I was born as someone who was light skinned. I started to darken when I was 4-5. I had a good tone then.

When I was 13-14ish. I went to DisneyWorld for a week due to a vacation. Ever since then I became really dark and am referred to being really dark. I am sick of it. I really want to be light skinned again. I am almost not afraid of hydroquine or bio-whatever it's called.

I am 16 now. Darker than I've ever been in my life. For a good part of my life I had a great tone and was lighter than my sis (who isn't dark) but now I am way darker and am the darkest in my house. Lots of people said I am really dark. Friends, family a bit, people. I am so sick of it.

I never was born dark or wanted to be dark so why the am I so dark.

I want something that really works. My big goal is to become light skinned again. If I can't achieve that at least become a few shades lighter. I can't stand to look at myself in the mirror every day.

Here are some ref pics of me.
Some of the pics have intense lighting but in daylight I am dark and grayish as hell.
This was from 2008.
http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/3743/005pbt.jpg

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/3743/005pbt.jpg

Here was I Last weekend (I ing hate how I had to shave my head and hair I had from 2008 and now I must grow it out again and go through these ugly phases before my hair looks nice and curly again)
http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/259/1613744aaac912533059710.jpg

I hate this pic the most. I am a god damn silhouette.

http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/6434/aa46b99294ad12533060410.jpg

Please answer me. I am so emotional and sad I am on the verge of breaking down.
I have such a low self esteem about myself. I don't want any other advice except for something that will work and will either make my skin light skinned again or make me several shades lighter.

I am sick of being so dark! I desperately want to be light skinned again.

Well since you obviously don't care, use bio claire lotion! Trust me you'll see results in days

I see but i want to use a strong combo of things. I heard good things about that, solage and the +55h christialine

Please don't use Bio Claire! The products are toxic and poisonous, hear it from me Kris P Kris. There are a number of things you can use to help lighten your skin successfully and safely. Just try and take the time and read what everyone is using and there successes, take the time to educate yourself on skin lighteners so you won't make the same mistakes. If it is something you are not sure about feel free to ask us.

Please don't use Bio Claire! The products are toxic and poisonous, hear it from me Kris P Kris. There are a number of things you can use to help lighten your skin successfully and safely. Just try and take the time and read what everyone is using and there successes, take the time the educate yourself on skin lighteners so you won't make the same mistakes. If it is something you are not sure about feel free to ask us.

Well what definitely works to make me become my original skin color?
That is supposedly safe then?

I WANT TO GO FROM THIS

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/259/1613744aaac912533059710.jpg

TO THIS

http://i.realone.com/assets/rn/img/4/5/8/3/9183854-9183857-slarge.jpg

With a permanent effect too. Sorry for the triple post

I'm going to have to see pics when you were lightskinned because judging by your pics it look as though that's your natural skin complexion, it doesn't look uneven or anything. We don't know of any permanent skin lightening creams

Kris do you mean when you were a baby color? With skin lighteners it is trial and error, what works for some may work different for others. Yes there's 55H+ Cristaline, Powerwhite, makari night cream, fair & white exclusive gel, to name a few that others are using on their skin so read up on their experiences and give a try. Soap like Likas papaya soap or Diana Stalder papaya kojic soap are good exfoliators. And always use sunblock with spf 70 or higher and try to limit your time out in the sun. You will have to maintain by using the lighteners a few times weekly. That's all I can pretty much suggest, but I don't know how light they will make you.

I would suggest holding off on the solage (mequinol/tretinoin blend) and first try milder skin lighteners.

Kris do you mean when you were a baby color? With skin lighteners it is trial and error, what works for some may work different for others. Yes theres 55H+ Cristaline, Powerwhite, makari night cream, fair & white exclusive gel, to name a few that others are using on their skin so read up on their experiences and give a try. Soap like Likas papaya soap or Diana Stalder papaya kojic soap are good exfoliators. And always use sunblock with spf 70 or higher and try to limit your time out in the sun. You will have to maintain by using the lighteners a few times weekly. That's all I can pretty much suggest, but I don't know how light they will make you.

I would suggest holding off on the solage (mequinol/tretinoin blend) and first try milder skin lighteners.

What is mild and are you sure about that?

Pain isn't even a factor at all.

Mild as in something that doesn't ruin your skin; such as random white patches which I assume you'd rather not have.

what is mild and are you sure about that?

pain isn't even a factor at all.

Lilgreg Exactly.

No, I am not sure Kris as I mentioned everyone's skin reacts differently to different products. What I mean by mild is that to use something milder than mono. Have you started reading yet?

Lilgreg Exactly.

No, I am not sure Kris as I mentioned everyone's skin reacts differently to different products. What I mean by mild is that to use something milder than mono. Have you started reading yet?

I've done a bit of reading and although mono seems too strong period at the moment. I'd rather try Solage which sounds good and works.

Or 55H+ cristaline

Well when you decide what you want to try, keep us updated. And remember your goal is not going to be achieved overnight so be patient and perservere. Good luck.

well when you decide what you want to try, keep us updated. And remember your goal is not going to be achieved overnight so be patient and perservere. Good luck.

Thank you. I will purchase this later this year.

Kris... it is extremely apparent you are a newbie to this skin lightening thing so to save you a lot of screw ups and heart ache let me point out of a few things... well a lot of things, read ALL of it because I don't ever type this much for anyone... but I would hate for you to screw up your skin beyond repair...

On this forum, you need to read what people post VERY carefully, especially if you are new to this stuff... people use the word "depig" and "lighten" interchangeably... those of us who are vetrans of this know the difference but you obviously don't because you mentioned monobenzone and solage and using them BOTH.

monobenzone does not lighten you....it depigs you....there's no inbetween. Go from being black... to Michael Jackson... from the pic you posted of John Legend this is obviously not what you want... so lets take monobenzone also know as Benoquin off the table? Good, moving on...

Mequniol... this is not monobenzone, however it is a depigment agent... if you use it by itself... which some people decide to do so (dont do it obviously if you don't want to depig which you obviously dont). It's more stable than monobenzone so there are less mess ups i.e. white spots, patches etc... Solage is mequniol and tretenoin (Retin A which is ether of Vitamin A) When these two are combined it stablizes thus turning it into a lightening agent, Solage is mostly used for sunspots and is also useful for hyperpigmentation as well as a lightening agent. You can buy Solage or you can combine mequinol 2%, tretinoin 0.01% because that's all it is. For what you are trying to accomplish I would recommend a high percentage hydroquinone available by prescription for how light you want to be... you're looking at a good 3-4 shades. Maybe 5. in combination with the things Golden_Girl listed. You want to be considerably lighter so I would suggest starting with HQ (hydroquinone) of maybe 6%... if you are on the sensitive side start at 4%... but 4% will not get you as light as the pic you posted but it's a good starting point to work your way up. Using tretenoin which will greatly highten the effects of hydroquinon since tretenoin sloughs your skin off to the under layers so the HQ sinks even deeper to lighten. If you are sold on the Solage... fine, but use it with the 55H+ chrysyaline because using that and HQ will cause dermatitis (inflammation of the skin) it's just waaaaaay too much and your skin will freak out and crack and blister, peel and get all kinds of messed up and then you will have scars. Mequinol is strong, I know because I use it in combination with tretenoin. Also buy a lactic 70% acid, it does not peel the skin but sloughs the skin and creates high cell turn over, you can buy it online for like $20 or so with shipping and handling, it doesn't burn much and you can do it at home easily.

Now maintating those results... first thing invest in some good sunscreen at least SPF 70. And using the said products periodically to keep results. As far as permanent goes? I'm sorry, unless you depig they will never last forever, your cells with turns them over and you will go back to your original color in time....The only advice I could give you for permenent lightening if you have the money would be to look into Q Switch Laser, I dunno if it lightens the skin at low levels but its used on vitiligo patients to complete their process of depig, maybe lower it could lighten...I dunno, but it's not cheap to do it.


So to recap: Pure Mequinol and Monobenzone also known as Benoquin are depigment agents....stay away from these..you dont have vitiligo, if it is permanent then it is not lightening it is depigmenting because lightening does not last forever unless you continue treating the skin. HQ, Solage (mequniol/tretenoin) remeber only with tretenoin to stabalize it will it not depig, i know this because I use both of them, 55H+, ect ect are all lightening agents, they are not permanent and do not strip the skin of melanin ie color. Protect your skin with a sunblock of SPF 70+ even if it is raining, put it on, even if you are in the car, put it on. Also like Golden_Girl said, get a good exfoliant soap, if not that get The Microdelivery Exfoliant Wash, kinda pricey but its awesome stuff

There is actually nothing to fear when it comes to hydroquinone creams. All the hype about it causing cancer is just that, hype! There has not been one documented case of anyone contracting cancer from a HQ product, not one!

The awful pics you see on the internet of skin damage due to HQ are contaminated creams from Africa which contain mercury and steroids.

HQ products to try:

Reviva Labs Brown Spot Night Cream (2%hq) $6.48
Reviva Labs Skin Lightener For Day Fade Cream (1%hq w/SPF 15) $7.50
Cheaper at vitacost.com One of the first lightening products I used and it worked well. Natural base no mineral oil so the 2%hq penetrates deeper into the skin.

e-mail [email protected] for a tube of 4%hq ($15 + $3 shipping)
She's a seller on Sell.com site that sells 4%HQ and Retin A

HQ in Bulk
Alldaychemist.com hq4% $1.38 BUT shipping is $25 no matter how much your order. It's worth it if you stock up!
(click Generic button up top and scroll down to hq2%, not sure why is listed at 2% but MelaLite is a 4% cream).

SuperSkinStore and alldaychemist sell the same 4%hq cream except alldaychemist is in India and S.S.S is in America. Who knows maybe she purchases cheap from alldaychemists and resells for more but I purchase from her because I don't buy in bulk. I purchase one tube Retin A and when I'm gettng low I'll purchase another one. If I wanted to buy Retin A in bulk I'd go to alldaychemist instead. I'm using Retin A and the Fair and Flawless facial lightening cream.

Alldaychemist is in India and the HQ 4% is made in India as well. It's a safe company and the products are safe as well so you don't have to worry about using a product from India on your skin. You can look up alldaychemist and Shalaka Pharmaceuticals who manufactures the products. Both have good reviews.

In some countries HQ4% and Retin A is right on the store shelves, unlike here in America you have to get a prescription in order to use the product.

Natural Skin Lighteners to try:

Godivaskincare.com
Real cheap natural lightening product. Never got a chance to use this one. Active lightening ingredient is licorice extract and vitamin C $6.05 for a small jar. They mostly have testimonials from Asian customers but I do see a couple from African Americans, minimum order is $20.00

Makeupartistschoice.com has a natural skin lightening cream 2oz $27.50 with good lightening ingredients list.Alpha Arbutin, Kojic acid, Vitamin C, Lactic Acid, Licorice Root Extract, Mulberry Extract.

Fair and Flawless (my favorite cream) not cheap Facial Lightening Cream is $49.97 but it works really well. They know how to lighten dark skin. Natural lightening ingredient is Sepiwhite.

I would also recommend a weekly peel like a Lactic Acid or Glycolic Acid to help clear the skin as well. Even though they are called peels there is no visible peeling or flaking. Your skin will be very, very smooth. Lactic Acid is good for beginners, to be used once or twice a week. The Lactic Acid from makeupartistchoice.com contains licorice extract (a lightening ingredient).
I've done both Lactic and Glycolic peels myself and I liked them both.

LOL! Me and dessaml almost wrote the samething:)
We both got the Lactic Acid right. I used Lactic 85% and I didn't feel a thing!
I was a little new to peels and always thought you had to feel something.
Like if it doesn't sting it's not working, which is not true. It left my skin real smooth and light.

Here is a pic back when I was 4
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/9370/f5306465992312539455910.jpg

Here are some pics when I was 2 and 1 as a baby.
http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/5470/d61ce6d5ba3a12539454730.jpg

I used to be lighter than my sister. Now I am way darker and duller in skin tone.
http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/3853/39c6ca14095012539454420.jpg

http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/1503/0a62438599ac12539455960.jpg

KRIS P KRIS relax I was light/brown complexion to when I was baby. You only got darker because was sun reacted with your melon in your skin which is normal happens to everyone.

I personally highly to do not recommend Bio Claire because of the harmful effects on the skin. From my experience after using Bio Claire Acne scars appeared on my face and to this days I still have it, but lucky I'm using an Acne Scar treatment to help them fade away.


I've been hearing good reviews about 55H+ chrysyaline so you may want to try that or Fair & Flawless brand. I have never used these too yet so I can't judge them from my experience.

Wow that is such a difference!
All I can say is to follow the above advice and you should get to your old skin tone as your just trying to rid some tanning

I'm gonna have to see pics when u were lightskinned because judging by ur pics it look as tho that's ur natural skin complexion, it doesn't look uneven or anything. We don't know of any permanent skin lightening creams

weezing, I don't like the way you're behaving. Apparently he's new to skin lightening and doesn't know a lot. So why the hell do you advise him using bio claire when you know very well how dangerous it is.
Also, did you want to imply that he lied about his skin colour? Believe it or not, there are people who get very dark compared to their childhood complexion.

And Kris, I really feel your pain. Im also much darker than I used to be as a child. Even, if it is nowhere near the difference with your skin colour.

weezing, I dont like the way youre behaving. Apparently hes new to skin lightening and doesnt know a lot. So why the hell do you advise him using bio claire when you know very well how dangerous it is.
Also, did you want to imply that he lied about his skin colour? Believe it or not, there are people who get very dark compared to their childhood complexion.

And Kris, I really feel your pain. Im also much darker than I used to be as a child. Even, if it is nowhere near the difference with your skin colour.

Woah you need to calm down! I jokingly mentioned bio claire because he said he didn't care what he used aslong as he got the complexion he wanted. If he did take my advice, he would have learned a lesson not to be so careless and do to my research before he comes to a conclusion! Also I never said he lied I just asked for pictures.

Hi,kris.I seen your photos.But I'am not a doctor but I no about,depigmenting chemicals.Since you 16,don't go to the hydroquinone please don't,don't do monobenzone.You can do something natural to lighten your skin back up.like alpha arbutin,kojic acid,tretinoin=vitamin a acid,those types of things.gluta-c skn lightening cream is a very good cream I'am using it with good results with the kojic acid soap for body and face.if you want to see my before&after give me your email address OK!thank you!

Hi,kris.I seen your photos.But i'am not a doctor but i no about,depigmenting chemicals.Since you 16,don't go to the hydroquinone please don't,dont do monobenzone.You can do something natural to lighten your skin back up.like alpha arbutin,kojic acid,tretinoin=vitamin a acid,those types of things.gluta-c skn lightening cream is a very good cream i'am using it with good results with the kojic acid soap for body and face.if you want to see my before&after give me your email address ok!thank you!

Haiji, no offense but you also said you would email me your before and after picts and never did and that was a couple of months ago. I even requested a second time by sending a second email to make sure you received my messages so I know you did receive them, and you still didn't send it...

Anyway, Kris listen to what most of these guys said up here as they have taken the time to write detailed information, so please carefully read and if you have any other questions about what was written feel free to ask us. When I was a kid I was also pretty light and people called me yellow. But, I was unfamilar with wearing sunblock and darkened overtime. So, now I am working towards my childhood complexion again and to maintain. Remember when lightening, please be patient as it takes time and your picts are adorable.

LOL! I love the baby pictures!
You and your sister are so cute. :)

This is my photo,everybody,from using gluta-c,and the kojic acid soap!on the avatar... I don't no how to work this website well..

I totally agree with you Meagan. Weezing. He is SIXTEEN. And NEW yo skin lightening. And you told him to use BioClaire and questioned his original skin color. And please don't even lie and say you were joking. Because you were not. You should watch the way you treat people because what goes around comes around. Maybe you want him to suffer because maybe you have suffered. Or maybe you're just a cruel person without any type of reason. But it's sick and you should be ashamed of yourself!

Hi,kris.I seen your photos.But i'am not a doctor but i no about,depigmenting chemicals.Since you 16,don't go to the hydroquinone please don't,dont do monobenzone.You can do something natural to lighten your skin back up.like alpha arbutin,kojic acid,tretinoin=vitamin a acid,those types of things.gluta-c skn lightening cream is a very good cream i'am using it with good results with the kojic acid soap for body and face.if you want to see my before&after give me your email address ok!thank you!

*rolls eyes* If lightening natural actually worked do you honestly think any of us would be doing any of this mess?:mad:

If someone mentions something natural again I just might scream. It's all well and good if you're ALREADY light or asian or something and need to lighten just a little but when you're THAT dark I'm sorry kojic acid and a slice of lemon on your face is just not going to cut it... It's just NOT enough. If it worked I'd sooner buy those products and save a hell of a lot of money...

Im not advicing anyone,

But for myself,

THE NATURAL, creams
Is RIPPING OFF, and waste of money.

They have no scientifically evidence.

I have been there,
Where I didn't wanted to use, Hydroquinone,

etc.

But you know what, I spend so much money on natural stuff.

They promise so much, but its all a big lie, FOR ME.

And I came to the conclusion to use something with 4% hydroquinone,

And I have seen differences within 4 weeks. I'm happy,

And It only cost me about 30 bucks.

Now I want to use with retin a

And eldoquin.

And I maintained what I wanted, so I am pretty much happy.

And I take the full blame.

I totally agree with you Meagan. Weezing. He is SIXTEEN. and NEW yo skin lightening. And you told him to use BioClaire and questioned his original skin color. And please don't even lie and say you were joking. Because you were not. You should watch the way you treat people because what goes around comes around. Maybe you want him to suffer because maybe you have suffered. Or maybe you're just a cruel person without any type of reason. But it's sick and you should be ashamed of yourself!

Girl shut the hell up! I did not suffer at all and I'm far from cruel.

Girl shut the hell up! I did not suffer at all and I'm far from cruel.


Telling to use a harmful product. Is cruel. And didn't you just reply to my post saying that you suffered from spots? You're sad.

Mate kris p kris... to be extremely honest... your genetic predisposition to dark skin is extremely high..

No natural lightener is going to help you.. you have to try either hydroquinone or monobenzone... that's the best I can say ! Although I don't think you look bad at all anyway !

But to make yourself feel better you have to experiment with either of these two products.. bio claire is not a good choice... people with hq have used it for years despite medical warnings and lived to tell their story.. so it may be a fake thingie that its extremely harmful..

People on mono, well that's the dicey one... anyway take your choice,

Brown deceit , its not so nice calling people names because yyour remedy of cristalline will certainly not help in this mans case..

I'VE SPENT CLOSE TO $1000 OR MORE ON LIGHTENING PRODUCTS on my body since January. To be honest, the only thing that really worked for me was mixing neoprosone and hot movate gel on my body with lemon. Lightened like 2 shades in one month on my body.. got a few stretch marks on my thighs but only thing that worked for me. It's a steroid but I only plan on using it for a few months... stopped and I got back darker.. will start using it again. Good luck on finding the right product.

i'VE SPENT CLOSE TO $1000 OR MORE ON LIGHTENING PRODUCTS on my body since january. To be honest, the only thing that really worked for me was mixing neoprosone and hot movate gel on my body with lemon. lightened like 2 shades in one month on my body.. got a few stretch marks on my thighs but only thing that worked for me. Its a steroid but i only plan on using it for a few months...stopped and i got back darker.. will start using it again. good luck on finding the right product.


Geez that must be terrible decisions you made,

Or amazingly, expensive products,
And you know what I've seen that,

Oh Yeah!! I seen those products that cost up to 100-300 Bucks.

With thousands of commercial, and how it going to turn your skin light, within a couple of weeks,

And those SICK pills, people will take to get lighter.

Look, the issue here is none pills are going to make you lighter, nor does those

Natural, and Overcommercialized creams,

They call them "Hollywood Creams"

Yeah Right, I hate when they, take advantage, of people, who feel pretty darn, low and willing to pay that kind of money.


You know what, scientifically, Hydroquinone, reduces the amount of Melanin in the body,

And Monobenzone, are going to permanently kill your pigments.

Well those other stuff, doesn't apply to me at all.


Where is the evidence, of those so called natural without any chemical stuff,
Are turning you lighter.


My brother, works, in a AFRICAN store,

They have all that kind of stuff, he admitted, that most of them are normal creams.

And they are not allowed to sell something that includes more then 2% hydroquinone.

So they have all different kind of creams, that doesn't help at all.

Just to have a variety of creams.

Your strong Afro features are going to stand out even more if you get very light. It won't even look right. The best you can do is try to get to a warm brown color, but try not to be fairskin.

i'VE SPENT CLOSE TO $1000 OR MORE ON LIGHTENING PRODUCTS on my body since january. To be honest, the only thing that really worked for me was mixing neoprosone and hot movate gel on my body with lemon. lightened like 2 shades in one month on my body.. got a few stretch marks on my thighs but only thing that worked for me. Its a steroid but i only plan on using it for a few months...stopped and i got back darker.. will start using it again. good luck on finding the right product.

See that's the problem, light one minute, dark the next. Don't peple who know you ask what's up? I know people I know, would.

And trust me when I say I wish I had spent $1000. It has ben far higher for me and I am still not where I want to be. Everything that I really like has disappeared! So fustrating!

Well, Kris you can choose which one you want to try first for a couple of months and go from there. Like I said it's trial and error, and consistency. Choose whichever complexion you feel comfortable with, but people who know you will ask and notice. I think a medium or caramel brown will look nice on you.

Wow Sagluva, $1000 is a lot and to still try and reach the goals.

I haven't spent that much on lighteners, but I hate that what I did pay for has disappeared. Very fustrating. I once thought that all I had to do is find a good "permanent" lightener and my skin will remain the same lightened complexion with undertones of color... and never have to lighten again. Now I realize it is more complex than that.

Kris,I think she right,people will notice,and I think a caramel brown,will look great on you,or the color I'am now.will fit you perfect!

See that's the problem, light one minute, dark the next. Don't peple who know you ask what's up? I know people I know, would.

Well I just strted this year.. accomplished most of my goals by the start of the summer.. when I stopped bleaching... I just said its because of the sun.. lol.. it's a tan.. by winter my color will come back.. at least that's what I told my boyfriend of this year.lol.. when others asked me how come I am lighter, I said its because I am getting facial peels to get rid of my acne:D

Geez that must be terrible decisions you made,

Or amazingly, expensive products,
and you know what ive seen that,

Oh Yeah!!. I seen those products that cost up to 100-300 Bucks.

With thousands of commercial, and how it gonna turn your skin light, within a couple of weeks,

and those SICK pills, people will take to get lighter.

Look, the issue here is none pills are going to make you lighter, nor does those

natural, and Overcommercialized creams,

They call them "Hollywood Creams"

Yeah Right, I hate when they, take advantage, of people, who feel pretty darn, low and willing to pay that kind of money.


You know what, scientifically, Hydroquinone, reduces the amount of Melanin in the body,

and Monobenzone, are going to permanently kill your pigments.

well those other stuff, doesnt apply to me at all.


where is the evidence, of those soo called natural without any chemical stuff,
are turning you lighter.


My brother, works, in a AFRICAN store,

they have all that kind of stuff, he admitted, that most of them are normal creams.

and they are not allowed to sell something that includes more then 2% hydroquinone.

so they have all different kind of creams, that doesnt help at all.

just to have a variety of creams.

I fell into the bandwagon and ordered some of the stuff from mono.net.. I think I ordered like 3 creams of hq 40 to realise that it doesn't work.. among that other products.. trial and error.. got so fustrated and had to stop for a while.. I am still in college so all my money was going to creams.. had to stop and save up... now I'm back

I'm also in college. It's frustrating spending all of your money on creams that DON'T WORK. Ugh.

Use an exfoliating soap like the fair&white with vit c (its in a blue box with lemons printed on it) in the shower, then apply bio claire lotion
TOTALLY WORKS!
p.s get a spf 100 to wear when u going out during the day
Good luck!

Hi kris.. I was reading these forums and came across yours... I just wanted to say... and you might not believe me or wtv.. but really I don't think you shuld be sad over the fact that you are dark... I mean if you get lighter doesn't mean you will become a better person. I think evry skin color is beautiful! I swear! The rest is your decision if you want to lighten your skin... but its going to take a lot of patience, time, energy and $$$... which I'm sure you could spend on a million better things to do. Well if you want to go through with it I suggest you check out this forum http://www.skincaretalk.com/ , these are serious people who really have knowledge on skin whitening. Personally my sister is darker than me... and she has spent a lot of time lightening... she has gone down 2-3 shades.. she used natural skin lighteners... kojic acid soap, licorice soap and a bleaching creams which she buys of eBay. Well I wish you the best... really and don't say you can't stand to stare at the mirror... dats just not right... if god made evryone light skinned wuldnt this world be sooo freakin borrringggg.. so yea stare at the mirror and just say damn I'm sexy haha... I do it all the time when my hair turns out really bad in the morning sometimes... well good luck !

Shenug, what bleaching cremes do your sister use from eBay? Can you tell me the brands whe uses?

Sure... she uses vicki belo products.. the papaya soap.. licorice soap and also the bleaching cream... I just checked the ingredients... they are all natural... try typing in licorice soap in the search engine one eBay,and read testimonials... shes cut down using them... because she started peeling a lot... and she decided she didn't want to get any lighter.. she uses them now just once or twice a week for maintaining her color. Good luck cheers :)

I agree golden girl... I wuld perfer a dark guy over a light guy any day...

I found this in search so I'm super late... I hope that you're feeling better Kris! If you're still reading here, then I have suggestions but my first is to ask your parents to make an appt for you with a dermatologist.. show them the childhood photos and express your concern over the difference. If it's still rough-going then you can control you sun exposure. I know that I lightened (to a certain degree) without any sort of products every East Coast or European winter. My home US state is very sunny so you don't even get a break like in other regions. So that said, I recommend:

Sunscreen & Sunblock! Like SPF 60+, religiously

Amazon.com: Neutrogena Pure and Free Baby Sunblock Lotion SPF 60 - 3.0 Oz 2/pack: Health & Personal Care (http://www.amazon.com/Neutrogena-Pure-Free-Sunblock-Lotion/dp/B0028Q64S6)

... also hats

http://www.amazon.com/E4hats-Fishing-Hats-02-Khaki/dp/B0007OF2W0/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

And sensible exposure, if you're going to be outdoors for a long time try to seek a bit of shade.

.. The next thing is exfoliation.. gentle body scrubs , products with mild glycolic acids or AHAs


http://www.amazon.com/Exfoliating-Body-Mitt-Gommage-Hammam/product-reviews/B001P76O6G/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

http://www.amazon.com/DC-Relaxing-Gentle-Scrub-4-2oz/dp/B001TSM8A2/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1256630580&sr=1-11
http://www.amazon.com/Alpha-Hydrox-AHA-Enhanced-Lotion/dp/B000052YM7/ref=pd_bxgy_hpc_text_b

.. or maybe something like Belo Whitening Lotion

Belo Essential Whitening Lotion 200 ml (http://www.yollieorientalonline.com/Belo-Essential-Whitening-Lotion-200-ml-p/belo-wl.htm)

Will help to starting breaking up the years of permatan (I'm working on the same issues but only in certain areas).

*
I feel for you because I darkened tons (intentionally mostly through tanning, some accidentally ) since childhood when I was sort of caramel-peanut butter colored. Unless you have other health issues that could be causing your skin to darken (*another reason to see a doctor first of all*), it can be reversed over time.

If I were younger and not on a time schedule I'd try the first things that I suggested.

Also be serious about the sun protection... You can't underestimate how much the sun can toast us. Please see my thread here about Farmer's Tans.

Also remember whatever you do to use the products all over the body evenly. A lot of people concentrate too much on the face.

& sunblock sunblock sunblock!

Best of Luck Kris!. You'll be totally fine!:)

Kris P, My only concern comes from your age... Your body and skin and everyhting are going through many changes... so I would suggest that you definitely take your time...

Let me repeat that...

TAKE YOUR TIME!! I'm going to get all mama bear on your honey... and first say... I think you have really good even tone skin.. so remember that is something you definitely want to keep... so in order to maintain all the positives you have to be very patient and slowly lighten in stages...

I Always suggest to beginners to use the Diana Stalder products (the lotions and soaps with kojic acid... the orange one and the Black one.. ) there is a seller name filipinagoddess who is a certified US based seller who sells authentic products... I always buy from her even though her products are not the cheapest on eBay... (they also are not the most expensive) but she ships them quickly and you are guaranteed that you are getting fresh not expired products and they are not knock offs...

I also would suggest trying the 55H+ as they ingredients seem good and currently most of us are trying these products... but whatever you do understand that to get results and if you ever hope to get your desired results if it is possible it will be over time...

Maybe years to get that tone.. but this doesn't mean that you won't see improvement...
Remember set your goals to improve... not perfect yet...

Remember.. one shade at a time don't get all ready to be Johna Legend in a day... even he didn't get his own skin over night LOL... he had to grow and go through changes no matter what his complexion may be...

And your skin didn't become what it is today over night either... so take your time... and take the advice of everyone who says.. DO NOT USE DANGEROUS PRODUCTS!!

This may not be related to skin lightening... or even this topic but I want to share with you a story of some people who wanted to change at any cost... and the pain they suffered... because I am concerned by your urgency... I know some of it is just teen angst and such.. but patience will save your skin every time.. no pun intended...

The story is about a couple of people who went to panama to get a surgery to change their eye colour... within a few months many of them started to lose their vision, they siuffered extreme pain, and the results didn't even look natural... it looked worse that even the cheapest color contact lenses... and it costs them thousands to get medical help to attempt to repair the damage and even still they may have very serious problems with vision forever... you can look it up on you tube under (New iris scam or Laterra tv) it will make you cry... especially the story of the girl LaTerra

I guess my point is.. you have good skin... so take care of it... you only get one skin... so e patient... if you move too fast you will do something you regret and maybe cannot change or repair...

OK so now Mama Bear has had her rant with you... so you better listen!! An if any product hurts you or seems to feel wrong... it probably is!! Especially for you at your age... some of our others members are seasoned at skin lightening and they can deal with strong peels and products... but I think that YOU have to take it easy... OK?

You know I think you're right Boricua...

A good sunblock and a hat will do wonders @ his age!

(I've edited my last post a bit.)

Kris P, My only concern comes from your age... Your body and skin and everyhting are going through many changes... so i would suggest that you definitely take your time....

let me repeat that ...

TAKE YOUR TIME!! I'm gonna get all mama bear on your honey... and first say... I think you have really good even tone skin.. so remember that is something you definitely want to keep... so in order to maintain all the positives you have to be very patient and slowly lighten in stages...

I Always suggest to beginners to use the Diana Stalder products (the lotions and soaps with kojic acid... the orange one and the Black one..) there is a seller name filipinagoddess who is a certified US based seller who sells authentic products... I always buy from her even though her products are not the cheapest on ebay... (they also are not the most expensive) but she ships them quickly and you are guaranteed that you are getting fresh not expired products and they are not knock offs...

I also would suggest trying the 55H+ as they ingredients seem good and currently most of us are trying these products... but whatever you do understand that to get results and if you ever hope to get your desired results if it is possible it wil be over time...

maybe years to get that tone.. but this doesn't mean that you won't see improvement...
remember set your goals to improve... not perfect yet....

Remember.. one shade at a time don't get all ready to be Johna Legend in a day... even he didn't get his own skin over night LOL... he had to grow and go through changes no matter what his complexion may be...

and your skin didn't become what it is today over night either... so take your time... and take the advice of everyone who says.. DO NOT USE DANGEROUS PRODUCTS!!!

This may not be related to skin lightening... or even this topic but I want to share with you a story of some people who wanted to change at any cost... and the pain they suffered ... because I am concerned by your urgency... I know some of it is just teen angst and such.. but patience will save your skin everytime.. no pun intended....

The story is about a couple of people who went to panama to get a surgery to change their eye colour... within a few months many of them started to lose their vision, they siuffered extreme pain, and the results didn't even look natural... it looked worse that even the cheapest color contact lenses.... and it costs them thousands to get medical help to attempt to repair the damage and even still they may have very serious problems with vision forever.... you can look it up on you tube under (New iris scam or Laterra tv) it will make you cry..... especially the story of the girl LaTerra

I guess my point is.. you have good skin... so take care of it... you only get one skin... so e patient... if you move too fast you will do something you regret and maybe cannot change or repair....

OK so now Mama Bear has had her rant with you... so you better listen!!! an if any product hurts you or seems to feel wrong... it probably is!!! Especially for you at your age... some of our others members are seasoned at skin lightening and they can deal with strong peels and products... but I think that YOU have to take it easy... ok?

I saw the videos some time ago as well. Made me very sad and made me overthink our vanity big time.

The iris scam or Laterra TV stories reminds me of the TV film "Gulliver Travels" when one of the places he visited lived these beautiful and forever young women who would never age, but lost their eyesight in return and became blind. That is sad what happened to the people that went to Panama to do this is procedure.

Anyone ever read the book "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison where the girl wanted blue eyes so she was granted with blue eyes (in her mind that is) but the witch man seemed to only put a spell on her which removed her sanity?

I wonder if the Belo Essentials will lighten my skin or only Asian skin? Their prices are really nice too. But my main concern with them is that no where can I find the complete list of their ingredients, only a brief decription on their actives. Thanks Eggo for those links, those fishing hats are starting to grow on me.

Hey Kris, wow that is definitely a noticeable skin color difference. I also under went a skin color change. I have pictures when I was around six years old and I was caramel complexion, now I am am a dark brown color, which ,my undertones are still light, so it's hard for me to wear makeup. Also, do you have areas on your body, which has not been affected by the sun, that are light? Like me, my thighs, legs, and chest are extremely light, because they have not been exposed to the damaging sun. Therefore, this is my goal, to match my sun damaged areas to my unaffected areas, so that I can have an even skin tone. Good luck with your lightening journey!

The iris scam or Laterra tv stories reminds me of the tv film "Gulliver Travels" when one of the places he visited lived these beautiful and forever young women who would never age, but lost their eyesight in return and became blind. That is sad what happened to the people that went to Panama to do this is procedure.

Anyone ever read the book "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison where the girl wanted blue eyes so she was granted with blue eyes (in her mind that is) but the witch man seemed to only put a spell on her which removed her sanity?

I wonder if the Belo Essentials will lighten my skin or only Asian skin? their prices are really nice too. But my main concern with them is that no where can I find the complete list of their ingredients, only a brief decription on their actives. Thanks Eggo for those links, those fishing hats are starting to grow on me.

I read The Bluest Eye in high school. That story was so sad and I could really relate to the girl in the book (I forget her name it's been so long). This story is a mirror of the hate that many of us have experienced on this thread. A good read, but a sad book.

Kris.. No matter what anyone suggests out here, to be rather honest with you NOTHING WILL WORK THAT IS MILD !

You HAVE TO USE either HYDROQUINONE, MEQUINOL, BIO CLAIRE or some strong bleach... That is the only PRACTICAL APPROACH else you are honestly wasting your time..

Try one of these.. because most the people who say OH ITS DANGEROUS are still using it...

What I could suggest though is while using these prodcuts.. increase your intake of fibrous food, lots of water, vitamin tablets etc... so the free radicals in your body that may be created by these products are minimised...

PLEASE DO NOT GET INTO THE USE SAFE PRODUCTS SYNDROME...

Trusmme none of these so called Natural things will WORK FOR YOUR COLOUR.. what you need is something rather strong.. something really strong..

Use any one of these products and eat and drink and sleep well..

If your sixteen, the temptation to roam in the sun with friends is high.. Just sit at home while doing the treatment, have cold showers..

Trussme cold showers help as they reduce body heat which in the long run will automatically reduce the need for your melanocytes to go into an overdrive..

I hope I have been of help to you...

Kris.. No matter what anyone suggests out here, to be rather honest with you NOTHING WILL WORK THAT IS MILD !

You HAVE TO USE either HYDROQUINONE, MEQUINOL, BIO CLAIRE or some strong bleach... That is the only PRACTICAL APPROACH else you are honestly wasting your time..

Go ahead and try one of these.. because most the people who say OH ITS DANGEROUS are still using it ...

What I could suggest though is while using these prodcuts.. increase your intake of fibrous food, lots of water, vitamin tablets etc... so the free radicals in your body that may be created by these products are minimised...

PLEASE DO NOT GET INTO THE USE SAFE PRODUCTS SYNDROME...

Trusmme none of these so called Natural things will WORK FOR YOUR COLOUR .. what you need is something rather strong.. something really strong..

Use any one of these products and eat and drink and sleep well..

If your sixteen, the temptation to roam in the sun with friends is high .. Just sit at home while doing the treatment, have cold showers..

Trussme cold showers help as they reduce body heat which in the long run will automatically reduce the need for your melanocytes to go into an overdrive..

I hope I have been of help to you ...

I don't agree with the mequinol and bio claire because from what I've read, they're iffy & not safe .

I've been very dark at times and didn't need anything to fade except staying away from the sun.

He also needs to see a doctor, IMO, to rule out an internal reason for his darkening.

Yes, I'm currently blasting the backs of my arms & forearms with all sorts of products (Belo, Othine, glycolics, F&F) to get them even with my chest for a formal dress in Dec.

I'm not even sure (I will look at his pix again) if Kris is dark all over or if it's a farmer's tan.

After more thought, I don't feel right recommending possibly dangerous creams to be slathered on all over some kid's body. Spot/area treaments are one thing but I would never coat my entire body, head-to-toe in hydroquinone or any other of these mystery mucks.

If this a case of sun damage then a regimen using a 60+ SPF sunblock and exfoliation(scrub gloves and aha lotions) will work gradually and is the safest choice, IMO

Maybe if his doctor is understanding s/he might prescribe or okay some sort of fade creams/gel to accelerate the process.

However, using the sunblock, hats, and a loofah will help.. yes it could take a year but he's young.

Gosh, I wonder if he's even reading this anymore.:confused:

Good question Eggo. Hopefully he is before he goes and buys something drastic and dangerous. I wish I knew what I know now at 16.

It's amazing, when I was 16 (it was 1986)... Prince and his gals were popular, Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam, Sade, Tina Turner, Debarge etc. there seemed to be a major paper bag test thing going on esp. for female celebs.

I was roasted half of the time from all of the family lake outings but I don't remember caring about it (I did overhear a conversation where a light male classmate told his friend that I was cute but his darker friend said I was too dark:D.. pots and kettles, I guess.. lol ).

I do remember buying some Porcelana or Esoterica? (one of those drugstore liver spot&freckle creams... 2% HQ) for my knees and elbows once but gave up. I didn't really think about exfoliation or sunscreen & sunprotection back then.

I was going to joke by telling Kris to go to my college as a 'cure' for his tan.:p One of my HS classmates asked if I'd bleached when she saw me after the winter there.

I read The Bluest Eye in high school. That story was so sad and I could really relate to the girl in the book (I forget her name it's been so long). This story is a mirror of the hate that many of us have experienced on this thread. A good read, but a sad book.

Yeah, I remember now. The girl's name was Pecola Breedlove, It's been years since I last read it. But am interested in checking it out at the library soon, I remember after reading it I wondered that if more people read it, it should have been enough to stop colorism within the communities and how it can have major effects even on a child. I was being optimistic then.

I was wondering too if Kris has even been keeping up with this thread or tried anything new. Hopefully he will not use anything dangerous. I do believe there are good mostly natural lightening products out that can effectively lighten. And Eggo your so right, him becoming darker does not mean he has to go to the doctor for treatment as if it is some internal disease, some people who tend to believe this are very supersticious.

What I was saying though is that he should go for advice and to make sure that it isn't internal.. since it was a change from lighter to darker.

Sometimes kidney and liver problems can change a person color. Also meds... I had surgery in my 20s and turned very dark for about 2-3 months. I went into the hospital brown and left darker.. it continued for a month then leveled off and lightened in the 3rd month.

Silly me I never asked my dr. why.. . I think on some level I associated this with hospitals because my grandmother and dad darkened after surgery.

My guess is that it's simply permatan for Kris but I'd feel silly & guilty telling him to buy creams and sunscreen etc. while it was actually, G-d forbid, something internal.

What I was saying though is that he should go for advice and to make sure that it isn't internal..since it was a change from lighter to darker.

Sometimes kidney and liver problems can change a person color. Also meds...I had surgery in my 20s and turned very dark for about 2-3 months. I went into the hospital brown and left darker..it continued for a month then leveled off and lightened in the 3rd month.

Silly me I never asked my dr. why. ...I think on some level I associated this with hospitals because my grandmother and dad darkened after surgery.

My guess is that it's simply permatan for Kris but I'd feel silly & guilty telling him to buy creams and sunscreen etc. while it was actually, G-d forbid, something internal.

Oh OK, I see. Yo think it could be internal at his age?

My SpideySense says it's probably simply the sun exposure... I've been close to his color a few times BUT I'm not a doctor so I just don't know. I'm trying to err on the side of safety.:o

I don't know, that's what I was wondering, but it's a waste of time and waste of prouduct. Steroids should be for medical use, and if people are selling this on beauty sites then it's just another item that should be banned.