Hi Im new to this site. And Ive been reading some posts. In my experience a lot of over the counter bleaching brands don't help because at the most they have 2% hydroquinone and that is not enough for people such as african-americans with highly pigmented skin. I suggest going to a dermatologist. You can get hydroquinone at levels 4-8% at a dermatologist office. My cousin has done this and her face lightened at least 4 shades in like 2-3 weeks I didn't even recognize her at first. I have also used hydroquinone at higher levels and gotten fast results. But you must maintain them. I used 6% and got lighter in a couple of days I would say about 1 shade.