Ten years ago, I went through somewhat of an awkward phase. I decided to dye my hair blond à la Meg Ryan in You've Got Mail, but it was more straw-like than stellar. Also, I had put on a few of the dreaded college pounds (I only thought veggie pizza sounded healthy), and to top it all off, my face was breaking out like crazy. The solution? Some deep conditioner, a smarter diet, and Proactiv Solution.

I used the three-step system for about a year or two, and my pimples seemed to be under control. Flash-forward to a few weeks ago, and the spots were back with a vengeance. I got my hands on some Proactiv, which uses benzoyl peroxide to kill P. acnes, the bacteria that causes acne, and ripped open the packaging with great fervor. But after 10 years, does Proactiv still do the trick? Find out when you read more.

In short, I am amazed. After only a week of use, the texture of my skin is smoother, tighter, and appears less oily. The redness and inflammation has subsided, and bumps have softened — if not disappeared. While I notice a slight medicinal smell after applying, I am willing to look the other way due to the amazing results I've had. Often, many acne treatments contribute to dry, flaky skin, but Proactiv does not. In fact, my makeup goes on more evenly, and as an added bonus, I seem to use less. One word of caution? The products may cause bleaching on fabric, so consider using only white pillowcases and towels.

The Three-Step System ($40) leaves the skin feeling very active and refreshed. It includes Renewing Cleanser, which uses small beads to exfoliate skin; Revitalizing Toner, which takes away excess oil, cleansing deep down; and Repairing Lotion, an oil-free moisturizer that helps heal and prevent blemishes from forming. While all skin types are different, I highly recommend Proactiv for the outstanding results I've had with the products in my younger years, as well as the results I've had as a wiser, back-to-my-natural-roots woman of a decade later.