I don't have bad acne (though I used to pre-proactiv), but get the occasional zit, especially when I'm stressed out. I bought a set of Proactive off ebay (so I wouldn't have to get a new supply every 3 months or whatever), and it did help. Except my skin is really sensitive and it dried out pretty easily, so I just had to use more lotion (my own). The Proactiv lotion made my skin BRIGHT red for about an hour.