Before and after pictures are hard work as it's impossible to get the lighting exactly the same each time. However, I would say from extensive observation (of both pictures and my face), any change is subtle at the moment. You will probably need to enlarge the picture above it to see the pigmentation more clearly. I've only been working on this skin issue for a couple of months so I feel like it's still early days.
My regime over the last couple of the month has involved using the Alpha-H White Gold at least three nights a week and the Shiseido White Lucency brightening face cream every morning, as well as the odd evening too. I have also been using an Alpha-H face cream containing SPF 50 but I've not been using that everyday. I really need to start using high factor sun protection religiously now we're seeing the sun more regularly. I will be interested to see the difference that makes as quite often my face tans in the summer, particularly with me being outdoors a lot which inevitably causes more damage. I feel that adding a serum or more targeted treatment in the evenings could might boost my results.
I have enjoyed using the Shiseido cream, more so than I expected after the first couple of times that I used it. It's a very rich cream and it tends to leave a shiny film on my skin but I discovered it actually make an excellent base for foundation. I do wish it contained an SPF though. I think I might be a bit uncomfortable wearing a separate SPF cream as well as this as it is already quite a heavy consistency. I think this could actually be quite good as a night cream.
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| Ingredients list for White Lucency Brightening Cream |
I am currently researching the different treatments there are available for a series of posts. Although my hyperpigmentation is quite mild, I thought a thorough overview might be of interest. I will cover everything from skin care and facials to the more hardcore cosmetic treatments like IPL. I will also talk about some alternatives and discuss the safety issues surrounding some ingredients used in skin lightening treatments. If you have any particular questions or products you would like me to investigate now is the time to let me know. I have the labcoat on hand!
Disclosure: The Alpha-H products mentioned were PR samples. I bought the Shiseido cream with my own pennies.
It took me a good couple of years to fully get rid of the melasma under my eyes from pregnancy, and that was using AHAs at night, a C serum during the day and spf 15 winter/spf 30 summer religiously. I found darkening from spot picking shifted quicker - within a couple of months.
ReplyDeleteDon't I sound gorgeous?! :D
LOL, we're all babes here! ;)
ReplyDeleteI do very much think it's going to be a long process. Mine is certainly too mild to warrant laser treatment so I think a concerted effort with skin care is the only way. Frankly I'm saving the IPL for the weird vascular blob on my face instead. What was that about being gorgeous again?!
I really need to go search your blog for good spf recommendations.
Interesting, I will follow your journey..
ReplyDeleteI have some funny pigmentation on my forehead, really barely noticeable, however I see it, so if I could get rid of it or minimise it, I probably would!
I will be very interested to see how you get on with the different treatments. I don't enjoy using separate sunscreen as I can sometimes feel like it's too many layers. I have a few samples of things I am going to try for brightening including the Snowberry Bright Defence that Replica posted about and also the Yllume cream. I have been using the Murad products we were given this past month so must get onto posting about that soon.
ReplyDeleteThis fascinates me as I have some pigmentation on my forehead. So I'll be checking back.
ReplyDeleteI'm using the Clinique 'even better...serum'
I've taken some before shots too...I prob should post then.
I love your blog.
This is a great post. I've been on this journey for a while now, and as my hyperpigmentation is a bit more advanced than yours (*shakes fist at Australian sun*) whilst I've seen results, I may have to resort to IPL. We shall see.
ReplyDeleteI use the Shiseido as a night cream too, although I have used it under makeup :)
@Stina: Did that pop up during pregnancy? That’s when mine happened but I had a few friends that got it in their 20’s from the pill. Mine isn’t too bad but I think it’ll probably disappear with the right skin care regime. I wonder if you’ll have success getting rid of it with the Aroma C cream from Decleor?
ReplyDelete@Meeta: I will be very interested in how you get on with the Murad. I have passed that to my sister to test for me. Murad also do a brightening range which I like the sound of. I have the Snowberry Bright Defence cream and I think I’m going to try that next. I’m really pleased to see they’re available in more outlets now.
@kat: Ah, thank you Kat. Is the Even Better range Cliniques range to tackle pigmentation? I’ll be interested in how you get on with that. Fingers crossed for success!
@dempss: Thank you, you’ve certainly helped me a lot in my learning! I really like the Shiseido and I think it’s great as a makeup base. I’m certain I will go back to that one to finish it off. Thank you so much for the link to Gouldylox’s post. I found her experience with IPL fascinating. I think at the right clinic you could have a lot of success with the treatment.
Jane x