Ask Me Help Desk - Feeling Hopeless.

Feeling Hopeless.

Hi All,

I'm new to the forums, and like many of you, have been on the journey to lighten my skin for a while now. I'm Carribean-American, and can only guess that my current skin color is comparable to Zoe Saldana's (maybe a little darker).

As far as products, I've recently been using those from the Makari line, since I find that they can and do work, and are safe to use. My present regimen is as follows: I exfoliate from head to toe every other day using a baking soda and lemon juice mix then apply the Makari Body Beautifying Milk to both my face and body regularly. (At night, I use Retina-A Micro in place of the beautifying milk.) In addition, I practically drench my skin in sun block. I use Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry Sun Block w/ SPF 70.

I find that with me, the problem isn't actually lightening; it's maintaining the results. Despite liberally and religiously covering my skin in sun block, my skin--especially my arms--continue to darken immediately after sun exposure. I can't figure out what I'm doing wrong. I use a high spf of sun block, and try to stay out of the sun as much as humanly possible. (In fact, the only prolonged sun exposure I get is when I drive to and from work with an hour commute.)

If anyone could offer their suggestion as to what I may be doing wrong, or what I can add to improve my regimen, I'd really appreciate it. I'm just becoming a bit frustrated that all the work I put into this process is seemingly being counteracted. :(

Seems like we use the same sunblock. I also have I think a 85 as well by Neutrogena. I only drive to and from work as well and my arms have gotten so dark. How is the beautying milk coming along for you.

Use SPF 130, that's what I use and nothing is getting through that bad boy!

Quote:

Originally Posted by dessaml

Use SPF 130, that's what I use and nothing is getting through that bad boy!

What brand? And where do you purchase from?

Let's be honest here: sunblock will not prevent your skin from fully tanning.

The SPF (Sun protection factor) of a sunscreen determines effectiveness of a sunblock against UV-B rays and therefore sunburn. UV-A rays are the main factor for why people tan, or trigger their melanocytes. (UV-A affects your interior skin layer at the melanin level, UV-B affects your epidermis.)

Anyhow, scientists have been able to manufacture sunblocks that are better UV-A blockers for people who have medical conditions, so if you truly need to prevent further tanning or darkening from the sun as soon as you lighten up, look for one.

An example of such a product would be 'Total Block', which is an effective SPF 60-90 UV-B (and now UV-A) sunblock. Another major break through would be products containing Mexoryl SX.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dessaml

Use SPF 130, that's what I use and nothing is getting through that bad boy!

Does yours leave that chalky white residue?

MiyaV, do you cover your arrms when you are driving. As ar as I am concerned when I am driving, that window glass just magnifies the sun's rays and I always cover my arms and chest, even when it's hot (and I don't have any air con in my car), so it can get a bit uncomfortable at times but I would rather that then to create extra work for myself by unnecessary tanning, whilst driving.

Quote:

Originally Posted by so sexy

what brand? and where do you purchase from?

It's called Sunplay, I buy it from Sasa.com

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAHARANI

Does yours leave that chalky white residue?

Not if you rub it in really well, it's on the watery side but nothing penetrates this bad boy, I won't use anything else, I have been able to maintain my lightness on my chest as a result.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dessaml

it's called Sunplay, i buy it from Sasa.com

Particularly suitable for Asians, will this work for anyone? What is your race?

Quote:

Originally Posted by so sexy

Seems like we use the same sunblock. I also have I think a 85 as well by Neutrogena. I only drive to and from work as well and my arms have gotten so dark. How is the beautying milk coming along for you.

Hey there,

The Beautifying Milk works pretty well, IMO. I've lightened about a shade and a half since using it a month ago. I think I may switch to using the Day Cream on my face again, though. I've been breaking out something fierce on side of my face, and I believe it is because the Milk is too greasy for my oily/combination skin.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAHARANI

miyaV, do you cover your arrms when you are driving.? As ar as I am concerned when I am driving, that window glass just magnifies the sun's rays and I always cover my arms and chest, even when it's hot (and I don't have any air con in my car), so it can get a bit uncomfortable at times but I would rather that then to create extra work for myself by unecessary tanning, whilst driving.

No, I actually don't, and I may just need to start doing that. You're absolutely right about the windows seemingly magnifying the rays of the sun--it's so annoying!

MiyaV, my only suggestions would be to allow the sunblock to absorb at least 15-20 minutes before going outside and wear long sleeve shirts to cover the arms.

Quote:

Originally Posted by so sexy

Particularly suitable for Asians, will this work for anyone? what is your race?

There is no ethnic sunblock designed for a certain race... we're all the same. It will work the same...

Quote:

Originally Posted by dessaml

there is no ethnic sunblock designed for a certain race....we're all the same. it will work the same.......

I was quoting what the description read. I know at times they will make products exclusively for one race not saying that others can't use it or that it will not work for others. That's why I asked your race, but seems promising and I am going to order because the price is really cheap! How long does it take to receive it?

Quote:

Originally Posted by so sexy

I was quoting what the description read. I know at times they will make products exclusively for one race not saying that others can't use it or that it will not work for others. Thats why I asked your race, but seems promising and I am going to order because the price is really cheap! How long does it take to receive it?

About a week. I swear by this stuff, I have maintained my results better than any other sunscreen, its worth it and its not too expensive.

I do agree wit Golder girl,, u should cover your hands with long sleaves clothes, this is d only way to protect your hands wit sun tan ,
Besides you can add coconut oil in your sunblck , it will protect your skin more den a simple spf sunblock . Trust me , its going to reduse sun tan more den 25% . U wull see this effect** in 12 to 15 days. < by my own experience >

Effects** depends on d skin behaviour and types

Quote:

Originally Posted by B-L-U-E

i do agree wit Golder girl ,,,,, u shud cover ur hands with long sleaves clothes, dis is d only way to protect ur hands wit sun tan ,
besides u can add coconut oil in ur sunblck , it will protect ur skin more den a simple spf sunblock . trust me , its gonna reduse sun tan more den 25% . u wull see dis effect** in 12 to 15 days. < by my own experience >

effects** depends on d skin behaviour n types

Wow that is interesting, I feel at times that oils like lotion etc. draws sun rays to you. I use coconut and almond oil sometimes on my skin but if I'm going out I will not unless I have on long sleeves or pants thinking that the sun is loving this stuff and is resting on me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dessaml

about a week. I swear by this stuff, I have maintained my results better than any other sunscreen, its worth it and its not too expensive.

I'll be purchasing this, for under $10 for 130 spf great

The name really says a lot as well