Hey everyone. I'm new to the forum and I've reading it for about a month now. You guys have so much knowledge and have done so much research. It has saved me from wasting my money, so thank you very much! I'm trying to even out my face, and my arms, which are like 5 shades darker than the rest of my body.

After all the reading I think I am going to try the HQ 4% along with the Retin-A with a 0.05% to start. I've already been using a 12% Glycolic Acid wash on my face and a 15% Glycolic Acid scrub on my body, because it makes me very soft :). Is it OK to use the Retin A cream, or is it too much exfoliation?

Also I know lots of people said they used Glycolic peels or creams, is that better than the washes? And is it OK to use with Retin A?

Sorry last question, but should I be using lactic acid instead of glycolic?

Thanks!

Hi MissJazzy and welcome to the forum.

It is usually advised to use either RA or glycolic but not both together... And since you're trying to even out your skin, why don't you start with a series of peel first (set of 6) and then start your HQ & RA regime...

Also, lactic acid is a lot better than Glycolic when it comes to hyperpigmentation. And since your skin is quite used to the gly acid, you can start with a 40% lactic acid peel... do it once a week for 6 weeks... You will notice significant improvement by the end of 6 weeks and after that you can use the HQ and RA if you still need it...

The good thing about lactic acid 40%-50% is that there's no skin irritation or downtime whatsoever... your skin will get clearer and clearer and it's not drying either...

Also useful to add, results you get from a peel is more permanent or long lasting than any lightening cream...

I believe that's what I should have tried with my arms first, the lactic or glycolic acids that is. Gr8stuff which brands do you think are best for glycolic and lactic? What do you think about salicylic?

Thanks so much for the advice Gr8Stuff. And like Golden Girl said, what brands for the lactic acid peels should I get and where should I get them from. I use Dermadoctor's wrinkle revenge 1 and their kp duty scrub.

I've had glycolic peels and they are OK, but I'm interested in doing them at home as well as the lactic ones.

Where is the best place to buy them?

GG and MissJazzy, if you're based in the US, you can get it from makeupartistschoice; they have quite a good reputation and in the UK, if you don't want to order from the US; you can get it from eBay seller "forever-young" to save on shipping cost...

I strongly advise anyone who is trying to get rid of hyperpigmentation or lightening their skin in general to try the lactic acid peels first and then take it from there... otherwise the creams take forever to work (if they work at all) and results from creams doesn't last long...

Personally I don't like salicylic acid. It never really did much for me unlike Glycolic and lactic acid. Although on doing some research, I've found that it's not recommended for people with darker skin tones as it can cause hyperpigmentation and scarring. For more info please refer to this link Salicylic Acid Peel Review (http://www.skinabrasion.net/salicylic-acid.html)

So the lactic and glycolic is the preferred over salicylic. I'll check into the makeupartistschoice lactic acid for my arms and hands. Because my arms and hands just aren't lightening at all, so I use hq on my face and neck everyother day so I won't look like 2 different people all in 1, because of my hands. Thanks!

Haha Golden Girl, yeah my hands and arms won't lighten either. Is there a % we should be looking for in the lactic or glycolic peels?

Salicyclic is for very oily skin and for those who have acne. It actually get rid of acne... altho you have to be careful if you have dark skin. You can try glycolic 30% or lactic 40%... you should start seeing brighter skin after a couple of peels...

Salicyclic is for very oily skin and for those who have acne. It actually get rid of acne...altho you have to be careful if you have dark skin. You can try glycolic 30% or lactic 40%...you should start seeing brighter skin after a couple of peels...

I checked out the lactic acid at makeupartistschoice, I did sign up for specials but I went to compare over on Amazon. Anyone heard of Skin Laboratory? They have a really good reputation so I got the lactic peel and saved an extra 14.80 for 1 oz, but it's 50% strength they don't offer40%. Will this be too strong for my arms and hands or is it fine?

Also I was looking at the ph balancers, is this an absolute must have, because I was reading and it was stated that I can make my own peel neutralizer to adjust the ph with 2 tbsp. baking soda mixed with 1 cup cool water.

I guess the lactic acid from Amazon is fine too... If you're not sure about the strength, you could try a patch test first and you can also reduce the strength by adding distilled water to it since it is water based. But for the arms, 50% shouldn't be a problem since the skin is tougher...

Neutralizer is very important and you're right you can use baking soda mixed with water...

I'm ordering my 40% lactic today, so I'll keep you ladies posted. I'm going to take a before and after picture to see if it really makes a difference.

Gr8Stuff, how many times a week do you use it? And when did you move up to the 55% or 65%?

Also what's the best sunscreen to use on your body that does not feel dry or chalky after it dries. I want something wit spf 70 or higher?

I used lactic 40% for 4 weeks; once a week... and then moved to 55%... for 2 weeks... and then took a break... I'm only using it to get rid of hyperpigmentation on my back and so far, most of it is gone... I'm on the 2 weeks break now and will resume the peels in a few days...

About sunblock... I think neutrogena makes quite good ones... I think they also have high SPF factor... I personally use Garnier Ambre Solaire with SPF 50 cause it's widely available here in the UK and is not greasy and don't leave the white cast on the skin...

I used lactic 40% for 4 weeks; once a week...and then moved to 55%...for 2 weeks...and then took a break...I'm only using it to get rid of hyperpigmentation on my back and so far, most of it is gone...I'm on the 2 weeks break now and will resume the peels in a few days...

About sunblock...I think neutrogena makes quite good ones...I think they also have high SPF factor...I personally use Garnier Ambre Solaire with SPF 50 cause it's widely available here in the UK and is not greasy and don't leave the white cast on the skin...

Thanks Gr8stuff. I am hoping Missjazzy and I will have great results in a few weeks, I'll be taking a before/after pic of the arms as well.

Great, was the lactic was able to lighten your back or just even the tone? What will you be using as a skin lightener for the back next?

GG, it got rid of most of the hyperpigmentation but also lighten elsewhere by at least 1 shade(bearing in mind I didn't use anything else apart from sunblock).. I'm hoping I wouldn't have to use a skin lightener... once the hyperpigmentation is gone 100%, I'll try to maintain it with occasional RA and sunblock...

You probably can get better results if you also use a skin lightener in between the peels.. it'll help the cream to penetrate better in the skin; a bit like what RA does but RA takes a while to exfoliate the skin while the peels are kind of quicker...

So I was reading the instructions on makeupartistschoice and after you let it sit for 3-7mins, and then wash it off, does your skin actually peel off like when u get peels on your face?

And is it OK to put a moisturizer or lotion on afterwards before I put on my spf?

I am believe it will slough off gradually.

Great, that I what I'll have to try when I will be trying to lighten larger areas of my body.. the aha, lighten, aha. Something such as that.

MJ, no, the skin will not peel or get very dry with lactic 40%... in fact, it moisturizes the skin and kind of leave a glow and a couple days after,the skin looks a lot brighter...

You can use a moisturizer after but use a mild one and certainly not one with AHA or RA...

GG, that sounds like a good regime... keep us posted on your results...

Ok, I have been using a combo of Retin A, Hydro to lighten my complexion my face has been peeling like crazy but my body hasn't this combo is not working for my body. I was thinking about adding a glycolic peel for my body once or twice a week, my body is at a stand still but my face is Wonderful! What do I do? Any suggestions.

Ok, I have been using a combo of Retin A, Hydro to lighten my complexion my face has been peeling like crazy but my body hasn't this combo is not working for my body. I was thinking about adding a glycolic peel for my body once or twice a week, my body is at a stand still but my face is Wonderful! What do I do? Any suggestions.

For the body, yes it is best to do a few series of peels first with an aha such as glycolic or lactic acid. Then, switch to hq/ra, this way your boy will be able to absorb and lighten better and faster compared to not using the peels first. It isn't mandatory, yet it is preferred.

I sent you a message Golden Girl maybe 3dys ago, I'm not sure if I did it right I don't have anything in my sent folder. But I purchased a 70% glycolic acid and it arrived I would like to know how/what to dilute it with to make it 30%, if I do 1/2 cup glyc do I do 1/2 cup water? I don't know? Help. Also how often should I use this 2x a week bi weekly how often?

I saw a 30% glyc lotion/cream should I get that also or would that be overkill?

I sent you a message Golden Girl maybe 3dys ago, I'm not sure if I did it right I don't have anything in my sent folder. But I purchased a 70% glycolic acid and it arrived I would like to know how/what to dilute it with to make it 30%, if I do 1/2 cup glyc do I do 1/2 cup water? I dunno? help. also how often should I use this 2x a wk bi weekly how often?

OK, hold on and let me check...

Ok, your message was automatically sent to my junk folder. Sorry about that. Here I hope this helps, I'll pm you the rest:

My opinion, I would use the glycolic 30% lotion first for a week or 2, then switch to the diluted glycolic 70% peel made into 30% glycolic. As one acid is quite strong enough and you do not want to damage your skin. I would rather apply the glycolic 30% lotion to the body as this is a safer amount to use and exfoliate with. But I did find some info on dilutin glucolic 70%:

"70% glycolic acid unbuffered is too strong for home use. Generally, when home users purchase unbuffered 70% products, they heavily dilute them with water to concentrations of around 20-30%, for example, before using them, [and the included instructions will usually describe how to correctly dilute the product and state that using it neat/undiluted is not safe for home use] but even then, the resulting product is unbuffered and should be faster-acting than a buffered peel of equal concentration, so it's important to be extremely careful with these. Some sources also indicate that unbuffered peels must be neutralised with a peel neutraliser versus water only."

http://www.face-peel.com/glycolic/what-is-the-difference-between-buffered-and-unbuffered-glycolic-acid-solution
http://www.kaviskin.com/info/rightpeel.html
http://www.platinumskincare.com/faq.aspx
http://www.911skin.com/glycolic-acid-problem-solving-application-schedule.html

"I can tell you that the AL Glycolic Acid Serum is a water-based formula, so if you find it too strong, you can dilute it with a little spring water or aloe vera gel in your hand before applying to make it more tolerable for your skin."

http://aromaleighaficionadas.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/162003936/m/8521051543
http://www.acne.org/messageboard/Glycolic-Acid-Peel-BURN-t176188.html

How to properly dilute the glycolic 70% and water? This what I had found, but they only mentioned how to dilute it down to a 25% concentration or to a 50% concentration:

[U]DILUTION USING A 70% Glycolic SOLUTION
50% Solution: If you need to dilute your 70% add 12ml of distilled water.
25% Solution: For a 25% solution, double the volume with distilled water.
http://www.perfectpeelsolutions.com/PeelProcess.htm

The strongest strength of glycolic acid I have ever used was a lotion that contained 10% glycolic.. which is very little. Currently I'm using 50% lactic acid on my scars, and then will go back to applying it to my whole arms again.. then a week after tha I will apply the lighteners. 70% Glycolic is quite strong, especially that glycolic is stronger than lactic... if I ever use glycolic acid it will have to be lower strength such as what you mentioned 30% or less, after I'm able to handle stronger strengths of lactic. Because I have sensitive skin and I'm brown skin. About properly diluting the glycolic acid, I haven't tried diluting an AHA. I use the lactic straight, leave on, then rinse w/ baking soda and water.

You also have to use a pH balancer before/after you use AHAs to help the skin to readjust to it's original pH and help prevent burning, and strong irritations (baking soda & cool water mix can also be used as a pH adjuster:
1 tablespoon of baking soda with1/2- 1 cup water (makes a paste)

No, I wouldn't mix the glycolic lotion with the Hq/Ra. Ra is already an exfoliant, and Hq stings on it's own while using ra, you do not want to damage your skin. If your to use glycolic, you should discontinue using the Ra, give your skin time to rest and heal, then switch if you want to switch (same vice versa) that way your skin will not be over exfoliated and burned.

Thanks again GoldenGirl for the response. How often should I use the acid, how many times a week as I want to start this weekend. Also do I apply the ph balancer full body, well everywhere below the neck and then apply the glyc acid? What are my steps I have to use to apply do I need gloves a paint brush or put it in my hands as it is acid I'm sure I shouldn't use my hands, but you said hands when referring to Al glyc acid... Thanks

Use as instructed should be best. The lactic acid 50% instructed that I can use every 5 days, for my small scars I apply about 2x a week though. Best to follow the instructions that they give, as different AHAs and different strengths time may vary. PH balancer should be applied to the same areas of where you'll be applying the glyc acid. I use just a (paint brush that I use only for this), but other people may apply differently.

I don't where gloves or apply it using my hands, but with the paint brush. But I was actually applying the lactic directly on my hands because they had some scars on them that needed them to fade. I think it's best to use something to apply it with, be sure to read the instructions too.

Ok so I tried the glyc peel on my body and I don't think it went well, I didn't feel a thing. I did a 30% so maybe that's too low for my body so I'm going to do a 50%. I did it on
Sunday and as of yet I haven't had any peeling on my body so I'm waiting till this Sunday to up my %.

Ok so I tried the glyc peel on my body and I don't think it went well, I didn't feel a thing. I did a 30% so maybe that's too low for my body so I'm going to do a 50%. I did it on
Sunday and as of yet I haven't had any peeling on my body so I'm waiting till this Sunday to up my %.

How did you dilute it? I had only found two dilution methods which were to make it 25% or 50%, I couldn't find a 30%. What type of water did you use? Unsure if this makes a difference or if tap water is used, I mainly saw spring water being used. If glycolic acid makes the skin literally peel or not, I'm unsure. I know that lactic acid peels doesn't actually "peel" the skin, but sloughs it away so the peeling isn't visible. But, I would think glycolic is supposed to peel though. I hope you'll have better success for Sunday though, let me know.

I lacking scientific knowledge mistakenly did a 1/2cup 70% solu with 1/2cup distilled water, its so sad I had to look up what distilled water was then went and purchased it from walmart, lol, sad I know... I read I wasn't supposed to use tap because of what's in it. So I'm going to be better prepared Sunday with the measurements for the 50% I hope that yields some results.

Ok, let me know how the second one goes. Wish you much luck this time around

I use skin laboratory and also cellbone technology... Cellbone also sends great samples with orders.

I get products from skin laboratory and also cellbone technology. Cellbone has similar products and they send great samples with the order

Anyone who wants to prevent aging, and even look younger, should be using products with Glycolic Acid. But not too much or you will burn! I can't believe how incredibly affordable they are. Why aren't they more famous? Why is everyone talking about anti-aging creams that cost ten times as much? I use this glycolic acid wash from Made from Earth, called the "Grapefruit Glycolic Scrub". After the first week or so, I noticed my skin was smoother. Then I noticed that my complexion was more "dewy" for lack of a better word. Finally, after a month or so, maybe two (?), I noticed that my crows feet are shallower.

People started to tell me I look great. I can see it, too. I look younger! I use Made from Earth PH Equilibrium Moisturizer during the day. But at night, I break out the Grapefruit Glycolic Scrub (more of a wash than a scrub - which I love!). It doesn't make my skin dry, it just makes it sort of tight. I wouldn't want to feel that way all day, but while I'm sleeping it's fine. Oh, and the first several times you use it, expect to feel some tingling. Maybe even do a test patch first. But seriously, this stuff rocks. Like I said, I can't believe that it's not a household word.