I am a senior citizen when it comes t skin lightening/bleaching,I have used almost everything on the market.I started bleaching in 2006 and I have gone from India Arie's color to Taraji Henson.I am going to give reviews of skin lightening creams I have used and most you can find in your local beauty supply store.This is no way an advertisement of any of these products.I am NOT a SELLER.Just trying to give some info to those who are looking for the best creams that can lighten them and also prevent them from wasting their money on the ones that don't work.I will like to post my picture in here.But I don't want to "expose" myself as a bleacher.lol.You never know who might be lurking or be a member of this forum.If you want to see my pictures inbox me and I will send them to you

I am going to start my review with the ones that didn't work and follow with the best ones.I will include pictures as well.. HOPE THIS HELPS SOMEONE:)

Clair Liss:the first cream I used when I started bleaching,did nothing for me.it evened out my skin but didn't lighten me.. please save your money--->http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/sterlingsilv..._2076_56223835

G&G(Orange Lid):Used this for about a month.. waste of my time and hard earned money-------->http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/sterlingsilv...2076_169919680

Topiclear:I wasted my money on this crap,used it for about two weeks and saw no change whatsoever in my skin tone--->http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/sterlingsilv...2076_207212276


Maxi light:Smells so good,but just like Clair Liss,it just evened my skin out,but didn't lighten it--->http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/sterlingsilv...2076_130603524


Clear & smooth(ORANGE) .. lightened me slightly after a while it stopped working-->http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/sterlingsilv...2076_231936280

Daggett & Ramsdell(facial fade cream)- money down the drain.. will do nothing--->http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/sterlingsilv...2076_179425644

Fair & White(white bottle)It actually darkened me,made my skin blotchy.. forget it----->http://www.allbeautyessentials.com/i...64823_s6-m.jpg

SH18 Skin Lightening :still don't know why I bought this one,it smells so bad and did absolutely nothing---->http://www.allbeautyessentials.com/i...y%20Lotion.jpg

Rosance X18:I still don't get the hype about this one.. used it for a month and half and did nothing for me

Hyprogel:Another Waste---->http://www.allbeautyessentials.com/i...DSCF2803-1.JPG

NOW THE BEST ONES:

BIO CLAIRE:lighetened me a lot.. I mean A lot.. but I stopped using it since it gave me stretch marks between my thighs that I am still trying to get rid of.I recommend you used it only for a short period and mix it with their oil it works much faster---->http://www.allbeautyessentials.com/images/DSCF2867.JPG

AFRICAN QUEEN GEL:OMG!hands down the best gel I ever used. Peeled an lightened me so well,but its so hard to find.. if you want really quick lightening use this one.. trust me.. it works fast.. its cheap too(mix it with a strong serum and you are good to go)-->http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/sterlingsilv..._2076_94864076

Fair & White(Blue bottle):very slow,yet gives your skin a beautiful glow and lightens OK!--->http://www.allbeautyessentials.com/i...0Vitam%20C.jpg

Neoprosone Gel:Yes.. did well for me.. very fast too--->http://www.allbeautyessentials.com/i...opro%20Gel.jpg


Vit Fee:An african friend of mine told me about it,she uses it and is so light,decided to get it and this one I used the longest, lightened me so well, I mixed it with their oil--->http://www.allbeautyessentials.com/images/vitfee.jpg

P.S. If you decide to use any of the"BEST"ones,I recommend getting a strong lightening serum(SUREWHITE is good) and mixing them together,it will make them work even more faster and don't forget to exfoliate!

There you have it.. If you have any questions feel free to message me.Hope this helps someone:)

Hello:)
You've been through a lot.
What are you using now?

Lol@You've been through alot

I am using the Vitfee cream mixed with the african queen gel and surewhite serum

Works great!

Only other product I've mixed with my cream is Retin A.
What are the active lightening ingredients in Vitfree, African queen gel and Surewhite serum?

Now I used African Queen Super Strength cream before but they only claim a small amount of hydroquinone I know it had more than the standard 2%, I didn't know they made a gel.

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Originally Posted by nikkicute

Only other product I've mixed with my cream is Retin A.
What are the active lightening ingredients in Vitfree, African queen gel and Surewhite serum?

Now I used African Queen Super Strength cream before but they only claim a small amount of hydroquinone I know it had more than the standard 2%, I didn't know they made a gel.

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The Vitfee contains Hydroquine,the African gel as well and the sure white too

And yes they do make a gel,works wonders.. lol

I used to love the G&G with the orange lid. When I was using it everyone used to ask what I use to get my skin so clear. I can't believe it didn't work for you.

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Originally Posted by loanyB

The Vitfee contains Hydroquine,the African gel as well and the sure white too
and yes they do make a gel,works wonders..lol

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Your pictures are really nice, your very pretty!
Love your eyebrows!
The mixer seems to be working for you, your skin is very even in color.
Not bad for a senior citizen. Lol :)

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Originally Posted by beautifulskin

I used to love the G&G with the orange lid. When I was using it everyone used to ask what I use to get my skin so clear. I can't believe it didn't work for you.

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Nope honey.didnt do a thing for me.. Lucky you!

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Originally Posted by nikkicute

Your pictures are really nice, your very pretty!
Love your eyebrows!!
The mixer seems to be working for you, your skin is very even in color.
Not bad for a senior citizen. lol :)

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Thank you!:)

You are beautiful! Your skin is so clear how do you prevent breakouts? How long did it take you to start seeing results?

Hi Loany,
Thank you for your post... I've been searching for the right lightening product for years and will definitely try a few of these. I was wondering.. I'm not looking for something for all over lightening, I have some old bruises and scars on my legs from childhood which as an adult I'm definitely very conscious about. I'm medium skin toned (like caramel color I guess). Do you recommend these products for isolated spot treatments or would you recommend something else? I was planning on trying the same regimen you use only on the scars I have and hopefully that will fade them significantly so I'm more even toned. Thanks again.

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Originally Posted by divaforlyfe

You are beautiful! your skin is so clear how do you prevent breakouts? How long did it take you to start seeing results?

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Thanks!I am actually not the type who breaks out,but I use this toner(brightening) by boots and their exfoliator.love them.it took me like two weeks to see results

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Originally Posted by luvlyctlady

Hi Loany,
Thank you for your post... I've been searching for the right lightening product for years and will definitely try a few of these. I was wondering.. i'm not looking for something for all over lightening, I have some old bruises and scars on my legs from childhood which as an adult I'm definitely very conscious about. I'm medium skin toned (like caramel color I guess). Do you recommend these products for isolated spot treatments or would you recommend something else? I was planning on trying the same regimen you use only on the scars I have and hopefully that will fade them significantly so i'm more even toned. Thanks again.

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Since you are not looking for overrall lightening I suggest the african gel,its strong and should lighten the scars very well.let me know how things go!

Thanks for sharing the info. I agree with you as bioclaire and fair & white.

1 month is not long enough to test if they work lol u need to give it 6 months at least

I've been using 4% hydroquinone with retin a for 2 months and it hasn't started to work yet ,but it take 6 months at least

I should have mentioned this long ago when this thread was posted. But, all the "best" products that were listed above are steroid-based products (except for the fair & white exclusive in the blue box which is good and safe that I am aware of). African queen gel may be OK, I haven't read anything negative about this so far.

The skin lightening products above that are known to give minimal results, many also contain steroids as well. Except for SH18 Skin Lightening, Daggett & Ramsdell, and Fair & White (white bottle) which most likely contains 2% hq which will not do much with lightening the skin. Unsure about what the Clear & smooth of what it contains.

Please everyone read what adulterated skin lighteners containing steroids and heavy metals can do to the body internally and externally:
https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/skin-lightening/become-aware-risks-using-steroid-based-lighteners-420878.html[/url]

Loany B thanks for this review. Its really helpful. What is thebrightening by boots and their exfoliator that u use please?

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Originally Posted by naijachik

Loany B thanks for this review. its really helpful. what is thebrightening by boots and their exfoliator that u use please?

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Hey hon
Here is it the toner I a m talking about

Amazon.com: Boots Botanics Skin Brightening Toner 8.4 fl oz (250 ml): Health & Personal Care

Thank you

I used clairliss and still do on occasion it worked very well for me so not everything works for everyone, MO

Ummm.. 90% of these products are harmful to people in the long run. Thanks for recommending them. :(

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Originally Posted by tutyfruity

ummm..90% of these products are harmful to people in the long run. Thanks for reccomending them. :(

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Do you have something better to contribute?? This review is rather helpful. Everyone knows their risks... krhjyo

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Originally Posted by mysterious5

do you have something better to contribute??? this review is rather helpful. everyone knows their risks..................krhjyo

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No actually people who are new to lightening might not know the risks asssociated with these products and just buy the products based off the reviews. And yes I do have something to contribute, you could use straight 4% NON steroid added HQ along with an exfoiliator like retin-a so there's no chance of skin thinning.

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Originally Posted by mysterious5

do you have something better to contribute??? this review is rather helpful. everyone knows their risks..................krhjyo

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Thanks for saying that..

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Originally Posted by tutyfruity

No actually people who are new to lightening might not know the risks asssociated with these products and just buy the products based off the reviews. And yes i do have something to contribute, you could use straight 4% NON steroid added HQ along with an exfoiliator like retin-a so theres no chance of skin thinning.

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If you choose to use your retin a and HQ that's you.. but this was done solely to inform people on what works and doesn't.. Im sure most of them know the risks..



I

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Originally Posted by live1

1 month is not long enough to test if they work lol u need to give it 6 months at least

ive been using 4% hydroquinone with retin a for 2 months and it hasnt started to work yet ,but it take 6 months at least

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6 months? I am not that patient.. lol

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Originally Posted by tutyfruity

No actually people who are new to lightening might not know the risks asssociated with these products and just buy the products based off the reviews. And yes i do have something to contribute, you could use straight 4% NON steroid added HQ along with an exfoiliator like retin-a so theres no chance of skin thinning.

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@Tutyfruity yes your concern for awareness is appreciated by some such as myself but our concern for those who are not aware will not be accepted by all unfortunately.

Some of us know the risks of what steroid and mercury laced products can do to the skin, but sadly many do not know and the others who read this years after us may not know and may be unfortunate to learn the hard way and have either 2 things: horrible ugly bruised and shredded looking skin with continued ues and/or sickly health effects unaware of it coming from certain adulterated skin products poisoning their system.

I am glad that this review was written, but it is important to understand and make aware for the many who do not know the risks or what's in many of these products. And not assume that the people who are interested should already know what will happen later down the road. The good and the bad both should be mentioned so it is at everyone's own risk and not just assume.

Because many of us did not know when first started using many of these products and what they have high potential of doing and we unfortunately found out the hard way. No reason to conceal the negatives too if you are aware of the negatives. Every lightener I (and others) have used, whether positive or negative, some of the other members here and myself try to mention the physical and health pros and cons of what it can do to the body. Including carefully how to use hq, retina, makari and there drawbacks. We can't just assume everyone knows the potential of what can happen because many of the side effects will not go away and are permanent and will make the skin ugly that no lightener will then be able to fix.

Many routes to take to lighten that is true, some work better for others some do not. Everyone lightens differently, w/ different products, and at different lengths of time. Variety is good to add to the list. But if something gives bad results (which are worse than no results), not properly used, and/or is not safe, we can not assume they know and to just fend for themselves because many do not know what will happen. We all have to look out for eachother and make eachother aware of what else can happen too...

Me: Hq 4%/Retin-a 0.05% = so far 3.5-4 shades lighter in 3 months, used daily or everyother day 1-2x daily

People lighten at different speeds and the body takes longer to lighten with any product used when compared to the face due to the thickness of skin. Steroids may lighten in a matter of days mostly due to the thinning and stretching of the skin, regardless of the skin cellturnover of avg 28 days.

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Originally Posted by loanyB

6 months? I am not that patient.....!lol

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LOL! I'm with you!
I always start to see results within two weeks of using a skin lightener and adding Retin A made it so much better.

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Originally Posted by Golden_Girl

Many routes to take to lighten that is true, some work better for others some do not. Everyone lightens differently, w/ different products, and at different lengths of time. Variety is good to add to the list. But if something gives bad results (which are worse than no results), not properly used, and/or is not safe, we can not assume they know and to just fend for themselves because many do not know what will happen. We all have to look out for eachother and make eachother aware of what else can happen too...

Me: Hq 4%/Retin-a 0.05% = so far 3.5-4 shades lighter in 3 months, used daily or everyother day 1-2x daily

People lighten at different speeds and the body takes longer to lighten with any product used when compared to the face due to the thickness of skin. Steroids may lighten in a matter of days mostly due to the thinning and stretching of the skin, regardless of the skin cellturnover of avg 28 days.

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Amen. If people want to use these products after knowing the risks then that's their business. But it's totally different to advocate them, without telling the full story as to WHY they lighten you so quickly.

That is true, I agree. If we advocate the full stories of the toxic products that causes bad and disastrous effects to the skin. Then perhaps in hopes many of these products containing lethal amounts of steroids, mercury, and additional heavy metals in order to cheaply lighten the skin eventually more of them may be removed from the market and to no longer cause harm on innocent victims once they are at least made aware. Everyone will not appreciate the advice of exposed products, but few are actually listening..

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Originally Posted by Golden_Girl

Many routes to take to lighten that is true, some work better for others some do not. Everyone lightens differently, w/ different products, and at different lengths of time. Variety is good to add to the list. But if something gives bad results (which are worse than no results), not properly used, and/or is not safe, we can not assume they know and to just fend for themselves because many do not know what will happen. We all have to look out for eachother and make eachother aware of what else can happen too...

Me: Hq 4%/Retin-a 0.05% = so far 3.5-4 shades lighter in 3 months, used daily or everyother day 1-2x daily

People lighten at different speeds and the body takes longer to lighten with any product used when compared to the face due to the thickness of skin. Steroids may lighten in a matter of days mostly due to the thinning and stretching of the skin, regardless of the skin cellturnover of avg 28 days.

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Bull steroid along with bio clair oil and cream mix and 4% hq with ra after 2 months has not lightened my craig david color skin,I added betanovate cream to it too.it a steroid for my exma,its all rubbish nothing works ,ps sepi white is also uselles my sister used it 4 months .I think skin lightening is impossible

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Originally Posted by live1

bull steroid along with bio clair oil and cream mix and 4% hq with ra after 2 months has not lightened my craig david color skin,i added betanovate cream to it too.it a steroid for my exma,its all rubbish nothing works ,ps sepi white is also uselles my sister used it 4 months .i think skin lightening is impossible

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Sorry to hear that so many things are not working for you. What shade are you trying to achieve? As you are already fair. I don't know if your interested in reading more information about mequinol 2-10%/tretinoin 0.05-0.1% and see if it will lighten your skin. You can read some of the experiences on here.

Hw long have you been using the sepiwhite and what percentage is it?

I'm craig david color but my hyperpigmentation is 2 shades darker that's what I want gone ,I've been trying for 3 years so far. Steroids suck they won't lighten skin just like hq sucks.my sista and me used 10 % sepi its usless garbage,60 % lactic acid peels is not doing nothing . 50% tca peel is not working.my pics are in my other thread

Believe me, steroids will cause the hyperpigmentation to worsen over time and only cause more skin destruction. Hyperpigmentation can be corrected with the assistance of using aha's such as lactic acid and glycolic acid being among the most popular. I would say try the lactic acid peels first, because they are milder and yet offer many benefits. Lactic acid is helping to improve my hyperpigmentation on my elbows, fading my scars, spots, and discoloration (and has completely faded some of my scars) on both my arms and hands. I have a tendency of bruising quite easily.

You will have to be consistent with it, using it on a weekly basis (1-2 times weekly or as instructed) and continue to apply the hq to those areas as well on the following day.

If lactic acid is too mild for you and your sister, then use glycolic acid peels on a consitent basis. You must also use a pH balancer and cool water to help lessen the risk of skin irritation and burns. This may take several months for improvement is noticed, depending on how bad the hyperpigmentation is. I take photos of my progress every few weeks/months, even when I barely notice any differences. The photos will beable to help chart your progress.

Within 3-4 months if you and your siblings still have zero improvement, schedule to see your dermatologist and they will be able to assist with the skin problems and explain why there is no improvement. I hope that you'll be able to solve your skin issues. Derms may have to use stronger methods such as laser treatments and such.

Please look at my pics in my thread,I use 60%lactic peel 3 times a week its usless .ive used gycolic usless too.ive done 50% tca peel didn't do a thing .im very consistent never ever miss a day.ive tried steroids hq clair liss maxi peel skin lite etc they are all scams,I was thinking of trying fair and white whitenizer gel cream but I doubt it will do anything .my derm said I have normal skin,with post inflammatory hyperpigmentation ,from old acne,they can't use laser on my skin it will make more hyperpigmentation .she said use fade cream ,I tried it .never worked.in england derms can't prescribe hq so I about it on the net complete waste of time.

Mequinol what is this is it for hyperpigmentation?

Ok.. about the steroid factor... does hydroquinone contain steroids? A poster stated using Hydroquinone 4% and Retin A... Is that safe?

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Originally Posted by loanyB

if you choose to use ur retin a and HQ thats you..but this was done solely to inform people on what works and doesnt..Im sure most of them know the risks..



I

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Hey LoanyB, I'm trying to PM you but it seems to be disable. Please message me if you will.

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Originally Posted by Fallen_angel_here_in_this_life

Ok..about the steroid factor...does hydroquinone contain steroids?? A poster stated using Hydroquinone 4% and Retin A....Is that safe?

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NO! Hydroquinone does not contain steroids, but some products do contain both. I too have used the 4%hq and Retin A with no problem. You'll have to try it yourself to see how it reacts to your skin.

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Originally Posted by nikkicute

NO!! Hydroquinone does not contain steriods, but some products do contain both. I too have used the 4%hq and Retin A with no problem. You'll have to try it yourself to see how it reacts to your skin.

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Ok, so where can I but HQ 4%... My doctor gave me samples but they are small tubes, not enough for my entire body. Also do you