girls! I haven't canceled my ProActiv membership yet and your responses def. helped me with my choice to not. :)

You're definitely making the right choice. :)

You're definitely making the right choice. :)

Definitely! Not to say you couldn't ever find a cheaper routine, but for me, clear skin is worth every penny.

Got time for a little more info? All of the acne kits out there use salicylic acid and benzoil peroxide for their active ingredients. You can purchase a complete kit or you can pick and choose the products that work for you. The difference is this: salicylic acid helps to keep pores clear but dissolving and loosening greasy buildup that clogs pores. It's good for clearing blackheads. Benzoil peroxide is a drying agent that helps clear up pimples that have already formed. It can be extremely drying and should only be used for spot treatment. Both will help prevent new pimples and blackheads from forming, but both are drying to some extent, with benzoil peroxide being the worst. For milder cases of acne, especially for someone with sensitive skin, I would recommend products formulated with tea tree oil, a natural antiseptic and antifungal.