Proactiv Solution Refining Mask Review

Many women often look for the perfect mask or facial, only to find the treatment leaves their skin more dry or irritated than before they started.  Enter the Proactiv Solution Refining Mask ($5.55, Amazon.com), designed to reduce acne and refine the pores.  The secret is a very high concentration of both kaolin and sulfur, which together work to reduce inflammation and increase the efficacy of other anti-acne treatments, particularly benzoyl peroxide.  For more, read on:

Kaolin

Kaolin, a hydrated silicate of aluminum, has been established as an effective adsorbent for hundreds of years.  Kaolin has long been used to treat skin erythema, eczema, and inflammatory skin disorders.  It is an adsorbent ingredient that has been proven to absorb excess oil on the skin, as mentioned in The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.  In fact, kaolin is so adsorbent makes me hesitant to recommend this to anyone with dry skin!

Sulfur

Sulfur is an important mineral component of vitamin B, collagen, keratin, and several amino acids.  According to The Encyclopedia of Skin and Skin Disorders, sulfur is thought to slow bacterial growth as it dissolves the top layer of the skin and slows oil-gland activity within the skin.  Sulfur is included in anti-acne over-the-counter products in concentrations up to 10 percent, but is only included in 6% concentration in the Proactiv Solution Refining Mask.  Sulfur is likely to be in 6% rather than 10% concentration to prevent possible irritation, as the Proactiv line contains benzoyl peroxide.  Though sulfur and benzoyl peroxide together have been proven in a study from the Journal of the Canadian Medical Society to be more effective than either agent alone, it also heightens the potential for the agents to be irritating (The Encyclopedia of Skin and Skin Disorders).   At just 6%, however, the potential for the sulfur in the Proactiv Solution Refining Mask to be irritating is significantly reduced.

Bottom Line

The Proactiv Solution Refining Mask is a worthwhile addition to any anti-acne skin regimen.  I personally will be using mine over a 2% topical benzoyl peroxide solution, like Neutrogena On the Spot Acne Treatment ($5.56, Amazon.com), then rinsing, then reapplying the 2% topical benzoyl peroxide solution!