uneven skintone [Archive] - Long Hair Care Forums

luvhair

02-08-2003, 08:23 AM

I know this must be the number one concern for black girls, but I have tried everything to get rid of my hyperpigmentation spots and nothing . I tried Hydroquinine (which I suggest no one should try because it only bleaches and causes a halo effect) and I have had 2 chemical peels and still nothing. Also I have been using triluma and that has worked WONDERFULLY on the really dark spots but you can only be on it for 3 months and on the 15th I have to stop and I still have spots.

Does anyone know how to get rid of them?

Allandra

02-08-2003, 11:29 AM

I read about TriLuma. It contains fluocinolone acetonide 0.01%, hydroquinone 4%, and tretinoin 0.05%. How has using hydroquinone in this product work wonderfully for you, but using hydroquinone in other products give you a halo effect? I'm just curious. My dermatologist prescribed Lustra AF (http://www.sunandskin.com) for me. It did a great job at clearing the few old acne spots that I had on my face, and it also did a good job at evening out my skin tone. It's expensive, but it did work for me. It contains hydroquinone USP 4%, and glycolic acid and sunscreen and a few more things (with the addition of full spectrum UVA and UVB coverage). Sunscreens are recommended and important for use with products containing hydroquinone to prevent repigmentation. Whereas other products containing 4% hydroquinone offer UVB protection, only LUSTRA-AF contains Parsol® 1789 to protect against pigment-causing UVA rays. I can definitely say, that I'm happy something finally worked for me. Now that my face is in check, I'm trying to keep it in check with Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 with UVA/UVB Sunscreen. It's suppose to help maintain healthy looking skin and improve your complexion by:

*leaving skin soft and smooth
*improving skin texture
*evening out skin tone
*improving skin clarity

I'm going to use it for the next three months and see how it goes.

Is there any way you can take a brief recess from using TriLuma, and then continue with it for another three months? Did your dermatologist recommend anything else after the TriLuma treatment? I know how frustrating and annoying this can be. I hope you find something that works (be sure it contains sunscreen to keep the dark spots at bay) for you soon. Please keep us informed.

Allandra

02-08-2003, 11:46 AM

BTW, I'm sure some of the other members will come up with some great recommendations. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

luvhair

02-08-2003, 05:42 PM

yeah the triluma has hq but my derm told me that because its not the main ingredient and because there are othere active ingredients it woldnt cause the halo effect. I used to take a cream that was mainly hq and it had a halo effect but the triluma didnt. I was looking into lustra too but I really wanted to stay away from creams but I think my derm is gonna put me on that next. thanks for your help.

Oh i cant go back on triluma because its a cortisone and after 3 mos it has bad side effects.

azul11

02-08-2003, 06:35 PM

what is the halo effect? God bless you all.

Allandra

02-08-2003, 10:59 PM

Hey, that's what we're here for. You're welcome. I hope the Lustra AF works out for you. Remember to get the Lustra AF not the plain ole Lustra. Although we're women of color, our skin definitely needs sunscreen too. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

luvhair

02-09-2003, 01:36 AM

yeah I use spf 30 religiously and that has definitely prevents new spots.

Azul- the halo effect is when you put the cream on the dark spot there is sometimes a light ring of color around the spot. I dunno if im explaining it good but ask if you have anymore q's.

canuck

02-09-2003, 12:51 PM

i just bought some rosa mosqueta oil yesterday for my uneven skin tone.
Expensive, but according to my research, it was good. I do have uneven skintone, but i was using this lemon cleanser by neal's yard remedies for dry skin, and the cleanser really put my face on the road to being cleared. I do know that lemon is a bleach, and the mix of calendula (which is good for uneven skin tone) and cocoa butter (good for healing) really did a brilliant job on my skin. I am hoping that the rosa mosqueta will help to finish the subbornly fading marks, so to speak. I will report back in two weeks time.

MissJ

02-09-2003, 06:52 PM

Hey, I just bought a product called Black Opal. It contains hydroquinine. I haven't used it yet, but if it gives a halo effect (I don't know what it is, but it sounds bad) I'm taking it back to the store. Does anyone have anymore details?

Leigh

02-11-2003, 04:42 PM

Be careful with the Rosa Mosqueta oil, while it's an excellent oil for scars, hair growth, and moisture it's alos contraindicated in acneic or blemished skin. So if you have any blemishes, lay off it until they clear or be careful not to get it on them.

Leigh

Leigh

02-11-2003, 04:44 PM

Girl it seems like we keep getting a lot of the same stuff, cool. I use the positively radiant moisturizer too and most recently the skin brightening moisturizer.

Leigh

inthestars

02-15-2003, 10:57 AM

Luvhair, what kind of chemical peels did you get?

luvhair

02-15-2003, 11:29 PM

Actually I really don't know-- the first one was a low concentrationa and the second one was a higher concentration, but whatever they were they didnt do anything for me.

legs71

02-16-2003, 08:11 PM

MissJ,
If you purchased the Black Opal gel which lightens dark spots then yes it does cause the halo effect. I have used it for years and granted it is a great product, but you must use some kind of all over fade cream to prevent the halo effect. Black Opal has just come out with a new line of products which I been using for about a month now. They are directed specifically for those with hyperpigmentation. It's a 3 step proccess I highly recommend. HTH

Honeyhips

02-17-2003, 06:23 PM

<blockquote>In reply to:<hr />
canuck said:
i just bought some rosa mosqueta oil yesterday for my uneven skin tone.
Expensive, but according to my research, it was good. I do have uneven skintone, but i was using this lemon cleanser by neal's yard remedies for dry skin, and the cleanser really put my face on the road to being cleared. I do know that lemon is a bleach, and the mix of calendula (which is good for uneven skin tone) and cocoa butter (good for healing) really did a brilliant job on my skin. I am hoping that the rosa mosqueta will help to finish the subbornly fading marks, so to speak. I will report back in two weeks time.

[/ QUOTE ]

Can you tell me where you got all of this info from?

MissJ

02-17-2003, 09:45 PM

legs, I already took that stuff back. I've seen the whole line but I only got one product and I was thinking of waiting until I got the entire line to use them. I guess I'll just wait. If you say they're working nicely, then maybe I'll give them a try!

inthestars

02-20-2003, 11:18 AM

Has anyone tried this DermaPeel stuff?

http://beautyunder.com/derpeelfor14.html

It costs quite a bit, I do want to try it soon

NayNay

02-20-2003, 12:44 PM

Just an FYI. I now use glycolic acid and still haven't tried my peel I will though and will report in. However, I have found the key asset to preventing dark spots is sunscreen. My dermatologist told me this. U must use a 30 UVA/UVB it prevents spots from forming. Hope this helps!

luvhair

02-20-2003, 03:25 PM

Thats so true. I have been using spf 30 for the last 6 months religiously. It has definitely helped.

Armyqt

02-20-2003, 05:06 PM

<blockquote>In reply to:<hr />
luvhair said:
Thats so true. I have been using spf 30 for the last 6 months religiously. It has definitely helped.

[/ QUOTE ]

What is your skintype and which SPF are u using? I'm currently considering Sage, because everyone says it leaves a matte finish. My skin is oily, TIA

kia

02-20-2003, 06:12 PM

I have a question for anyone. I am on the Obaji skin care system. Their products have hydroquinone in them. Once my skin clears up do I have to use the hydroquinone to keep the skin light or can I use any SPF 30 cream and will that do??

02-20-2003, 07:45 PM

<blockquote>In reply to:<hr />
kia said:
I have a question for anyone. I am on the Obaji skin care system. Their products have hydroquinone in them. Once my skin clears up do I have to use the hydroquinone to keep the skin light or can I use any SPF 30 cream and will that do??

[/ QUOTE ]

Sunscreen is not to keep your skin light but to protect your skin from the sun. You especially need sunscreen if you are using a product with hydroquinone or any skin lightner. With the absence of sunscreen any dark patches may resurface and darker. You do not need the hydro once your dark spots have faded.

NayNay

02-20-2003, 08:41 PM

ArmyQT
I have oily skin too but I use the Glycolic MD Forte product line. I use the facial cleanser I and I also use the UVA/UVB 30 SPF protector. It has zinc oxide and has not clogged my pores at all! Hope that helps!

Armyqt

02-20-2003, 10:19 PM

<blockquote>In reply to:<hr />
NayNay said:
ArmyQT
I have oily skin too but I use the Glycolic MD Forte product line. I use the facial cleanser I and I also use the UVA/UVB 30 SPF protector. It has zinc oxide and has not clogged my pores at all! Hope that helps!

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks NayNay. I'm gonna go to ATL this weekend and hopefully I can pick some kind of SPF up from Sephora. Right now I'm using the Glytone recommended by Blkmane, but I do realize that I need to get a good sunscreen also.

ngaa

03-17-2003, 02:24 AM

what is the halo effect?

Allandra

03-17-2003, 02:33 AM

<blockquote>In reply to:<hr />
ngaa said:
what is the halo effect?

[/ QUOTE ]
"the halo effect is when you put the cream on the dark spot there is sometimes a light ring of color around the spot"

chollis718

03-17-2003, 05:52 PM

What is the skin system that Moesha mom is endorsing. That is supposed to be for disclorations and uneven skin color. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

ngaa

03-17-2003, 11:23 PM

<blockquote>In reply to:<hr />
Allandra said:
<blockquote>In reply to:<hr />
ngaa said:
what is the halo effect?

[/ QUOTE ]
"the halo effect is when you put the cream on the dark spot there is sometimes a light ring of color around the spot"

[/ QUOTE ]

thanx /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

luvhair

03-29-2003, 02:15 AM

ok went to the dermatologist today and she put me on a regimen of 2 months alustra, 2 onths triluma. She also gave me the name of a dermatologist that is an expert in ethnic skin so im gonna try and get an appt. with her too and see what she recommends.

luvhair

03-31-2003, 10:41 PM

I have been on lustra-af for about 4 days now and already my skin is getting clear!!! My dermatologist said I would have to use my regimen for 6 to 9 months but at this rate I could have clear skin at the end of the month!! I love it! I have combination skin and I also use azalez and eucerin spf 30 sunscreen as well as differin so it might be the combination of products, but my skin is totally clearing up! Next problem-- stretch Marks!

Allandra

04-01-2003, 12:07 AM

I'm glad the Lustra AF is working for you. It did a great job for me. http://64.62.140.213/~longhair/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Lee

04-04-2003, 04:25 PM

Will the sunscreen help if you break out and a dark spot is left behind from the pimple?

Titansgirl

04-06-2003, 02:49 PM

Are you guys purchasing this Lustra AF off of the internet? I'm really interested in this products... Thanks..

Allandra

04-06-2003, 02:56 PM

<blockquote>In reply to:<hr />
Titansgirl said:
Are you guys purchasing this Lustra AF off of the internet? I'm really interested in this products... Thanks..

[/ QUOTE ]
My dermatologist gave me a prescription for it. I'm not sure if you can buy it over the internet.

NayNay

04-07-2003, 01:19 PM

That is exactly what happens. Instead of having a dark spot for months...it can cause you to have a small spot that disappears quickly. I guess it depends also on how bad of a spot it is, but I have had areas that have left minimal spotting-gone in weeks instead of months!!! http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif Then I have some blemishes that really don't leave a mark at all!

sillygurl18

02-01-2004, 09:43 PM

I have the opposite. My skin has light splotches and I don't know how to get rid of it. Oh wait sorry I lied, if I drink 8 glasses of water daily it clears up.

azul11

02-03-2004, 02:22 AM

How does lustra compare to obagi? I want to try obagi but it is a bit expensive and i cant buy the whole system. since the lustra creme is only that i am wondering if that would be effective enough for hyperpigmentation. God bless you all.

vickid

02-04-2004, 05:29 PM

I've been using Obagi since last summer and think it is the best thing to fade uneven skin tones. Yes, it is expensive but worth every penny! I had melasma from using birth control on my forehead and chin and dark spots from acne on my cheeks. Ogagi has completely faded the acne spots and the melasma is about 70% better. This is the only product that I have used and seen positive results. I am on Obagi maintenance right now and continue to be pleased. If you can't afford the entire system, purchase "Clear" with Retin A and "Blender" as they are the 2 most important products. You must use Retin A to get the results from Obagi. Exfoderm is also very helpful to rid dead skin cells and will speed up the process. Use witch hazel for your toner and a very mild facial shampoo (I use an Avon product). If you need to substitute the sunfader, try Neutrogena SPF 40 and a 2% over the counter fade cream. Just remember to use a sunscreen or the positive results will soon turn negative. Avoid sunlight and/or wear a hat with a brim wide enough to shield your face (very important) I also get microdermabrasions monthly and use glycolic acid (10%) once a week. These 2 treatments sped up the process of fading and shedding the dead skin cells. You can get really good microdermabrasion crystals and glycolic acid off Ebay but I suggest you go to a professional for your first time treatments. I'm giving you all the info my dermatologist charged me for!! Good luck!

azul11

02-04-2004, 08:07 PM

wow thanks for the information. I guess I am on the fence because I dont have a dermatologist but I do want to fade my hyperpigmentation. I saw that the clear was almost 60 dollars. Not too sure how much the blender is but if they all come to less than 100 dollars and they are as effective as they seem to be I may reconsider. I most likely spend that much on fade creams in the year so it would make sense to get something I know works. Does clear have retin A in it or do you have to get a separate retin A? what does blender do? Sorry for all the questions I just have not heard so many good reviews on this product line before. would e-bay have this? I dont want to use my credit card to buy these. thanks again for all your information. God bless you all.

vickid

02-04-2004, 08:38 PM

You must purchase Retin A (prescription only) or go to Mexico where it is cheap! Both Clear and Blender have 4% hydroquionone and the Retin A causes the skin to peel and or become red and very sensitive. I was red much of the time I was using Obagi daily but I endured it. My skin didn't peel that much but I have seen others that did. EBAY no longer sells clear and blender but you can purchase sunfader. email orders@zoctopus.com--this seller used to sell all 6 Obagi products for $169.00. This is a great deal if you can get it. Also consider the Obagi Cffectives 10% ($46.50). It is allegedly the most stable form of topical Vit C on the market. From my own experience, it is a very good serum that I use nightly. Let me know if you have other questions.

vickid

02-05-2004, 10:03 PM

I just found my Obagi contact--email orders@walterquirt.com and tell him you want Obagi items 1-6 (cleanser, toner, exfoderm or exfoderm forte,sunfader, clear and blender). I prefer the Exfoderm Forte because it seems to make the dead skin shed faster. The cost for all 6 items is $179.00. This is the BEST deal on Obagi and the products are new and not expired. You will pay via Paypal with a credit card and the shipment arrives in about 2 weeks. I have purchased through them twice with no complaints.

inthestars

02-24-2004, 05:59 AM

[ QUOTE ]
azul11 said:
wow thanks for the information. I guess I am on the fence because I dont have a dermatologist but I do want to fade my hyperpigmentation. I saw that the clear was almost 60 dollars. Not too sure how much the blender is but if they all come to less than 100 dollars and they are as effective as they seem to be I may reconsider. I most likely spend that much on fade creams in the year so it would make sense to get something I know works. Does clear have retin A in it or do you have to get a separate retin A? what does blender do? Sorry for all the questions I just have not heard so many good reviews on this product line before. would e-bay have this? I dont want to use my credit card to buy these. thanks again for all your information. God bless you all.

[/ QUOTE ]

You can get retin a at two places online (I've used these before).

http://www.medsmex.com
http://www.smart-drugs.net

Poohbear

05-26-2004, 06:13 PM

A year ago, my dermatologist prescribed Glyquin for skin bleaching. It worked pretty well on my face. The consistency is very sticky and can make your face look oily but it worked.

Prettyinpink00

05-27-2004, 03:05 AM

I've tried DermaPeel and SkinSalon Gold (the prduct by Moesha's mom) and i would give DermaPeel a 6 1/2 and Skin Salon Gold - a 10. I'm out of this stuff and i need some money to buy a ninety day supply but i'm a little broke right now. Anyhow i love it, pretty much the only thing thats works for me now. I'm trying to find some cheaper alternatives though. http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Poohbear

05-28-2004, 02:47 PM

godzooki

05-30-2004, 02:05 AM

Has anyone tried the Fashion Fair skin bleaching/tone evening cream? Saw am add for it and was just curious because I too am looking for something to even my skin tone and fade old acne/chicken pox marks.

LEOLADYSW

05-31-2004, 03:30 PM

The only dark spots I get are if I have a pimple and don't take care of it, but there is a product from the line I use that may help more serious skin tone issues. Derma Life Monotone Facial and Body Renewal Lotion.

http://janet.mysite.org/derma-life1.htm for product information
http://www.juicing.com/searchbrand.cgi to buy

EbonyF

06-01-2004, 04:39 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Allandra said:
[ QUOTE ]
Titansgirl said:
Are you guys purchasing this Lustra AF off of the internet? I'm really interested in this products... Thanks..

[/ QUOTE ]
My dermatologist gave me a prescription for it. I'm not sure if you can buy it over the internet.

[/ QUOTE ]

You can:
http://www.sunrisemeds.com/product_detail.php?id=151

Allandra

06-01-2004, 10:34 AM

[ QUOTE ]
EbonyF said:
[ QUOTE ]
Allandra said:
[ QUOTE ]
Titansgirl said:
Are you guys purchasing this Lustra AF off of the internet? I'm really interested in this products... Thanks..

[/ QUOTE ]
My dermatologist gave me a prescription for it. I'm not sure if you can buy it over the internet.

[/ QUOTE ]

You can:
http://www.sunrisemeds.com/product_detail.php?id=151

[/ QUOTE ]
That's good. Maybe this will help others out. I haven't used this product in about a year.

moonpower

06-01-2004, 01:47 PM

Ladies, you can also purchase Lustra from Canada. I've used it before and I only get it from there. The website is
www.canadapharmacy.com. (http://www.canadapharmacy.com.) It's only $29, and it's the same cream that they charge double for here in the states.

LuvLiLocks

06-03-2004, 12:48 PM

Hi everyone, I'm new here and so happy to have found this thread. My problem is similiar, I have a really smoothe, pimple free face, which I can maintain by simply using Dove soap or a Goat's milk soap which I get from my local health food store. My problem however is I really do not like the fact that I have a few spots around the chin area, and some small areas of hyperpigmentation, my face is not ONE tone. I desperately want to have the same tone all over my face but I don't know how to achieve that! I tried a few things, some with bad results because I usually break out or burn http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif. I have recently bought this DR facial fade cream, that seems mild enough, but slow. Has anyone else tried this? Also, if anyone knows of ANYTHING that works (aside from the already mentioned)to get an even tone, please help.

ubavka123

06-16-2004, 11:04 PM

Have you ever tried Sonya Dakar's complexion corrector? It is a little pricey, but this stuff works. After I had my baby and finished nursing her, my hormones were out of whack and I broke out all over. I picked my face to no end and I had dark spots all over (especially chin and forehead). I used the Sonya Dakar (and kept my hands off of my face!) and I saw results quite quickly. A little goes a long way. Do a google on Sonya Dakar and you will find the product. It is called complexion corrector and I would swear by it. Just use a sunscreen while using it (use one anyway--I use SPF30 daily).

LuvLiLocks

06-17-2004, 03:32 AM

Ohh thank you ubavka123. I have never heard of it before but I will surely try it. Now if I could just keep my hands off my face......and out of my hair too http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

ubavka123

06-17-2004, 04:40 AM

Not a problem. If you get it, I hope that it works for you like it worked for me.

Scasey

06-18-2004, 12:07 PM

[ QUOTE ]
ubavka123 said:
Have you ever tried Sonya Dakar's complexion corrector? It is a little pricey,

[/ QUOTE ]

WOW it is pricey http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

MsKendra

02-24-2006, 05:40 PM

bumping for more responses...

elizabeth

02-24-2006, 09:46 PM

There was an article in Black Noir magazine about Vibraderm. You can read about the prodecure at http://www.vibraderm.com/. The magazine article said that in general it's better for dark skin than microdermabrasion or chemical peels.

patient1

02-25-2006, 11:58 AM

I tried a few products and honestly, Fair & White works the best for ME. I've tried the Black Opal products and some products from skin essence here in L.A.

The skin essence line helped, but I happened to see the Fair & White line at my favorite bss. I got the gel in their line. I use a q tip stick. I just tear the cotton off the end and stick the end into the tube. I distribute it that way to avoid the halo effect. It spreads a bit so I underfill if that makes any sense. After thirty minutes to an hour I put a little jojoba or another moisturizer in my hand and rub it all over my face to distribute the F&W (Can I just call it that since I hate that darn moniker!!?)

I can't believe how fast these marks are fading after weeks no months of working on them with other products. I'm being religious about applying my spf and I'm thinking about upping to an spf 45 (currently using eucerin).

In another week or so, I'll abandon the fade products and just stick to shea butter and aloe to help the healing. I figure as long as I nourish my skin, keep my water level up and diet healthy, use shea and aloe lightly, etc. the spots should stay faded.

I'll update in about a week.

p1

patient1

03-01-2006, 12:55 AM

Well, it's been less than a week and the major spot near around my mouth is GONE. What's interesting is that after a few days of application, the skin on the dark spots peels off in one fell sweep. I could see where an ultra thin scab of sorts had form and it was peeling a bit around the edges. I would just take my fine tweezers and grasp the edge and slowly peel. The whole thing came off to reveal fresh slightly red skin below.

Besides the spf 30 which is a MUST the other trick is to treat the freshly revealed skin the way you would treat a burn or a cut: aloe, cocoa butter, vitamin e or whatever topical you would use to keep a burn from scarring. Otherwise, the spot will heal slightly darker.

I've been using shealoe and jojoba. I also use an all over even skin product from skinessence.net.

The last few days I can't stop myself from looking at myself in the mirror from various angles. I am ecstatic that I am closing in on my goal of my skin coming a full 360. In april of 05 it looked great!! April of 06 I'm confident it will look great once again.

Anyone who has battled breakouts and dark spots knows how great it feels to see even healthy looking skin again.

p1

bluediamond0829

03-01-2006, 08:27 AM

Lovelylocs

03-01-2006, 10:48 AM

I think I am just going to stick to exfoliating. I like Mary Kay's microdermabrasion, baking soda, and mdskincare's Alpha Beta daily face peel.

brittanynic16

03-02-2006, 03:40 PM

I used a product called Cosmelan. It does not contain hydroquinone and it has done wonders for my skin tone and acne. You see dramatic results in a week. It has a light peeling affect in the first stage and then there is a cream that you apply daily. It is vey easy, safe and works great.

*ElleB

03-03-2006, 12:59 PM

I needed a facial moisturizer and toner for uneven skin, so yesterday I bought Neutrogena Visibly Even Moisturizer w/ SPF15. I've heard it's very good for uneven skin and dark spots. I can't wait to see results.

When I was at the store, I saw Aveeno Clear Complexion Moisturizer which I was thinking about buying but it was out of my price range.

I currently have been using this for abour 5 days and although I'm supposed to wait about a month to gauge any progress, it seems to be working....I will make an updated post on my second week....If I see any change, i will re-purchase it along with the cleanser....There were better reviews on Drugstore.com for the cleanser than the cream!

moonpower

03-03-2006, 01:33 PM