I'm really interested in starting an actual group, nyc based, to discuss skin lightening and products. I think one of the hardest parts of going through this SLJ (skin lightening journey) is that you feel like you're going through it alone and in a misguided direction. I want to have group meetings where we can discuss what has/ has not worked for each other's skin honestly and without fear of judgment and criticism. Is this a good idea and how should I go about organizing this?

I actually think this is a great idea, I live in the NYC area and I am on my journey to get back my brown complexion from when I was younger as I have grown darker during the years (Florida days lol)..

I know how harsh the southern heat can be ! Lol. I was thinking about hosting the group like once a week and having refreshments etc. I live in the bronx but I was thinking of finding a place to host it in manhattan. Like I have a lot of ideas but I don't want to blab them all away lol

I know how harsh the southern heat can be ! Lol. I was thinking about hosting the group like once a week and having refreshments etc. I live in the bronx but I was thinking of finding a place to host it in manhattan. Like I have a lot of ideas but I don't want to blab them all away lol

Well I live in Brooklyn, and I have always thought of an idea similar to this one. The group thing is perfect since we also live in areas where we have access to these products. Heck, I'm in even if it ends up being the two of us :)

My sentiments exactly lol. I'm still brainstorming ideas. Have you just started lightening or have you done so for awhile? Also, what is your current & goal color?

I started bleaching last year on and off, but I am started again last month now since my persistence is kicking in.. I am about a shade lighter than Gabrielle Union and I am looking to get like Sanaa Lathan or maybe lighter.. I have been using immediate clear twice a day for a month and I have noticed my skin about a shade lighter, but I have been going to the beach during this heat wave four days in a row so you know the deal lol...

I haven't been bleaching like I want to since Im not 100 percent of what might be effective and speedy, that's why I really am looking forward to you implementing your idea. I would like to get this started asap!

I totally understand where you're coming from. And I'd be happy to help. I, myself, am really getting fed up with this heat/sun because it seems like if I go one day without sunscreen, I darken half a shade. Ugh. So annoying. But your goal is definitely attainable. I've used an array of products, both safe and unsafe. But I also haven't been able to bleach like I want, for various reasons. However, I've heard really good things about mequinol. Just need to order it. I think the four things that you should include in your regimen, despite the lightener is: cleanser, exfoliater (sp?), sunscreen and some type of chemical peel.

Hey NYC ladies! I saw this topic and immediately wanted to join, this is a wonderful idea. I just bought G&G Teint Uniforme lightening cream yesterday around Flatbush, I hope that it works for me because someone on another board mentioned it worked for her.

I used to use Neoprosone gel in the past, it worked so well and effectively but the beauty supply stores around here no longer carry the steroid based gel. They only have the "arbutine complex" one. Oh well. I'm currently like a Denyce Lawton color, I would like to go up to like a Lala Vasquez where I was before. Good luck to everyone!

I'm really interested in starting an actual group, nyc based, to discuss skin lightening and products. I think one of the hardest parts of going through this SLJ (skin lightening journey) is that you feel like you're going through it alone and in a misguided direction. I want to have group meetings where we can discuss what has/ has not worked for each others skin honestly and without fear of judgment and criticism. Is this a good idea and how should I go about organizing this?

I don't understand why you feel alone when you already have a forum full of people from many different states and countries right here on AskMeHelpDesk who are also on the same skin lightening discussing what products have and have not worked for them without fear or judgment.

As far as misguided directions not everyone is going to agree on the same products and how to go about lightening everybody is different. I don't think your group is going to be any different except for the face to face interaction with fellow New Yorkers only.

Do you feel there is too much criticism on the forum?