Redness

Okay... redness. What is your question ? How to correct it ?

Tick

Oops I actually didn't mean to start a thread but since its already here:
I need some motivation!! I've been using the hq and retin a 0.1 for almost two weeks now and all I have is a peeling red face. Not really irritated, just red. I know its not enough time for results but I just need someone to say something that will keep me going.
Thanks my ladies

Redness may result in hyperpigmentation,maybe...
Are you using sunscreen?

Redness will result in pih,u need to peel lots without redness,try using 0.025 ra,

When using Hq and Ra, redness is common. It is best to use a lower strength Ra such as 0.025% or 0.05% in order for your skin to adjust, instead of using the maximum 0.1%. Using Ra everyother day or 3x weekly can also help decrease irritation. If the retin-a is still too irritating, you can switch to adapalene, tretinoin microsphere gel, or kinerase skin products which works similarly to retin-a yet it is much milder and good for sensitive skin.

Hq may still make your skin red/pink and the pinkness may decrease over time, but it will only for a fact stop once you discontinue using hq.

What sunblock do you use and what is the spf? A sunblock that is high in spf, such as spf 55 or higher that offers protection from UVA and UVB rays and best if it contains Helioplex. It should be used before going outdoors and even reapply if needed, because the exfoliants and bleaching agents makes the skin more sensitive and more easily irritated.

You'll have to use a good moisturizer to help lower skin irritation and dryness such as Nivea, Aveeno, Eucerin (the ones that are not mineral oil-based), Neutrogena, etc. Search for products that are rich in vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, to name a few which will help ease the iritation and dryness. Also, you could use an Aloe vera gel which is a humectant and helps to retain moisture and soothe irritation, this may also help lessen some of the redness.

Thanks so much to all you guys.
I always use sunscreen, I don't even use any other lotion, just sunscreen. But I use neutrogena healthy defense spf45. I know a higher spf couldn't hurt but that's all I could find at the time.
Yea I definitely cut back on the retin a to about 2-3 times a week. All I have is the 0.1, will mixing it with plain lotion dilute it a little?
Thanks again

Aight ladies, just wanted to give an update. Its been three weeks of the hq and retin a and I'm noticing slight lightening maybe about one shade. My mom says my lips look darker which I remember gg saying that is her way of telling if her skin lightened. But omg, I just started a new job and I had to take a pic for my ID and I was dreading this part but to my surprise I looked damn light! And my skin looked so clear! But mind you this was a digital camera and those always make your skin look good. A chick at my old job said my skin looked brighter and asked me what I'm using, I told her retin a and she bugged me about whether it is a skin lightener ( I think she's on a lightening quest too) I told her it helps clear the skin but she insisted that it was a lightener, sooo whatever. But she is the only one who has mentioned anything to me. I'm kind of happy, but besides lightening I really want to even out my skin tone which hasn't really happened. But imma still continue with my routine. That bioclaire really spoils you, it makes me sooooo mad, it worked so incredibly well, and I know I can achieve that skin tone again but looking for the right product that won't ruin your skin is the tricky part. Ugh!!

Yes yes I understand you and feel the same.BUUUUT I think it would be better now to stop thinking and mentioning BC and how we all lightened at the beginning because it's like some people come here, just read this part and aren't able to read the huge NO NO that comes after!!
Maybe if we stop saying this, they won't be tempted anymore...

Mysterious5 that's good that your beginning to see lightening. Continue with your regimen and I'm sure you'll continue to see more progress.

Thanks gg. And you are right misty. I found this article during a search from msnbc rating different products, not necessarily lightening but it seems to have a non biased review on this product. Here's the link Better skin from the beauty aisle - Skin and beauty- msnbc.com (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28528070) but if it don't work here's some of what they said, kind of interesting if you looking for something natural but expensive...

Vivité Vibrance Therapy by Allergan
Tested against: The company considers Vivité Vibrance an alternative to hydroquinone at 4 percent (when it becomes prescription strength).

The company claims: It contains a compound that helps block the enzyme that produces brown spots. It also has antioxidants to help prevent new spots from forming, and retinol and glycolic acid to exfoliate.

Does it work? Vivité Vibrance showed reduced hyperpigmentation by an average of 70 percent in one group of subjects in tests, compared to 63 percent for 4 percent hydroquinone. Another group of testers had a 62 percent reduction with both products. (Allure saw an abstract of this study, and at press time, it was scheduled to be published in Cosmetic Dermatology.)

A doctor's evaluation: “This is a proven, effective alternative to prescription strength hydroquinone,” says McDaniel, who was an independent investigator in the company-sponsored studies but has no additional financial interest.