Menu
Shedding Light on the Risks
& Benefits of Medications
Shedding Light on the Risks
& Benefits of Medications Proactiv Acne Treatment: Rare But Serious Side Effects
Proactiv Acne Treatment: Rare But Serious Side Effects
May 26, 2021
1 Comments
republishProactiv Acne Treatment: Rare But Serious Side Effects
on this page:
Skin does so much — it protects us from germs, ultraviolet radiation, viruses and infections. It helps regulate body temperature and acts as an immune warning against infections.. It’s no wonder we often assume that products applied to the skin can’t hurt it. Some, including Proactiv, have serious side effects.
The Weekly Wrap-Up
Independent reporting on drug recalls, medication safety and integrative health, including supplements. No pharma funding.
Unfortunately, skincare products are an area the FDA doesn’t tightly regulate, despite the fact that many skincare products contain ingredients that can be harmful to our health. Many people aren’t aware that over-the-counter acne treatments list only the more common side effects on their product labels — they fail to inform people of rare but very serious side effects that can occur and that you should be on the lookout for..
Here we explore a well-known acne treatment brand—Proactiv.
Proactiv Acne Treatment
Proactiv has several 3-step skincare lines based on the active ingredients benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid (an alpha hydroxy acid), hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid. The most basic of Proactiv’s multi-step systems works via “the low-concentration benzoyl peroxide cleanser, an alcohol-free toner, and the low-concentration salicylic acid lotion,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jessie Cheung. “The same exact ingredients are available much cheaper at the drugstore, but not as a simple 1-2-3 step program.”
What Causes Acne?
Cheung explains, “Acne is a culmination of clogged pores, oil and bacteria, but it is fundamentally triggered by inflammation.”
The bacteria present in the skin’s pores is known as propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). Benzoyl peroxide has an antibacterial effect on P. acnes, acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, and as a peeling agent that sheds the skin’s exterior.
Is Proactiv effective?
“Proactiv is effective for mild acne,” says Dr. Cheung. “Since it kills off the acne-causing bacteria, benzoyl peroxide is a very commonly prescribed medication for acne.” In fact, because studies have shown it to be so effective, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends benzoyl peroxide as a first-line acne treatment.
A few small clinical trials have shown Proactiv or similar products to be effective at reducing the number of acne lesions by an average of 27% and reducing red, inflamed skin by 10%. It should be noted, however, that these studies have been sponsored by Proactiv’s manufacturer, and therefore may contain bias.
For people with skin of color, the American Academy of Dermatology Association suggests using products that contain benzoyl peroxide and a retinoid. “This means buying two different products, but this combination works well in skin of color. The retinoid helps to unclog pores and reduce inflammation. It can clear pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. A retinoid can also prevent new breakouts.
Benzoyl peroxide can remove the bacteria that cause acne. If you’re worried about it causing light spots on your skin, don’t be. That’s a myth. It won’t. However, it will bleach clothing, sheets, pillow cases, and towels.”
Side Effects of Proactiv
Clinical trials have shown at least 50% of people have some type of adverse reaction. These are mainly dryness, skin infections and infestations and nasopharyngitis (swelling of the nasal passage and back of the throat). A few people in trials have also experienced burning at the application site, influenza, sinusitis and gastroenteritis.
“Even though Proactiv has these active ingredients in a very low concentration, the products can still be irritating,” says Cheung. “The most common complaints that I have heard are dry and flaky skin.
“People should be aware that with most acne treatments, you may see an initial flare-up when starting treatment, as cell turnover speeds up. But skin should begin to clear up after the first few weeks. If it gets even worse, the products may be irritating the skin too much,” adds Dr. Cheung.
While the majority of people won’t see more than the common side effects mentioned by Dr. Cheung, there are other rare but serious side effects to be aware of.
The FDA has issued consumer warnings about potentially severe side effects that products such as Proactiv do not list on the product label. There have been 131 severe allergic and hypersensitivity reactions to these products, with 44% of these requiring hospitalization.
The severe allergic reactions reported include throat tightness, shortness of breath, wheezing, low blood pressure, fainting or collapse. These have arisen within minutes and up to 24 hours of application. People have also reported hives, swelling of the eyes, face and lips, and itching of the face or body (even on parts of the body where there was no application of the product). It’s unknown exactly what substance in the product causes these adverse reactions. But if you experience any of these severe side effects, seek immediate medical attention.
Not all allergic responses are life threatening. If you have had a previous allergic or hypersensitivity reaction to a product with benzoyl peroxide or glycolic acid in it, Mona Khurana, MD, a medical officer at FDA, recommends if you avoid using any product with those ingredients and to stop using the product if you develop hives or itching of the face or body.
If you have an allergic reaction or other side effect from Proactiv or any skin product, report it to the FDA’s MedWatch program to help protect other people.
And be cautioned: If you’re already using an acne treatment or prescribed skincare product, it’s advised to consult a doctor or dermatologist to ensure there is no clash between the products that could cause a negative reaction.
What Is the Most Effective Acne Treatment?
Dietary changes can help address the systemic inflammation that causes acne. For instance, “a high-fat, high-sugar diet increases systemic inflammation and results in an increase in a hormone called cortisol,” says cosmetic and dermatologic surgeon Dr. Ariel Ostad.“Cortisol is responsible for an increase in oil gland production, thus increasing acne breakouts.”
“It’s important to eat low-glycemic carbohydrates to control inflammation,” adds Ostad. He suggests eating complex carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes, quinoa and steel-cut oats, along with plenty of fresh vegetables for their antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory properties.
For skin outbreaks that are still troubling you after dietary changes, “most dermatologists would agree that any acne treatment regimen should include a retinoid and topical antibiotic,” says Cheung. “If the acne fails to respond to that, adding an oral antibiotic or anti-androgen is usually the next step.
“For severe cases of acne, the most effective treatment is Accutane, but we reserve this medication for severe cases of acne only, since monthly monitoring with blood tests is required as it can affect the liver and cholesterol,” adds Cheung. (See our article on Accutane, which has many concerns.)
In short, you can probably achieve similar results to Proactiv by using other over-the-counter acne medications that cost a lot less. Also, making certain dietary changes may help to reduce acne on your face, and doesn’t have any side effects to worry about. And eating better has other health benefits, too.
Sources:
https://jddonline.com/articles/dermatology/S1545961613P0180X/1
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23545906
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/281158
Want to Share Your Story?
If you’ve experienced side effects or medication issues related to this topic, we want to hear from you.
Submit Your Story- FDA Authority Over Cosmetics: How Cosmetics Are Not FDA-Approved, but Are FDA-Regulated. (2005, March 3). FDA.
- For All Skin Types | Acne & Skincare Treatment. (n.d.). Proactiv®.
- Perry, A., & Lambert, P. (2011). Propionibacterium acnes: infection beyond the skin. Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy, 9(12), 1149–1156.
- Acne Clinical Guideline. (n.d.). American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD).
- Green, L., Kircik, L. H., & Gwazdauskas, J. (2013). Randomized, Controlled, Evaluator-Blinded Studies Conducted to Compare the Efficacy and Tolerability of 3 Over-the-Counter Acne Regimens in Subjects With Mild or Moderate Acne. JDDonline – Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 12(2), 180–185.
- Thiboutot, D., Eichenfield, L., Shalita, A., Del Rosso, J. Q., Swinyer, L., Tanghetti, E., Tschen, E., & Parr, L. (2009). A 3-step acne system containing solubilized benzoyl peroxide versus clindamycin-benzoyl peroxide. Cutis, 84(1), 48–55.
- Eichenfield, L. F., Thiboutot, D., Shalita, A., Swinyer, L., Tanghetti, E., Tschen, E., & Parr, L. (2009). A Three-Step Acne System Containing Solubilized Benzoyl Peroxide versus Benzoyl Peroxide/Clindamycin in Pediatric Patients with Acne. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2(11), 21–26.
- 10 Tips For Clearing Acne In Darker Skin Tones. (n.d.). American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD).
- FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA warns of rare but serious hypersensitivity reactions with certain over-the-counter topical acne products. (2016, January 15). FDA.
- MedWatch Online Voluntary Reporting Form. (n.d.). FDA.
- Meet Top Dermatologiest in New York for Skin Treatments | Dr. Ariel Ostad, MD. (n.d.). Dr. Ariel Ostad, MD, FACS.
- Can the right diet get rid of acne? (n.d.). American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD).
- Kircik, L. H., Gwazdauskas, J., Butners, V., Eastern, J., & Green, L. J. (2013). Evaluation of the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of an over-the-counter acne regimen containing benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid in subjects with acne. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 12(3), 259–264.
- Kawanaga, T., Hozumi, A., Inamoto, H., Nishio, S., & Fukaya, M. (1977). [Pustulosis Palmaris et Plantaris: report of two cases (author’s transl)]. Aichi Gakuin Daigaku Shigakkai Shi, 15(3), 306–309.
DISCLAIMER: MedShadow provides information and resources related to medications, their effects, and potential side effects. However, it is important to note that we are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content on our site is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Individuals dealing with medical conditions or symptoms should seek guidance from a licensed healthcare professional, such as a physician or pharmacist, who can provide personalized medical advice tailored to their specific circumstances.
While we strive to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented on MedShadow, we cannot guarantee its completeness or suitability for any particular individual’s medical needs. Therefore, we strongly encourage users to consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding any health-related concerns or decisions. By accessing and using MedShadow, you acknowledge and agree that the information provided on the site is not a substitute for professional medical advice and that you should always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any medical concerns.
on this page:
RECOMMENDED:
DONATE:
Help fund our fight for improved medication safety and transparency by supporting our independent journalism.
Give NowWe seek to create a world where there are safer medications for all and where all people are fully informed about their medication benefits and side effects, using our explanatory and investigative journalism to both inform and stimulate public discussion to drive toward solutions.
WEBINARS
Stream our library on demand, including insights on generic drugs and pain management, straight from experts.
WATCH NOW
