For the past month I’ve been trying out the Proactiv+ 3-Step System (and some of the ancillary products in the line) and I have to say I’m impressed! And it wasn’t at all what I expected. As a teenager I used the original 3 step formula and while it worked, I found it drying and it used to stain my bedding. The new products are completely revamped and something I would recommend for all ages — not just for teens, and not just for people with acne (although it’s a must try if you do!) but also with uneven skin texture and discoloration. (Which is what I struggle with). Sure, I get the occasional pimple here and their but overall since I consider myself someone who takes really great care of their skin I’m usually able to keep my breakouts at bay.

When I was sent the products I was told “Proactiv+ works so well you don’t need as much makeup anymore” — and they we’re right. I’m much more confident now about wearing less or no foundation when going out. I even had lunch with a fellow blogger on Monday and she asked about the products since she saw how I was documenting my progress on my instagram feed and when I said I wasn’t wearing any makeup, she was dumbfounded.

{Before: uneven skintone, enlarged pores…}

{After: Smoother complexion}

Now I will say, I’ve never exfoliated my skin as much as with this program and frankly when I started that made me very nervous. I was always taught exfoliate 1-2 times a week so to switch to a regimen that was 2 times a day seemed crazy! Although the amount of daily exfoliators on the market has been growing and the formulation and concentration greatly varies between a daily exfoliant and weekly version.

Except for a little dryness in my chin area after week 2, I didn’t have any issues. And even with that, I kept the exfoliation to more of my t-zone and used less of the product until the dryness went away. We hear about cellular turnover when you exfoliate and I definitely saw that first hand with my skin as I used this program. I do maintain though it’s important to know the boundaries of your skin. If you get red or dry take it down a notch or talk to one of their consultants to get the regimen right for you.

Here’s how it works: Step 1 is the Skin Smoothing Exfoliator, which I LOVED using in the shower since it made my skin so smooth. For this you only need a little bit and make sure to use luke warm water, colder water doesn’t break down the ingredients as well and will make it more rough, where warmer water gives a smoother application. Step 2 is the Pore Targeting Treatment, which I would leave on for about 5 minutes before moving on to step 3; the multi-functional Complexion Perfecting Hydrator, which is a hydrating cream gel on the skin. The 3-Step system is amazingly priced at $29.95 monthly for a 30-Day System, and includes a 1oz travel size of the Skin Purifying Mask.

I only used the mask twice, once full face, and the second time on my t-zone since that’s where I’m the most oily and my enlarged pores are most evident. I would have used it weekly if I was on an alternate regimen, however since it’s an exfoliating mask and I was already exfoliating so much I was nervous to use it more often. For the days I had makeup on, I would use the Makeup Cleansing Wipes before the Proactiv+ 3-Step process since you want to have a clean face before exfoliating. The wipes did a good job on my face, however they weren’t as strong in my eye area (although it’s safe to use as an eye makeup remover). Moving forward, I may switch to an oil-based makeup remover since for my skin type I could use the extra hydration prior to exfoliating and it’s a gentle way to remove makeup.

I also used the Skin Revitalizing Solution, which I’m obsessed with! Originally I was intimidated by it. The package comes with a pack of 30 dry pads of which you pour the contents of the solution (which comes in what looks like a prescription jar) onto the pads and then are encouraged to use them within 30 days of applying the solution. These were great in the evening and melting all the dirt and dead skin and anything else right off my face. I also used them on my back where I tend to break out, especially around my bra line from working out.

The Emergency Blemish Relief and Mark Fading Pads were also in my Proactiv+ arsenal. I got a pimple in the middle of my cheek week 1 and the Emergency Blemish Relief along with the 3-step regimen took the bulk of it down overnight and within continued use over the next two days it was gone. The Mark Fading Pads come in individually packed towelettes and contain 2% of salicylic acid.

WIN IT! We’re giving away the Proactiv+ -Step System plus all the above products listed to one lucky winner!

There are two ways to enter!

1. Follow @prettyconnected + @proactiv on twitter and tweet:  RT & Follow @prettyconnected & @Proactiv to win the NEW 3-step Proactiv+ System + more! #NoFilterProactiv+ http://shar.es/Mn1zm 

2. Follow @prettyconnected on Instagram and like the photo that matches the giveaway going live this week!