Proactiv is a acne treatment system that was developed by dermatologists Dr. Kathy Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields. Proactiv has a series of ingredients that work together to treat and halt the damaging effects of acne.

Pimples, nodules and blackheads result from excess oil production of your skin, bacteria, hormones, inflammation and uneven skin shedding.

Benzoyl peroxide is the active ingredient in Proactiv products. It is a product that attacks bacteria called Propionibacterium, which cause acne. Benzoyl peroxide also helps with bedsores and stasis ulcers.

Salicylic acid sloughs off dead skin cells and unclogs pores. The top layer of acne damaged skin is stimulated to peel away and unclog follicles and re-introduce skin-cell replacement.

Allantoin is an anti-irritant that stems from comfrey. It is a moisturizer that stimulates healthy tissue growth and softens acne-damaged skin.

Watch for side effects from the benzoyl peroxide, including skin irritation, dry skin and redness. Blistering can appear if you overdose the application.