Proactiv 3 Step System - Does It Really Work?

So does it? The answer is yes...and no. And I'll tell you why.
Last year I was looking for a new skin care regime, one that would be easy to remember, keep my skin clear from breakouts and be cost effective. After seeing countless commercials on TV and reading in magazines how wonderful Proactiv was, I finally caved and bought the 3 Step System online. I think at the time, I paid $29.95, with a 60 day money back guarantee. You can buy this system here.   (Note: only half of the system is in the above photo but I'll get to that in a minute).
I thought it was pretty good value, and with that price it didn't really matter if it worked or not. I received the package a few days after I ordered and I excitedly opened it up to find the tiniest bottles I'd seen in my life. And it was that moment, I thought 'how is this going to last 2 months!?' Don't be fooled, they actually last longer than you'd think they would! So it's definitely a bonus in that regard. 
Now when you purchase this, or any other system on the Proactiv website, you will be paying by credit card, and you will automatically be sent 3 new bottles every 3 months. Now this was the only annoying part of the process, as the next order you recieve, the bottles are 240ml in size and this COSTS MORE. So if you're like me, opening the next box up, seeing these huge bottles compared to the last and wonder why $120 has gone from your bank account, this is why. I hadn't even finished my first bottles, so what I did was cancel my membership, and returned the 240ml bottles to Proactiv, and got my money back. They had no problem in me returning the items, as I told them I was going to buy them directly from their kiosk in one of the shopping malls here in Melbourne.
The 3 Step System comes with a ) step 1) cleanser, (step 2) toner and (step 3) repair (not shown). Each are labeled so you know which one to apply first. The kit also comes with some bonus extras, for me, it came with a green tea moisturizer & a clear purifying mask. 

Left To Right: Deep Cleansing Wash, Cleanse & Toner

I started using the system religiously for about 2 weeks, and every time I used it -  my skin felt clean & fresh. However after a few weeks my skin was drying out something chronic, especially my nose and T zone which got really flaky and incredibly itchy. I read online that the green tea moisturizer could help with the dryness which I applied liberally, but wasn't enough in the end.
In all fairness, this system DOES work, you just have to tailor it to your skin type, which means if you can, go into one of their kiosks at a mall and explain your situation to the sales person. I did this, and the lady tailored a system and advised me on products that would better suit my skin - as the 3 step system is just a generic system and not aimed at a particular skin type. 
I now only use the (step 1) cleanser 3 times a week, and every other day I use Proactiv's 'Deep Cleansing Wash' in the 240ml bottle, which is not as harsh on my skin. I then use (step 2) toner, and I follow up with my Natio Ageless Firming Night Cream - which I talked about previously here.
I find this combination of using certain Proactiv products and my own choice of moisturizer works better for me, and has kept my skin hydrated, and clear with only one or two breakouts during that 'hormonal time' of the month. I would think if you had very oily skin, perhaps the 3 Step System would work for you, but with combination skin, maybe looking into the more sensitive range. 

Also, I will advise you on the little gift they give you - the 'clear purifying mask' is horrid! I used this at K's house once after my shower, and after I put it on my face, all I could smell was sulpher (which if you don't know, smells like poo!)- and I stank his house house out well and truly. So I have never used it since then. But if you like the smell, feel free to smell like poo! :)
I actually really like Proactiv, it doesn't cost an organ to buy and it's a well known reputable brand, not too mention really helpful when you need a little guidance with products. I'm not entirely sure if the commercials are 100% truthful when you see teenagers with really really bad acne and it's gone in a month, but like I said - it may work that way for them - just like my own personal system works for me. 
Am I going to continue using Proactiv? For sure! Let me know in the comments below on what your experiences have been using this or any other system on the website!

Purchased: Last year Overall Quality: 5* Price: $20-$120 (depending on different systems and individual products) Value For Money: 4* Would I Recommend It? Yes I would, and I have to many people, even my fiance who now uses it everyday!