Following the cleanser, the next product in the Proactiv treatment plan is a toner containing witch hazel extract and other botanical ingredients. Toners are meant to follow-up cleansers by restoring the skin's natural pH. They can also play a role in removing dead skin cells, unplugging pores, and removing excess oil on the skin's surface. Although this toner contains potential skin irritants such as fragrance and color additives, it is alcohol-free where many other toners are not. This is important for all skin products, as alcohol can play a huge role in drying out the skin.

The final step in the basic Proactiv treatment uses a product they call a repairing lotion, a medicated lotion meant to heal existing acne blemishes and prevent breakouts in the future. The repairing lotion, like the cleanser, contains 2.5% benzoyl peroxide. Since this lotion is left on the skin and not rinsed off, it should be introduced slowly and on less sensitive areas of the face. This product also contains fragrance.

My own personal experience with the Proactiv 3-step treatment plan has been relatively positive. I have been using it for about a month now, and although my acne was never terrible, my texture improved noticeably and blemishes have healed more quickly. The treatment schedule suggests that you start using the cleanser and toner once a day for at least a week, and then increase to using them morning and night. It also allows for an extra application of the repairing lotion on specific blemishes. I followed this plan, and I did find that my skin was getting slightly irritated by the extra repairing lotion, so even though I now use the cleanser and toner twice a day, I tend to use the lotion only once in the evening. I also don't use it on the sensitive skin right above my lip...one day of having a pink moustache was more than enough for me! I found that a good moisturizer was key to preventing the drying effects of the benzoyl peroxide. I didn't buy the Proactiv one, but the Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer is non-comedogenic and oil-free with SPF 15, so I found that it works well in its place. I feel like my skin would be dry if I didn't use moisturizer, but since I applied it right from the very beginning my skin never developed a dried-out appearance.