Proactiv success about quality or marketing?

Proactiv acne clearing system is highlighted in The New York Times. The article suggests that Proactiv is “effectively turning acne into a celebrity malady,” by using stars like Jessica Simpson and Vanessa Williams who thank the product for their currently flawless skin, to promote their goods.

Proactiv rakes in $850 million a year worldwide, and boasts 5 million customers largely due to the fact that the makers of the product have made sure to make their way into everyone’s home via infomercials, convincing viewers that they are indeed a candidate for their product, even if they only experience an occasional pimple. They practically promote acne as being cool if it’s treated with Proactiv, thereby giving you camaraderie amidst the cure.

Dermatologist, Dr. Jodi E. Ganz believes Proactiv is popular due to “society’s increasingly intense pursuit of physical perfection.” She continues, “One piddling little zit is not going to hurt you, it is not contagious and you might not need to do anything to treat it…but now that everything from lasers to plastic surgery is so available, we as a society are becoming less tolerant. Any little imperfection, whether it is a blemish or an age spot, has turned into a big deal.”

Many buyers of Proactiv are not at all pleased with how the product works, but clearly, given its successful sales rate and consumer base, millions are convinced they need and want an ongoing system of fighting acne.

Do you use Proactiv? Please share your experiences with other RealSelf readers.