First topic message reminder :

so...how many shades have you lightened and how many do you have to go

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Oh really? See I have the gel one. Is that the one for oily skin? I hope so.

I don't want to go through any ugly stage. Does everyone go through that? I don't want to; I more than likely will stop too if that happens. I don't want spots. I can deal with a few bumps, but spots, I don't think so.

The gel is more preferable for your skin type, so you have the best one for you. Please do not give up on the Retin A, it is truly a wonderful product. Everyone's reaction to it will be slightly different and you may have relatively no problems with it, but the main thing to remember is that you will need this for your regime, in order to help with the penetration of the HQ, as it exfoliates and drives the product deeper. The spot problem is minor, if it does happen, and the main thing is that it does pass anyway and you get all the benefits of the retin A to look forward to.

Thanks

I guess you could say the 'ugly phase' is the price you pay when using this regimen. Lol

The reason as of why the skin goes through that phase because it is removing any embedded dirt, excess oil, bacteria, makeup, etc that lies deep in the pores. Not even over the counter cleansers can cleanse that deeply. Within a few weeks my skin began to really show improvement and appear more flawless. There are other forma of retinoids for the skin in case Ra is too strong for you.

Isn't, now I will spell this wrong, cerotine a less harsh retinoid?

You mean carotein ? ........it is not a retinoid but has exfoliating properties. I found it too drying for my skin type, but others may like it.

I think GG was referring to adapalene/differin which is a gentler form of retinoid. Have tried it and found that I did not experience as much skin peeling and breakouts as I did with the Retin A.

Ok yes I meant adapelene but wrote the wrong one, I can't keep them all straight

I used Carotein prior to this and I thought it was working well. My skin wasn't exactly lightening, but just brightening, and I didn't have reakouts from it. I was thinking of going back to that after awhile and just use the retin a for the problem areas on my body.

My skin is broken out now. I have more bumps, I'm trying to let it ride out, but I wonder how long this will take to go away. I have not noticed any lightening anywhere, but for some reason I keep skipping days.

It seems I was more consistent with the crap that didn't work than I am with this regimen, in which I couldn't wait to get.

Sounds your just getting discouraged because of the bumps and such. I would say give it another few weeks and if you're still unhappy with how its working, get rid of it.

Thanks a lot, Alizee. I just heard so many goo things about this combination, I can't understand why it wouldn't work for me nless it's not meant to be, but I'll see.

I know it can be frustrating and even worse there really are no places for us to go to to seek advie without being called names or given looks. It can be frustrating when you try numerous things and nothing works and the stuff that may is really expensive

Hopefully this breaking out phase will be over soon. Have you experienced any peeling ?

Nope. No Peeling at all. Just the breakout. I'll see by if next Friday it clears up. It's just the places I really want the lightening doesn't seem to be lightening. But then again, it hasn't been long at all. By the end of this month, I know I better see something, though.

From today, that is exactly, 18 more days, a little over two more weeks, and that will make at least 3wks or better that I have been using this regimen.

Remind me again, your using ret a along with hq or mq or neither?

Well if you are using either of those, it can take two months to really see a difference in your skin. I will say with fair and white I saw really quick lig htening but it went away just as quickly when I nolonger used it and there was a study which showed it had 8% hydroquinone, I'm not sure if it still does, but if so that would cause the fas lightening.

Dominicana,

Who is that in your avatar?

skin renews itself approximately every 28 days so this is when you might start seeing some changes, but the thing is everyone is different and it is difficult to predict when a real improvement will come about. I would continue as you plan and give yourself some more time before deciding this is not for you.

ahh, i'm wondering the same thing

Trust you to notice !!!

Oh where are my manners, its me

well, you did notice it first

and if that is alizee, everyone should start doing pilates. NOW

Of course she noticed it first and I must say green is not a good color on you maharani daer. Lol jk

Well I only noticed because I was wondering whether I could ask her where I could get a set of drawers like the one she is sitting on, from !!! And that's all.........Can't a girl admire a bit of furniture !!! LOL

i must agree those are very nice drawers

A very nice set, good and firm