Hydroquinone lightens skin pigmentation (melasma) by inhibiting the production of melanin. Melanin is what gives our skin color. In lower percentages (less than 4%) hydroquinone is safe to break up the melanocytes and spread them around thus giving a less "patchy" appearance. Depending on how deep the pigment is or how long it's been on the skin, typically the harder it is to break up those melanocytes. The controversy is really over the higher percentages(10% and above)having the ability to stop melanin production all together thus making the skin more vulnerable to sun burn and skin damage. Melanin protects our skin from burning so we do need it in our skin. Genetics determines how much melanin we have in our skin.
After being a low percentage hydroquinone user (2%) for the last 15 years, I've come to enjoy the lightening effect it has on my skin and I recommend it for anyone with serious melasma patches. Some common names for melasma are: hyper-pigmentation, pregnancy mask and age spots. I don't recommend using it day and night or even every single day. I recommend using it every 3rd night and spreading it over the entire patch and beyond the borders by a couple millimeters. If you spot treat with a hydroquinone product, your patch can become hypo-pigmented and cause a "halo" looking ring in the middle of the patch. Not so desirable. Just remember not to spot treat with your product and your skin will be fine. Always use a full spectrum sun protection moisturizer daily, especially when using a hydroquinone product. Interestingly, new research does show that hydroquinone has antioxidant properties which makes sense because it inhibits free radical damage due to environmental factors. It's important to be routine with application until the 1 ounce bottle is finished. Email questions to: shelley@shelleyskin.com
Good luck!
Caudalie Beauty Elixir
As a friend of mine says, it's her "anti-depression in a bottle". This amazing refreshing spray is loaded with grape extracts, orange blossom, organic balm mint and Rosemary. Just one spray and you feel alive and it looks dewy and bright. You really don't need much because it's a potent blend and is truly stimulating on contact. I love to use after cleansing my face in the morning as well as throughout the day over makeup. If you need a pick me up in the middle of the day, just spritz and smile! Truly one of Caudalie's coveted products!!
C O Bigelow Mentha Lip Shine Cinnamint
Yes, I'm a sucker for all products for the lips! This is a 100% natural mint lip shine that claims to freshen your breath too....? Sounds like a bonus to me. There's a .1% cinnamon oil that feels like it's plumping with out the Lip Venom burn, remember that product?
I use this as a lip color and treatment during the day. It's got an easy applicator tip and gives a slight burst of color. Light plum. I put it just over the lip line to help stimulate the upper lip and prevent the vertical lines.
An inexpensive, dewy treat and it feels like it's doing something-check it out.
Here's to an amazing New Year!!!!!
I use this as a lip color and treatment during the day. It's got an easy applicator tip and gives a slight burst of color. Light plum. I put it just over the lip line to help stimulate the upper lip and prevent the vertical lines.
An inexpensive, dewy treat and it feels like it's doing something-check it out.
Here's to an amazing New Year!!!!!
Skin Ceuticals C E Ferulic Serum
A super antioxidant combination! This serum is a splurge but it's really powerful. It works to help brighten environmental aging and boosts collagen production. It also has a UV protectant and should be used during the day.
I use this daily under my moisturizer with SPF. I put about 4-5 drops in hand and push it in to my skin, including face, neck and chest. It goes on with a slight tingle, which is normal and it absorbs instantly. I follow with my SPF moisturizer right after and it does not get clumpy or tacky.
This is so easy to use and a huge favorite for many women over the age of 25. Because I use a Retin-a some evenings, this serum helps to balance out my dehydration. Also a safe choice for new moms with the pregnancy mask or pigmentation areas.
There's a reason why Allure Magazine made this one of their favorite picks. It's super concentrated which makes it more effective and friendly with most skin conditions/types. I don't recommend on active acne.
I'm glad I splurged with this one.
WYJINW?
I use this daily under my moisturizer with SPF. I put about 4-5 drops in hand and push it in to my skin, including face, neck and chest. It goes on with a slight tingle, which is normal and it absorbs instantly. I follow with my SPF moisturizer right after and it does not get clumpy or tacky.
This is so easy to use and a huge favorite for many women over the age of 25. Because I use a Retin-a some evenings, this serum helps to balance out my dehydration. Also a safe choice for new moms with the pregnancy mask or pigmentation areas.
There's a reason why Allure Magazine made this one of their favorite picks. It's super concentrated which makes it more effective and friendly with most skin conditions/types. I don't recommend on active acne.
I'm glad I splurged with this one.
WYJINW?
Peter Thomas Roth Firm X Serum
The latest peptide serum that aides in line prevention. Not another one of those!
The break through ingredient is called Calmosensine and it has a lipo-dipeptide that inhibits muscle contraction and increases the skin's tolerance to internal and external aggressions. It's also said that Calmosensine soothes the skin by lessening sensitivity to chemical irritants. Apparently aides in sexual stamina too-whewhoo!
All of that said, this serum feels great and fills in my fine lines. It has almost a primer effect to it which gives an even texture to the skin.
I've been using it about 3 times a week in the morning under my moisturizer w/ SPF. I use it in place of my vitamin c serum. I like that it's fragrance free and it spreads easy.
Peter Thomas Roth is always coming out with new and exciting products and this is a splurge that's worth it. Using it just around the eyes, naso-labial folds and neck helps to keep the serum around longer. Don't waste it. :)
WYJINW?
The break through ingredient is called Calmosensine and it has a lipo-dipeptide that inhibits muscle contraction and increases the skin's tolerance to internal and external aggressions. It's also said that Calmosensine soothes the skin by lessening sensitivity to chemical irritants. Apparently aides in sexual stamina too-whewhoo!
All of that said, this serum feels great and fills in my fine lines. It has almost a primer effect to it which gives an even texture to the skin.
I've been using it about 3 times a week in the morning under my moisturizer w/ SPF. I use it in place of my vitamin c serum. I like that it's fragrance free and it spreads easy.
Peter Thomas Roth is always coming out with new and exciting products and this is a splurge that's worth it. Using it just around the eyes, naso-labial folds and neck helps to keep the serum around longer. Don't waste it. :)
WYJINW?
Peter Thomas Roth Mega Rich Anti-Aging Cellular Cream
This is one of my all time favorite p.m. moisturizers. It's a blend of malic acid, from apples and lactic acid, from milk. These alpha hydroxy acids have the same duties as a stronger Retin-A but without the intensity. Those duties are to firm the skin by gently increasing the cell turnover rate and also they keep the pores cleaner longer by having the anti-bacterial properties. (Remember back when Retin-A was first formulated for the use of clearing up acne?) This moisturizer is also loaded with avocado oil, green and white tea and grape seed extract to name a few. These are all incredible anti-oxidants that help to nourish the skin and keep it plump and lubricated.
The texture of this is beyond any other moisturizer I've felt thus far. You can only imagine how many I've tried-product junky that I am! It is absorbent and silky but not thick and heavy. It's got just a hint of natural citrus and nothing more. I can feel my skin drinking it up. Very pleasant in every way.
I will use this on the nights that I do not use my Retin-A blend prescription. It's important to take a break from your Retin-A every so often. That all depends on the % you're using and how often per week you use it. I apply all over my face, neck and feather down on to the decollete. Oui, so wonderful.
WYJINW?
The texture of this is beyond any other moisturizer I've felt thus far. You can only imagine how many I've tried-product junky that I am! It is absorbent and silky but not thick and heavy. It's got just a hint of natural citrus and nothing more. I can feel my skin drinking it up. Very pleasant in every way.
I will use this on the nights that I do not use my Retin-A blend prescription. It's important to take a break from your Retin-A every so often. That all depends on the % you're using and how often per week you use it. I apply all over my face, neck and feather down on to the decollete. Oui, so wonderful.
WYJINW?
Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Lip Balm SPF 15/Pink Shimmer
I enjoy this lip product because I can treat my lips and get a little color at the same time. Vitamins A, C and E are helpful for stimulating and nourishing. The peptides help to give volume and help to fill in the fine lines. Around $15. for a .48 oz tube. A natural, pretty look without the heavy stickiness some glosses can give.
Great to throw in your bag and go!
Won't you join in next week?
Great to throw in your bag and go!
Won't you join in next week?
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