You... I have been giving my skin bleaching a major break while using neutrogenas visibly even and proactiv to do some damage control (getting rid of the small dark spots acne left behind thanks to BC ) before I go about bleaching with my 55+H, which I have been staring at in my bathroom for the past week now.:mad:.. Yet I am steadily gettiing darker and Im almost at my starting point and you it is soooooooo painful for me right now... I know this is a skin lightening thread and Im not exactly talking ab solutions, but I HAD to vent... Im hurting like hell right now... I took a picture with some friends at a festival today (under a flash mind you) at my school and my face was soooo dark in the foto... I guess I hadn't realized how dark I had gotten, and it wasn't until I saw that pitcure that it all came crashing down on me... It hurt sooo bad you guys... I just felt like all of my hard work, researching, all of it had gone down the drain... Now many of you are saying.. then just start back then! Well, I don't want light skin and terrible acne marks, I want light bright clear skin and I know its possible... I just wish there was a cream that got rid of acne marks and lightened the skin as a whole... not just making the skin around the acne marks lighter... Sooo that's my vent.. I figured if I were going to vent, it ought to be in a place with others who may have or are currently going through the same thing.

afro13queen many of us know the stress with the skin redarkening after lightening, it can be a yo-yo effect. But try not to get depressed about it. Because this is all temporary and many of us are bound to redarken even a little someday. I myself am back to the beginning and it is aggravating, but I'm working towards it again and trying to see it as part of the process. So just try to stay focused and not stress yourself out too much. Are you exfoliating as well and using sunblock with high spf?

**(hugs)** yes, I agree w gg... please keep with the sunblock, exfoliation and restoring the health of your skin. Is it possible for you to see a dermadoc or aesthetician?

I guess you could say Im exfoliating. My Proactiv has a cleanser that has beads in it and my Neutrogena Visibly Even also has beads in it too. The Visibly Even has a moisturiser with helioplex but I'm not sure the spf.. ill have to check...

But thank you guys so much for the kind words...

**(hugs)** yes, i agree w gg...please keep with the sunblock, exfoliation and restoring the health of your skin. Is it possible for you to see a dermadoc or aesthetician?

So are these the equivalent of dermatologists? Because if so, Ive been to ab 3 dermatologists, alll of who were white and totally oblivious to what I was trying to imply ab my skin color... It was hard to even imply it.. :confused:

Maybe you'd have better luck with a brown doctor? I'm not sure where you are but the minority associations sometimes have professional directories.

Another choice would be a spa that specializes in POC (people of color).

I've gone up to 60+ sunblock and hats. Also on Skin Care Talk they talk about how some sunscreens are more effective @ preventing darkening, freckles etc.

EUEROPEAN sunblock... - Skin Care Talk (http://www.skincaretalk.com/skin-lightening/6215-eueropean-sunblock.html)

Do you avoid sun exposure? - Skin Care Talk (http://www.skincaretalk.com/skin-lightening/6191-do-you-avoid-sun-exposure.html)

Moisturizer or sunblock first? - Skin Care Talk (http://www.skincaretalk.com/skin-lightening/6538-moisturizer-sunblock-first.html)

Have you tried a chemical peel to speed up the process?

@divaforlyfe

Never tried a chemical peel. Im afraid to use something Ive always thought of as really strong. Can someone explain to me in their own experiences exactly what a chemical peel does to brown skin?

@ Eggo

Im thinking I would have better luck with a brown doctor too, but Im also afraid that they would look down on me for asking to be lighter.. ya know?

I got a chemical peel from the derma. And paid like 300 dollars to clear the black spots on my face, and sun damage, then I figured out how to do it myself, you can go online and find what kind fits you best. For black skin the lactic acid,jessner or tca is the best, but I would'nt use the TCA if it's your first time. You can do a body peel as well,it really helps with the lightening process, it peels the superficial layers of the skin to bring new skin to the forefront, warning use the weakess strength (depending on you skin) first then work your way up. You will peel so it's best to do it on your down time. I have sun damage and chemical damage on my arms from using bio claire so I plain on doing a TCA during thankgiving, P.M. me if you want more info there is too much to explain.

I got a chemical peel from the derma. and paid like 300 dollars to clear the black spots on my face, and sun damage, then i figured out how to do it myself, you can go online and find what kind fits you best. For black skin the lactic acid,jessner or tca is the best, but I would'nt use the TCA if it's your first time. You can do a body peel as well,it really helps with the lightening process, it peels the superficial layers of the skin to bring new skin to the forefront, warning use the weakess strenght (depending on you skin) first then work your way up. You will peel so it's best to do it on your down time. I have sun damage and chemical damage on my arms from using bio claire so I plain on doing a TCA during thankgiving, P.M. me if you want more info there is too much to explain.

Diva what do you use for a body peel, how often, and how soon does it take to see results? So, the lactic acid really helped lighten the spots on your face?

I got a chemical peel from the derma. and paid like 300 dollars to clear the black spots on my face, and sun damage, then i figured out how to do it myself, you can go online and find what kind fits you best. For black skin the lactic acid,jessner or tca is the best, but I would'nt use the TCA if it's your first time. You can do a body peel as well,it really helps with the lightening process, it peels the superficial layers of the skin to bring new skin to the forefront, warning use the weakess strenght (depending on you skin) first then work your way up. You will peel so it's best to do it on your down time. I have sun damage and chemical damage on my arms from using bio claire so I plain on doing a TCA during thankgiving, P.M. me if you want more info there is too much to explain.

I've been reading good things about lactic! I'm finding the TCA 20% a bit scary. I don't have the guts to apply it anywhere that I can't cover with clothes. I put some on my outer arms the other day and they look like

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dzPvqLeSazo/Rg_VrgZgajI/AAAAAAAAAF4/wjUh03GEitk/s400/rotisserie+chicken.jpg

It's finally starting to peel a little but I still can't tell if it was a good thing or not. It's so weird because my hands, feet tops and knees didn't have the same reaction.

A bit off topic but I just wanted to say that roasted chicken & potatoes looks real good right now... lol

@ Eggo

Im thinking I would have better luck with a brown doctor too, but Im also afraid that they would look down on me for asking to be lighter..ya know?

Maybe an Indian or Filipino doc might be less judgmental than an African American?

Eta: Have you tried the HQ & Retin-A regimen yet?

a bit off topic but i just wanted to say that roasted chicken & potatoes looks real good right now...lol

:p:D:D:D:D

? I didn't come to this forum to get hungry. :( ugh that food looks soooo good right now

Yall...I have been giving my skin bleaching a major break while using neutrogenas visibly even and proactiv to do some damage control (getting rid of the small dark spots acne left behind thanks to BC ) before I go about bleaching with my 55+H, which I have been staring at in my bathroom for the past week now.:mad:..Yet I am steadily gettiing darker and Im almost at my starting point and yall it is soooooooo painful for me right now...I know this is a skin lightening thread and Im not exactly talking ab solutions, but I HAD to vent...Im hurting like hell right now...I took a picture with some friends at a festival today (under a flash mind you) at my school and my face was soooo dark in the foto...I guess I hadnt realized how dark I had gotten, and it wasnt until I saw that pitcure that it all came crashing down on me....It hurt sooo bad you guys...I just felt like all of my hard work, researching, all of it had gone down the drain...Now many of you are saying..then just start back then! Well, I dont want light skin and terrible acne marks, I want light bright clear skin and I know its possible....I just wish there was a cream that got rid of acne marks and lightened the skin as a whole....not just making the skin around the acne marks lighter....Sooo thats my vent..I figured if I were gonna vent, it ought to be in a place with others who may have or are currently going through the same thing.

Wow sorry to hear about what your going through.. why don't u try hq and retin a? I've been using fair and white and retin a for the past week and my face has lightened three shades. My acne marks are getting lighter because of the retin a. try it and also get a vitamin c and vitamnin e and alpha hydroxy cream. The one I use is called about time.. mixed with a lightening agent, it works fast in helping to clear black spots. Also use a vitamin c facial toner or serum. There's one by organics which I love and u'll see a huge improvement on your face in a month. Wuteva you try, good luck and keep us updated.

That's what I will have to eventually get, a potent vitamin C serum or toner for the face. Right now I'm taking the liquid vitamin c 1,000mg a day... may up the dose in a couple of months.

Golden Girl do you think it would be risky to take the vitamin c pills while I'm still taking the fish oil

I'm not sure. You can try asking a med site if it is safe to use the two together and at what dosage?

Golden Girl do you think it would be risky to take the vitamin c pills while I'm still taking the fish oil

MY mother and I have been taking Vitamin C and Fish Oil simultaneously for a long time and my mom doesn't age and I have never heard of there being any negative side effects with taking these two supplements at the same time; they each have different benefits that our body needs.

That's what I wil have to eventually get, a potent vitamin C serum or toner for the face. Right now I'm taking the liquid vitamin c 1,000mg a day...may up the dose in a couple of months.

I got a free l-ascorbic acid (vitamin c) serum with my glycolic acid purchase and I plan to start using tonight. I willl let you know how it goes. The instructions say to use within 45 days from when it is open because it is unstable, so hopefully that means it is potent initially.

Maybe an Indian or Filipino doc might be less judgmental than an African American?

eta: Have you tried the HQ & Retin-A regimen yet?

No I have not. Ive read MANY things on it already thouugh... You think I should try it out?

wow sorry to hear about wut ur going through.. why dont u try hq and retin a? i've been using fair and white and retin a for the past week and my face has lightened three shades. my acne marks are getting lighter coz of the retin a. try it and also get a vitamin c and vitamnin e and alpha hydroxy cream. The one i use is called about time.. mixed with a lightening agent, it works fast in helping to clear black spots. also use a vitamin c facial toner or serum. Theres one by organics which i love and u'll see a huge improvement on ur face in a month. Wuteva u try, good luck and keep us updated.

Im hearing more and more ab Retin A... Id be a fool to ignore it! What fair and white product are u using? I have some old fair and White exclusive gel in my cabinet, I haven't used. Are there any vitamain C facial toners I can buy at a drug store? Or walmart? Im guessing Retin A is available online right? Im going to check my cabinets and see if my old dermatologist prescribed me something with Retin A... Thank you so much for the reply! Greatly appreciated!

I got a free l-ascorbic acid (vitamin c) serum with my glycolic acid purchase and I plan to start using tonight. I willl let you know how it goes. The instructions say to use within 45 days from when it is open because it is unstable, so hopefully that means it is potent initially.

NewDay where did you get your glycolic acid and vitamin c serum from? And what strength of gly do you use?

NewDay where did you get your glycolic acid and vitamin c serum from? and what strength of gly do you use?

Hi Golden I got it from an eBay seller. It is 50% strength. The auction said I'd get a free vitamin C moisturizer (but I think it was a typo because none of his other auctions include it anymore). The vitamin C serum is 20%. I used the serum last night and saw a difference in my face today. The serum is supposed to stay in your system for up to 72 hours. My seller was skinbeautysolutions, but there are tons of glycolic acid on eBay, and I am pretty sure you can get a better one because this one doesn't seem too strong to me because I'm not even peeling, so I'll try a second application in a few days. If you go with an ascorbic acid serum make sure to find out if it has oxidized yet because if it is oxidizing it will have a yellowish tint (but it can also oxidize and still be clear during the initial stage of oxidation), and do not buy vitamin c serums that are not clear because then it hard to tell when it is oxidizing. Hope this helps!

Thanks NewDay. After you applied the vit. C serum and you noticed a difference, what kind of difference did you see?

Thanks NewDay. After you applied the vit. c serum and you noticed a difference, what kind of difference did you see?

I saw a small light patch below my eye that wasn't there before lol. The skin below my eye is very thin and lightens easily, and vitamin c serums are good for hyperpigmentation. But it was a slight difference and I have not been applying any products under my eye but last night I applied the serum under my eye not thinking. And my skin looked to be glowing today. I think everyone should use real vitamin c serums anyway as they regenerate collagen and protect against free radicals anyway. Can't beat that lol.

So true. I will have to eventually get a real good quality one sooner or later.

so true. I will have to eventually get a real good quality one sooner or later.

Ok update Golden: Just got out the shower and I did start to peel a bit where I applied the peel from yesterday. I don't have any obvious flaking though. I guess it took a good scrub to get off the excess skin :)

That's great NewDay that your peeling now. OK, keep us updated.

Im hearing more and more ab Retin A...Id be a fool to ignore it! What fair and white product are u using? I have some old fair and White exclusive gel in my cabinet, I havent used. Are there any vitamain C facial toners I can buy at a drug store? or walmart? Im guessing Retin A is available online right? Im going to check my cabinets and see if my old dermatologist prescribed me something with Retin A...Thank you so much for the reply! Greatly appreciated!

Yea I just heard about retin a myself when I came on this board. I ordered mine from alldaychemist.com. Their products are very cheap like $2.00 for a tube of retin a and 4%hq. shipping is 25 dollars regardless of how much you order so its best to stock up. I use the exclusive fair and white whitenizer gel and serum. I realised that fiar and white lightened me a lot but it did not get rid of my dark spots so I am using it with retin a which is lightening my dark spots because of the peeling. I got my vitamin c toner and serum for a grocery store. The one I got is by organics. Very good. If u mix the fair and white gel with some hq and retin a, and use a vitamin c toner and serum u'll get great results fast. At least it works for me.. keep us updated on what you decide to use.:)

I feel you.. I'm going through the acne thing.. harsh.. and I've always had very clear skin... and people are noticing the acne big time... one day it looked like I had the pox.. lol... I have been using retin a... the tretinoin at 0.1 % gel and it burns and it peels the skin but it does help clear you up.. now granted I have heard that it makes it worse before it makes it better but I have seen an improvement in just a few days of the retin A with my acne.. granted, I'm not beauty pageant ready with the peeling, but hey I got to get rid of this acne... lol.. try it... it may work for you

Ok you are SERIOUSLY bringing out the product junkie in me! I bought some Perfect C Vitamin C Super Antioxident from Walgreens. Retin A is next on the list... I also bought some Neutrogena Rapid Clear 2 in 1 Fight and Fade gel.. It has AHA in it... After the Retin A, I swear I won't buy ANYTHING ELSE!

Yea i just heard about retin a myself when i came on this board. I ordered mine from alldaychemist.com. their products are very cheap like $2.00 for a tube of retin a and 4%hq. shipping is 25 dollars regardless of how much u order so its best to stock up. i use the exclusive fair and white whitenizer gel and serum. I realised that fiar and white lightened me alot but it did not get rid of my dark spots so i am using it with retin a which is lightening my dark spots coz of the peeling. I got my vitamin c toner and serum for a grocery store. The one i got is by organics. very good. If u mix the fair and white gel with some hq and retin a, and use a vitamin c toner and serum u'll get great results fast. atleast it works for me.. keep us updated on wut u decide to use.:)

I went to the website for the Retin A (alldaychemist.com) and Im not sure what percentage to use...

The choices:

a.)Retin A 0.1 gel

b.) Retin A 0.05

c.) retin A 0.25mg

d.) Retin A Micro ( 0.04%)

e.) Retin A Micro (0.1%)

I feel ya.. I'm going through the acne thing.. harsh.. and I've always had very clear skin... and people are noticing the acne big time... one day it looked like I had the pox.. lol... I have been using retin a... the tretinoin at 0.1 % gel and it burns and it peels the skin but it does help clear you up.. now granted I have heard that it makes it worse before it makes it better but I have seen an improvement in just a few days of the retin A with my acne.. granted, I'm not beauty pageant ready with the peeling, but hey i gotta get rid of this acne... lol.. try it... it may work for you

Yup! When I was darker I had perfect skin! Not a blemish anywhere. It wasn't until I began the bleaching process that I got the marks and when BC came into the mix, it made it only that much worst.:mad:.. Ive been checking Retin A out and Im really not sure which one to use though.. If you look at the post above you'll see how LOST I am... lol :p

Yup! When I was darker I had perfect skin! Not a blemish anywhere. It wasnt until I began the bleaching process that I got the marks and when BC came into the mix, it made it onyl that much worst.:mad:..Ive been checking Retin A out and Im really not sure which one to use tho..If you look at the post above you'll see how LOST i am...lol :p

They usually advise you to use a lower percentage if its your first time using retin a. I didn't. I used 0.1% the first time.LOL. If your face is not that sensitive, just go with 0.1%. Your face will peel a lot and reveal new skin faster.

Yup! When I was darker I had perfect skin! Not a blemish anywhere. It wasnt until I began the bleaching process that I got the marks and when BC came into the mix, it made it onyl that much worst.:mad:..Ive been checking Retin A out and Im really not sure which one to use tho..If you look at the post above you'll see how LOST i am...lol :p

Afroqueen may be best to try the retin-a (tretinoin) gel 0.025% USP first, this is their mildest if you have never used any exfoiliant, aha, or peels before or if you have sensitive skin. How strong is the Neutrogena Rapid Clear 2 in 1 Fight and Fade gel (w/AHA)? Because the retin-a is quite strong as is... believe me!

Afroqueen may be best to try the retin-a (tretinoin) gel 0.025% USP first, this is their mildest if you have never used any exfoiliant, aha, or peels before or if you have sensitive skin. How strong is the Neutrogena Rapid Clear 2 in 1 Fight and Fade gel (w/AHA)? Because the retin-a is quite strong as is...believe me!

Take into consideration the amount of hyperpigmentation or scarring. If you have a few marks here and there then yes, 0.025% is the way to go, but if you're trying to correct a lot of damage then you'll need 0.1%... Also if you're a vet at lightening, chemical peels, microderm and such then go for the higher stuff, but if you're a skin virgin maybe start lower. I bought 0.1% and didn't bother with the lower junk, but I was trying to undue YEARS of heavy hyperpigmentation damage.

@ Golden_Girl
Yeah I got a really nice glow when I got my peel done, I had ingrown hair marks on my face and it really lighten them up. This thanksgiving I'm doing a head to toe with lactic acid, I'll let you know how that goes, it also helps you creams work more potent in my opinion.

Take into consideration the amount of hyperpigmentation or scarring. If you have a few marks here and there then yes, 0.025% is the way to go, but if you're trying to correct a lot of damage then you'll need 0.1%.....Also if you're a vet at lightening, chemical peels, microderm and such then go for the higher stuff, but if you're a skin virgin maybe start lower. I bought 0.1% and didnt bother with the lower junk, but I was trying to undue YEARS of heavy hyperpigmentation damage.

I ordered a 0.1% retin-a for my elbows, knees, and on the back of my arms that has a lot of hyperpigmentation and ingrown hair bumps, still waiting for it to come. 0.05% was strong enough for my face, wished I got a milder facial soap.

Dessaml and Divaforlyfe what facial soap do you use while using retin-a, or any other peels?

You don't want to use any other acid based products, I have a glycolic acid wash that I use and it has really helped exf. My skin but I don't use it when I do a strong peel you want to wait a week I cheated and used a Salicylic acid wash but it was mild to help rid the ingrown hairs and acne , I had bad little bumps that are diminishing, I think it was from steroids or hydroquinon which I don't put on my face anymore, I would use gentle and non drying washes, but when you order there is a facial wash that should come with the peel,

I ordered a 0.1% retin-a for my elbows, knees, and on the back of my arms that has alot of hyperpigmentation and ingrown hair bumps, still waiting for it to come. 0.05% was strong enough for my face, wished I got a milder facial soap.

Dessaml and Divaforlyfe what facial soap do you use while using retin-a, or anyother peels?

I used a 70% lactic acid peel, and I use The Microdelivery exfoliator on my face... that stuff is AMAZING, I got it at Sephora... kinda pricey though

Whoah Dessaml 70% lactic acid peel! Did it burn? Did you use iton your face or body? Do you have completely clear skin now?

Afro13Queen have you made a decision of what to get? In my opinion, if you have sensitive skin (like me) or have minimal experience with peels I would suggest starting with less strength and work your way up from what your able to tolerate. As everyone's skin is different and some are able to handle more than others. For me, I doubt I will be going beyond 0.05% retin-a for a looong time, for my face that is. My body may be able to handle higher strength. My retin-a has helped my previous dark acne spots lighten up quite much on my face within 2 weeks. So, I'm guesing within the next 2 months I will see great improvement and closer to flawless skin and spot free finally.

Other than that, are you still feeling melancholy and what have you done to help with this?

Afro13Queen have you made a decision of what to get? In my opinion, if you have sensitive skin (like me) or have minimal experience with peels I would suggest starting with less strength and work your way up from what your able to tolerate. As everyone's skin is different and some are able to handle more than others. For me, I doubt I will be going beyond 0.05% retin-a for a looong time, for my face that is. My body may be able to handle higher strength. My retin-a has helped my previous dark acne spots lighten up quite much on my face within 2 weeks. So, I'm guesing within the next 2 months I will see great improvement and closer to flawless skin and spot free finally.

Other than that, are you still feeling melancholy and what have you done to help with this?

FIRST OFF I Got to SAY THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO HAS COMMENTED SO FAR! I JuST GOT HOME AND CAME STRAIGHT TO THE COMPUTER!

@Golden Girl

I have sensitive skin. So Im thinking the 0.05% may be the way to go. I am very use dto using AHA though, because I used to use a soap with it a while ago when I was deep into the process. I also was prescribed tretinoin a while ago, before I knew that it could help with skin lightening... (Now don't I feel stupid). But Im not used to peels AT ALL, so you could be right, and I think 0.05% is the way.

Im not feeling that sad anymore because Im actually seeing results with the Neutrogena stuff, if it wasn't for that Id prob be crying right now.. :( but My spots on my face are pretty minimal though now... They are on the outer parts of my face, so they CAN be covered with hair, but I just WANT clear skin no matter how the hair is worn, you know?

Also, I have to ask what Vitamin C can do, because I stated earlier that I bought a Vitamin C serum and powder and I just wanted to know how I can incoporate that into my retin a reggie...

Glad to hear that your doing better.
It'sANewDay is using a vitamin C serum, and maybe some others are too https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/skin-lightening/yes-vitamin-c-serums-work-415681.html
https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/skin-lightening/possible-lightening-benefits-addition-vitamin-c-411848.html

I haven't tried a serum yet, just taking liquid vit. C 1,000mg.

Oh Ok! Im reading those now...

Can I use my Retin a AND my Neutrogena? Or will it be strong enough to use on its own? I have a soap that's from F&W and its an exfoliation soap. Can I use that with the Retin A?

Hi Afroqueen I just started using a Vitamin C serum and boy let me tell you I am loving my face these days; I also use retin a micro 0.1% so being that you are starting fresh with retin a maybe you should see how your skin tolerates it first then maybe use the vitamin C serum once a week to start and work up from there, because trust me with the retin a you will peel but with retin a and vitamin c omg I was peeling like crazy today, but my skin has become a bit tolerant to the retin a so that's why I added the vitamin c serum into my regime to boost my skin up a little bit. Trust me you will glow and you will love it. Good luck and keep us updated.





FIRST OFF I GOTTA SAY THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO HAS COMMENTED SO FAR! I JuST GOT HOME AND CAME STRAIGHT TO THE COMPUTER!

@Golden Girl

I have sensitive skin. So Im thinking the 0.05% may be the way to go. I am very use dto using AHA tho, becuz I used to use a soap with it a while ago when I was deep into the process. I also was prescribed tretinoin a while ago, before I knew that it could help with skin lightening.....(Now dont I feel stupid). But Im not used to peels AT ALL, so u could be right, and I think 0.05% is the way.

Im not feeling that sad anymore due to the fact that Im actually seeing results with the Neutrogena stuff, if it wasnt for that Id prob be crying right now.. :( but My spots on my face are pretty minimal tho now...They are on the outer parts of my face, so they CAN be covered with hair, but I just WANT clear skin no matter how the hair is worn, ya kno?

Also, I have to ask what Vitamin C can do, becuz I stated earlier that I bought a Vitamin C serum and powder and I just wanted to know how I can incoporate that into my retin a reggie...

Hi Afroqueen I just started using a Vitamin C serum and boy let me tell you I am loving my face these days; I also use retin a micro 0.1% so being that you are starting off fresh with retin a maybe you should see how your skin tolerates it first then maybe use the vitamin C serum once a week to start and work up from there, because trust me with the retin a you will peel but with retin a and vitamin c omg I was peeling like crazy today, but my skin has become a bit tolerant to the retin a so that's why I added the vitamin c serum into my regime to boost my skin up a little bit. Trust me you will glow and you will love it. Good luck and keep us updated.

Oh SNAP! Im excited! Ok, so retin a first, let skin adapt to it, then try out the vitamin c... IM READY!! *does Cabbage patch* CLEAR SKIN! WHOOP! WHOOP! CLEAR SKIN! WHOOP! WHOOP!

Thanks Golden girl and It's a New Day for the advice and speedy relpies! :) :)

BUMP!

Thanks Golden girl and Its a New Day for the advice and speedy relpies!! :) :)

No problem we're all here to help each other :)

Lol... yes I agree. Afro13queen have you started any of the serums yet?

Yea i just heard about retin a myself when i came on this board. I ordered mine from alldaychemist.com. their products are very cheap like $2.00 for a tube of retin a and 4%hq. shipping is 25 dollars regardless of how much u order so its best to stock up. i use the exclusive fair and white whitenizer gel and serum. I realised that fiar and white lightened me alot but it did not get rid of my dark spots so i am using it with retin a which is lightening my dark spots coz of the peeling. I got my vitamin c toner and serum for a grocery store. The one i got is by organics. very good. If u mix the fair and white gel with some hq and retin a, and use a vitamin c toner and serum u'll get great results fast. atleast it works for me.. keep us updated on wut u decide to use.:)

Hi do u add a HQ cream to the Fair and white gel and serum and the retin a gel to get fast lightening results? Please help .

lol...yes I agree. Afro13queen have you started any of the serums yet?

The Retin a is in the mail on the way.. I haven't started the serums yet... Honestly, I don't know where I would fit it in into my acne steps... :( I eye it every time I use my Proactiv... or my neutrogena visibly even... Im SOOOOO confused on what to use first, or last (like in which steps to do it you know?):confused: :confused:

This is the stuff in my bathroom Im eyeing:

Fair and White Exclusive cream gel
Fair and white exfoliating soap
Proactiv EVERYTHING
Neutrogena cleansr and moisturizer..
The Vit C serums of COURSE...
And my 55+H
And when the retin a arrives, that too! (should be here in like a day now.. ) :eek:

I really wish you or someone could tell me what to push to the side and what to add to a regimen for the best results.. because I honestly feel like some of this stuff is going to cancel the others out.. le sigh... :rolleyes:

Fair and White Exclusive cream gel

Neutrogena cleansr and moisturizer..
the Vit C serums of COURSE....
and my 55+H
and when the retin a arrives, that too! (should be here in like a day now..) :eek:

I really wish you or someone could tell me what to push to the side and what to add to a regimen for the best results..cuz I honestly feel like some of this stuff is going to cancel the others out.. le sigh.....:rolleyes:

Yeah, I wouldn't use all at the same time on the same areas nor do you want to over-exfoliate and dry out your skin.

This is what I would try:
-Neutrogena cleanser (morning) ---does the moisturizer come separately?
-f&w exclusive cream gel (morning/evening)
-f&w exfoliating soap or the proactive (evening)
-you can alternate the retin-a and vitamin c gel back and forth (evening)
-55H+ I would use on another part of the body where your not using the f&w gel so you'll know which is lightening, I'm using mines on my neck

You can always tweek it to what works best for you and if your skin begins to become irritated, try cutting back a bit.

Yeah, I wouldn't use all at the same time on the same areas nor do you want to over-exfoliate and dry out your skin.

This is what I would try:
-Neutrogena cleanser (morning) ---does the moisturizer come separately?
-f&w exclusive cream gel (morning/evening)
-f&w exfoliating soap or the proactive (evening)
-you can alternate the retin-a and vitamin c gel back and forth (evening)
-55H+ I would use on another part of the body where your not using the f&w gel so you'll know which is lightening, I'm using mines on my neck

You can always tweek it to what works best for you and if your skin begins to become irritated, try cutting back a bit.

Yup, the Neutrogena moisturizer comes separate.It has an spf of like 35, which isn't that high.

I swear Im about to print these steps out u gave me and put it on my bathroom mirror.. :p
Thank you so much GG.. I think this will work out just fine.. :)

@GG

One more question! So when the retin a comes in the mail, because of the strength of it, should I apply it BEFORE I put anything else on my face? (like after the cleanser) Because it does make the face peel right?

Ok that's it.. I PROMISE. :)

The Retin a is in the mail on the way..I havent started the serums yet...Honestly, I dont know where I would fit it in into my acne steps...:( I eye it everytime I use my Proactiv...or my neutrogena visibly even....Im SOOOOO confused on what to use first, or last (like in which steps to do it ya kno?):confused: :confused:

This is the stuff in my bathroom Im eyeing:

Fair and White Exclusive cream gel
fair and white exfoliating soap
proactiv EVERYTHING
Neutrogena cleansr and moisturizer..
the Vit C serums of COURSE....
and my 55+H
and when the retin a arrives, that too! (should be here in like a day now..) :eek:

I really wish you or someone could tell me what to push to the side and what to add to a regimen for the best results..cuz I honestly feel like some of this stuff is going to cancel the others out.. le sigh.....:rolleyes:

I would reallly just use the retin a for the acne... leave the proactive and the neutrogena, and even the exfoliating soap... just get a facial scrubbing spong... (one that's mildly abrasive to take off the peelings doing washing and use a good facial moisterizer and whatever lighteners for your face... for me the retin A had been clearing up everything lovely... but be careful... it's true it does get a bit worse before it gets better, with the peeling and pulling up the acne under the skin... but not for long.. so my acne cleared up significantly in ten days... and there's still a but of peeling oncertain days, but only at night time aprox when the 24 hor mark hits from when I applied it... or if I use it twice a day. By the 12 hr mark...

Best to apply the retin-a after you wash your face, then wait about 10-20 min before you apply anything else such as moisturizer, etc. There are several other ways on how you can change your regimen so its good to see what works best for you. Retin-a will speed up the lightening results due to exfoliation and the skin lighteners will be able to penetrated deeper. If your skin becomes too irritated, cut back on how many days a week you use it.

Hi Afroqueen I would suggest using the products you have in this order:

Fair and White Exclusive cream gel- Morning and Night on face
fair and white exfoliating soap- Daily on the body, once or twice a week on the face (so your face will not be irritated with the other products)
proactiv EVERYTHING- Choose whether you want to use the proactiv cleanser or the Neutrogena cleanser. The Proactiv cleanser has salicylic acid right? You don't want to use so many harsh chemicals on your face all at once. Also disregard the other proactic products for now as you will be using good ole Retin A =-)
Neutrogena cleanser and moisturizer- Use the moisturizer daily after applying the F&W gel, or use it as needed depending on your dryness/oiliness level.
the Vit C serums- Use this once or twice a week to start, as you will be peeling and probably sensitive from the retin a. Use it preferably at night when your face will soak it up the most, so maybe do retin a during 1 week and do the Vitamin C serums during the following week and alternate.
55+H; Use this on the neck and body morning and night, I would not use it on my face as of yet if you have oily skin; it can cause break outs. If you have dry skin I would use the F&W in the morning and the Crystalline at night, or vice versa.
Retin A- see my previous advice; use it every other night to start, then let it soak in before applying the F&W or Crystalline. If sensitivity increases then use it maybe every 2 nights, per my doctor's advice.


Hope this helps and good luck!

What were you using and how old are you? If you are young and have acne then get rid of it and then start skin whitening.

THANK YOU KINDLY It's a NEW DAY AND GG! Im copy and pasting this into Microsoft word as we speak! I hope this works! Would you believe my Retin A still isn't here yet? Ugh. I keep getting emails from alldaychemist with tracking numbers, but it still isn't here yet. Le sigh. Once again, thank u guys and I will continue to let u know how it goes...

When did you place your order ? Mine took just over a week to arrive and I am based in the UK.

I'm still waiting for mine too, they have sent me the tracking number. They ship in good timing, but it is the customs that holds the packages longer so time varies. It better be here by Monday afternoon

Funnily enough I didn't have any trouble with it going through customs. I had more trouble with Tonique.

@MAHARANI

According to my mom I ordered last Wed. Im not really sure when I ordered but I feel like it should have been here by now.. Gosh...

*twiddles thumbs*

Where are you based afro13queen, then ?

Where you order the retina from afro

Allday chemist.

Hi Afroqueen I would suggest using the products you have in this order:

Fair and White Exclusive cream gel- Morning and Night on face
fair and white exfoliating soap- Daily on the body, once or twice a week on the face (so your face will not be irritated with the other products)
proactiv EVERYTHING- Choose whether you want to use the proactiv cleanser or the Neutrogena cleanser. The Proactiv cleanser has salicylic acid right? You dont want to use so many harsh chemicals on your face all at once. Also disregard the other proactic products for now as you will be using good ole Retin A =-)
Neutrogena cleanser and moisturizer- Use the moisturizer daily after applying the F&W gel, or use it as needed depending on your dryness/oiliness level.
the Vit C serums- Use this once or twice a week to start, as you will be peeling and probably sensitive from the retin a. Use it preferably at night when your face will soak it up the most, so maybe do retin a during 1 week and do the Vitamin C serums during the following week and alternate.
55+H; Use this on the neck and body morning and night, I would not use it on my face as of yet if you have oily skin; it can cause break outs. If you have dry skin I would use the F&W in the morning and the Crystalline at night, or vice versa.
Retin A- see my previous advice; use it every other night to start, then let it soak in before applying the F&W or Crystalline. If sensitivity increases then use it maybe every 2 nights, per my doctor's advice.


Hope this helps and good luck!

Hi New Day,

Have you seen any results for body lightening from above products? Which web site did you order Fair & White from? I heard some are not selling genuine product! Between 55 and Fair, which one would you choose for body? I am east Indian :)

Have you tried using high hq creams

@lighterr

No I haven't really used any high % hq... I did back in the day when I was first starting, but it was a store bought brand called Nadinola and it had 3%. Do you know where I could order the high percentage online?

Hi New Day,

Have you seen any results for body lightening from above products? Which web site did you order Fair & White from? I heard some are not selling genuine product! Between 55 and Fair, which one would you choose for body? I am east Indian :)

Hi Sandy, I was actually responding to AfroQueen's request for application suggestions on products that she was using herself, but of all the above products that were mentioned, I only used the Vitamin C serum and the Retin A Micro 0.1%, as well as a premade combination of 4% HQ, 05% tretinoin. I saw brightening results from the Vitamin C serum, and much exfoliating. A reduction in acne and exfoliating effect from the Retin A Micro as well. I saw lightening from the 4%HQ combination with tretinoin, but this was on my face and neck, and it is not even lightening; some areas lighten sooner than others. I have yet to find an effective body lightener. I have not tried any Fair and White creams or serums, but I have tried the AHA exfoliating soap and it is really great for exfoliating, and I am considering the Fair and White Exclusive Gel lightener. The 55H+ Glycerin did not work for me as I saw no results, not even minimal. Hope this helps.

Hi Sandy, I was actually responding to AfroQueen's request for application suggestions on products that she was using herself, but of all the above products that were mentioned, I only used the Vitamin C serum and the Retin A Micro 0.1%, as well as a premade combination of 4% HQ, .05% tretinoin. I saw brightening results from the Vitamin C serum, and much exfoliating. A reduction in acne and exfoliating effect from the Retin A Micro as well. I saw lightening from the 4%HQ combination with tretinoin, but this was on my face and neck, and it is not even lightening; some areas lighten sooner than others. I have yet to find an effective body lightener. I have not tried any Fair and White creams or serums, but I have tried the AHA exfoliating soap and it is really great for exfoliating, and I am considering the Fair and White Exclusive Gel lightener. The 55H+ Glycerin did not work for me as I saw no results, not even minimal. Hope this helps.

Hey it's a New Day! The Retin A is FINALLY here. I have to pick it up at the post office. Also, I wanted to know where you got your hydroquinone from, because I didn't see it on the list on alldaychemist,

I haven't found a good body lightener either. Bioclaire worked well on my hands and arms. They went from gabrielle union to a little darker than rhianna ( I used bc). It messed my face in 3 weeks with not much lightening(1 shade). I got pimples I NEVER get pimples.
But afro13queen tip: visibly even tried it before and it made my face uneven in complexion. As soon as I stopped in a month my face went back to my even skin tone. Also another thing sometimes using too many products at one time on your face will break you out. And if it does you won't know what caused what.