Retinol Serum Benefits

... praising Olay Every Night Retinol for its formulation stability and...hydration retention. Olay Every Night Retinol: Selected for its high-quality ... oat-derived avenanthramides, which provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Pazyar et al., 2012.... Torriden Dive In Serum: A recommended hyaluronic acid serum for those in ... systemic pigment treatment. Occlusion Benefits: The speaker emphasizes that the...

... hyaluronic acid for addictive, long-lasting benefits. It’s easily absorbed to intensely... natural overnight recovery process. ✣ Murad Retinol Eye Serum (£89) Smooth, firm and... ageing with the Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum. This fast absorbing...

The title sums up the question, is that I found a gentle retinol serum with a really really good formulation for an affordable pricepoint (This brand is not mainstream on anywhere, I bought it on my trip to Greece), but I realized that the product is in the dropper shape later and I have no way to change it ATM, and I really liked it on my skin. But I know retinol is a hell of an ingredient to manage, and obviously degrades over time as it meets with air, but I still wanna know if I'd still get any benefits from using this, or might I just dump it in the trash? submitted by /u/WhenAllTheHateIsOver to r/SkincareAddicts [link] [comments]

Been using this serum for a while and have been loving it, I can definitely feel the plumpness in my skin from the hyaluronic acid for example. But I've been wondering, with so many ingredients, is this an effective enough retinol for long-term use? Should I use a dedicated retinol instead to make sure I'm getting the benefits? Curious what others think! submitted by /u/gesunheit to r/SkincareAddiction [link] [comments]

On my makeup BOGO minis post some of you expressed interest in a similar skincare list, so here we go! Product Mini Size / Price Promo: 2 Minis Total Size / Cost Promo Cost per oz Full Size / Price Full Cost per oz Better Deal Dermalogica Biolumin-C Vitamin C Heat Aging Protector 0.5 oz / $28.5 1.0 oz / $28.5 $28.50/oz 1.7 oz / $79 $46.47/oz 2 Minis Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance Moisturizer 0.5 oz / $19 1.0 oz / $19 $19.00/oz 1.7 oz / $49 $28.82/oz 2 Minis Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel 1.7 oz / $15 3.4 oz / $15 $4.41/oz 8.4 oz / $48 $5.71/oz 2 Minis Dermalogica Super Rich Repair Moisturizer 0.5 oz / $36 1.0 oz / $36 $36.00/oz 1.7 oz / $98 $57.65/oz 2 Minis ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Marine Cream 0.5 oz / $57 1.0 oz / $57 $57 /oz 1 oz / $98 $98.00/oz 2 Minis Kate Somerville EradiKate 3% Sulfur Daily Foaming Cleanser 1 oz / $17 2.0 oz / $17 $8.50/oz 4 oz / $46 $11.50/oz 2 Minis Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash 1.7 oz / $24 3.4 oz / $24 $7.06/oz 4 oz / $46 $11.50/oz 2 Minis Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment 0.5 oz / $26 1.0 oz / $26 $26.00/oz 2 oz / $85 $42.50/oz 2 Minis Kiehl's Ultra Body Mega Moisture Squalane Cream 2.5 oz / $18 5.0 oz / $18 $3.60/oz 8.4 oz / $49 $5.83/oz 2 Minis Kiehl's Ultra Facial Barrier-Hydrating Cleanser 2.5 oz / $19 5.0 oz / $19 $3.80/oz 5.07 oz / $29 $5.72/oz 2 Minis Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane 0.95 oz / $26 1.9 oz / $26 $13.68/oz 1.7 oz / $39 $22.94/oz 2 Minis RMS Beauty Coconut Clean Cleansing Balm 0.88 oz / $22 1.76 oz / $22 $12.50/oz 3.4 oz / $45 $13.24/oz 2 Minis RMS Beauty Kakadu Beauty Oil 0.34 oz / $30 0.68 oz / $30 $44.12/oz 1 oz / $65 $65.00/oz 2 Minis RMS Beauty Kakadu Clean Cleansing Gel 1 oz / $22 2.0 oz / $22 $11.00/oz 3.4 oz / $39 $11.47/oz 2 Minis RMS Beauty Kakadu Luxe Cream 0.5 oz / $25 1.0 oz / $25 $25.00/oz 1.7 oz / $55 $32.35/oz 2 Minis RMS Beauty SuperSerum Hydrating Mist 0.33 oz / $20 0.66 oz / $20 $30.30/oz 1 oz / $45 $45.00/oz 2 Minis Beekman 1802 Milk Shake Facial Toner Mist 2 oz / $20 4 oz / $20 $5.00/oz 8.1 oz / $39 $4.81/oz Full-size BOBBI BROWN Vitamin Enriched Face Base Moisturizer& Primer 0.5 oz / $25 1.0 oz / $25 $25.00/oz 1.7 oz / $69 $40.59/oz 2 Minis Dermalogica Biolumin-C Vitamin C Gel Moisturizer 0.5 oz / $20 1.0 oz / $20 $20.00/oz 1.7 oz / $69 $40.59/oz 2 Minis Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery Moisturizer SPF 50 0.34 oz / $28 0.68 oz / $28 $41.18/oz 1 oz / $69 $69.00/oz 2 Minis Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum 0.34 oz / $39 0.68 oz / $39 $57.35/oz 1 oz / $98 $98.00/oz 2 Minis ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Energising Marine Cleanser 1 oz / $19 2 oz / $19 $9.50/oz 5 oz / $70 $14.00/oz 2 Minis ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Original Cleansing Balm 0.7 oz / $19 1.4 oz / $19 $13.57/oz 3.5 oz / $72 $20.57/oz 2 Minis IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream Daily Moisturizer 0.5 oz / $19 1.0 oz / $19 $19.00/oz 2 oz / $54 $27 /oz 2 Minis IT Cosmetics Hello Sunshine Invisible Sunscreen 0.5 oz / $20 1.0 oz / $20 $20.00/oz 1.7 oz / $36 $21.18/oz 2 Minis MAC Hyper Real Hydration Serum 0.5 oz / $45 1.0 oz / $45 $45.00/oz 1 oz / $65 $65.00/oz 2 Minis OLEHENRIKSEN Strength Peptide Barrier Boost Moisturizer 0.5 oz / $20 1.0 oz / $20 $20.00/oz 1.7 oz / $54 $31.76/oz 2 Minis OSEA Undaria Algae Body Wash 1.5 oz / $12 3.0 oz / $12 $4.00/oz 8 oz / $32 $4.00/oz Tie Origins Ginger Souffle Whipped Body Cream 3.4 oz / $25 6.8 oz / $25 $3.68/oz 6.7 oz / $43 $6.42/oz 2 Minis Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Daily Facial Wash 3 oz / $15 6 oz / $15 $2.50/oz 8 oz / $32 $4.00/oz 2 Minis Philosophy Ultimate Miracle Worker Face & Neck Cream 0.5 oz / $32 1.0 oz / $32 $32.00/oz 2 oz / $89 $44.50/oz 2 Minis SUNDAY RILEY A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum 0.5 oz / $50 1.0 oz / $50 $50.00/oz 1 oz / $85 $85.00/oz 2 Minis Beekman 1802 Micellar Milk Cleansing Gel & Makeup Remover 1 oz / $12 2 oz / $12 $6/oz 5 oz / $29 $5.8/oz Full-size Clinique All About Clean Liquid Facial Soap Cleanser 1 oz / $9 2 oz / $9 $4.5/oz 6.7 oz / $29 $4.33/oz Full-size Clinique Clarifying Face Lotion Toner 2 2 oz / $9 4 oz / $9 $2.25/oz 6.7 oz / $23 $3.43/oz 2 Minis Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel For Face 0.5 oz / $7 1.0 oz / $7 $7 /oz 4.2 oz / $34 $8.1/oz 2 Minis Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover 1.7 oz / $15 3.4 oz / $15 $4.41/oz 4.2 oz / $28 $6.67/oz 2 Minis COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence 1.01 oz / $8.5 2.02 oz / $8.5 $4.21/oz 3.38 oz / $25 $7.4/oz 2 Minis Dermalogica Precleanse Cleansing Oil 1 oz / $16 2 oz / $16 $8/oz 5.1 oz / $49 $9.61/oz 2 Minis Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream Moisturizer 0.5 oz / $19 1 oz / $19 $19/oz 1.7 oz / $49 $28.82/oz 2 Minis ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Naked Cleansing Balm 0.7 oz / $19 1.4 oz / $19 $13.57/oz 3.5 oz / $72 $20.57/oz 2 Minis IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cleanser Face Wash 1.69 oz / $16 3.38 oz / $16 $4.73/oz 5 oz / $35 $7 /oz 2 Minis Kiehl's Creme de Corps Body Moisturizer 2.5 oz / $18 5 oz / $18 $3.6/oz 8.5 oz / $39 $4.59/oz 2 Minis PEACH & LILY Power Calm Hydrating Gel Cleanser 1.01 oz / $11 2.02 oz / $11 $5.45/oz 3.38 oz / $29 $8.58/oz 2 Minis Philosophy Hope In A Jar Barrier Restore Cream 0.5 oz / $19 1 oz / $19 $19/oz 2 oz / $49 $24.5/oz 2 Minis Philosophy Purity Pore Extractor Clay Mask 1 oz / $23 2 oz / $23 $11.5/oz 2.5 oz / $42 $16.8/oz 2 Minis Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50 0.68 oz / $22 1.36 oz / $22 $16.18/oz 1.7 oz / $38 $22.35/oz 2 Minis Tarte Double Duty Base Tape Hydrating Primer 0.5 oz / $18 1 oz / $18 $18/oz 1 oz / $34 $34/oz 2 Minis Beekman 1802 Oh! Mega Milky Oil Facial Oil 0.5 oz / $29 1 oz / $29 $29/oz 1 oz / $56 $56/oz 2 Minis Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Clay Mask 1 oz / $22 2 oz / $22 $11/oz 2.5 oz / $39 $15.6/oz 2 Minis Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Cleansing Oil 1.5 oz / $18 3 oz / $18 $6/oz 5 oz / $39 $7.8/oz 2 Minis Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Foaming Cleanser 1.5 oz / $15 3 oz / $15 $5/oz 5 oz / $29 $5.8/oz 2 Minis Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Toner 2 oz / $19 4 oz / $19 $4.75/oz 4.5 oz / $34 $7.56/oz 2 Minis Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Gel Moisturizer 0.5 oz / $17 1 oz / $17 $17 /oz 1 oz / $30 $30/oz 2 Minis COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream 1.76 oz / $15 3.52 oz / $15 $4.26/oz 3.52 oz / $26 $7.39/oz 2 Minis Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser 2 oz / $18 4 oz / $18 $4.5/oz 5 oz / $36 $7.2/oz 2 Minis Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil 0.5 oz / $42 1 oz / $42 $42/oz 1 oz / $72 $72/oz 2 Minis MAC Hyper Real Skincanvas Balm Moisturizing Cream 0.5 oz / $30 1 oz / $30 $30/oz 1 oz / $64 $64/oz 2 Minis OLEHENRIKSEN 10% AHA Lemonade Smoothing Scrub 1 oz / $18 2 oz / $18 $9/oz 3 oz / $36 $12/oz 2 Minis Philosophy Purity One-Step Facial Cleanser 3 oz / $15 6 oz / $15 $2.5/oz 8 oz / $29 $3.62/oz 2 Minis SUNDAY RILEY C.E.O.Vitamin C Cream 0.5 oz / $22 1 oz / $22 $22/oz 1.7 oz / $65 $38.24/oz 2 Minis SUNDAY RILEY Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment 0.5 oz / $50 1 oz / $50 $50/oz 1 oz / $85 $85/oz 2 Minis TULA 24-7 Moisture Intense Day & Night Cream 0.5 oz / $20 1 oz / $20 $20/oz 1.48 oz / $58 $39.19/oz 2 Minis TULA 24-7 Weightless Day & Night Gel Cream 0.5 oz / $20 1 oz / $20 $20/oz 1.5 oz / $58 $38.67/oz 2 Minis Beekman 1802 Bloom Cream Daily Moisturizer 0.5 oz / $19 1 oz / $19 $19/oz 1.69 oz / $56 $33.14/oz 2 Minis Beekman 1802 Potato Peel Milk Facial 0.6 oz / $16 1.2 oz / $16 $13.33/oz 1.69 oz / $49 $28.99/oz 2 Minis Clinique All About Clean Foaming Face Cleanser 1 oz / $8 2 oz / $8 $4/oz 5 oz / $28 $5.6/oz 2 Minis Clinique Clarifying Face Lotion 3 2 oz / $9 4 oz / $9 $2.25/oz 6.7 oz / $23 $3.43/oz 2 Minis Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray Thirsty Skin Relief 1 oz / $10 2 oz / $10 $5/oz 4.2 oz / $33 $7.86/oz 2 Minis Clinique Take The Day Off Balm Makeup Remover 1 oz / $15 2 oz / $15 $7.5/oz 3.8 oz / $44 $11.58/oz 2 Minis Dermalogica Antioxidant Hydramist Toner 1 oz / $15 2 oz / $15 $7.5/oz 5.1 oz / $49 $9.61/oz 2 Minis Dermalogica Stabilizing Repair Cream 0.5 oz / $25 1 oz / $25 $25/oz 1.7 oz / $69 $40.59/oz 2 Minis Drunk Elephant Protini Firming Moisturizer 0.5 oz / $24 1 oz / $24 $24/oz 1.6 oz / $72 $45/oz 2 Minis Estée Lauder DayWear Advanced Moisturizer Crème 0.5 oz / $17 1 oz / $17 $17 /oz 1.7 oz / $52 $30.59/oz 2 Minis First Aid Beauty Ultra Gentle Cream-to-Foam Face Cleanser 2 oz / $12 4 oz / $12 $3/oz 6 oz / $27 $4.5/oz 2 Minis OSEA Ocean Wave Cleansing Oil and Makeup Remover 0.6 oz / $16 1.2 oz / $16 $13.33/oz 4 oz / $38 $9.5/oz Full-size Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash 1.7 oz / $15 3.4 oz / $15 $4.41/oz 5 oz / $29 $5.8/oz 2 Minis PEACH & LILY Glass Skin Refining Serum 0.5 oz / $19 1 oz / $19 $19/oz 1.35 oz / $39 $28.89/oz 2 Minis PEACH & LILY Glass Skin Veil Mist 1.35 oz / $19 2.7 oz / $19 $7.04/oz 3.38 oz / $31 $9.17/oz 2 Minis Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50 1 oz / $12 2 oz / $12 $6/oz 2.4 oz / $24 $10/oz 2 Minis Clinique Acne Solutions Cleansing Foam Face Wash 1.7 oz / $12 3.4 oz / $12 $3.53/oz 4.2 oz / $28 $6.67/oz 2 Minis Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ 0.5 oz / $7 1 oz / $7 $7/oz 4.2 oz / $34 $8.10/oz 2 Minis Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Face Cream 0.5 oz / $26 1 oz / $26 $26/oz 1.7 oz / $77 $45.29/oz 2 Minis Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum 0.23 oz / $20 0.46 oz / $20 $43.48/oz 0.67 oz / $55 $82.09/oz 2 Minis Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Youth Moisturizer 0.5 oz / $32 1 oz / $32 $32/oz 1.7 oz / $120 $70.59/oz 2 Minis IT Cosmetics CiaC Anti-Aging Moisturizer 0.5 oz / $19 1 oz / $19 $19/oz 2 oz / $59 $29.50/oz 2 Minis IT Cosmetics Confidence in Your Beauty Night Cream 0.47 oz / $19 0.94 oz / $19 $20.21/oz 2 oz / $64 $32/oz 2 Minis Live Tinted Hueguard 3-in-1 Mineral Sunscreen 0.5 oz / $18 1 oz / $18 $18/oz 1.7 oz / $36 $21.18/oz 2 Minis OSEA Undaria Algae Body Butter 1.7 oz / $26 3.4 oz / $26 $7.65/oz 4 oz / $38 $9.50/oz 2 Minis Oak Essentials Luminous Body Lotion 1.35 oz / $17 2.7 oz / $17 $6.30/oz 10.1 oz / $56 $5.54/oz Full-size PEACH & LILY Matcha Pudding Antioxidant Cream 0.84 oz / $25 1.68 oz / $25 $14.88/oz 1.69 oz / $43 $25.44/oz 2 Minis PTR Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Moisturizer 0.67 oz / $24 1.34 oz / $24 $17.91/oz 1.7 oz / $56 $32.94/oz 2 Minis SUNDAY RILEY C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Serum 0.5 oz / $50 1 oz / $50 $50/oz 1 oz / $85 $85/oz 2 Minis StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream+ 0.25 oz / $15 0.5 oz / $15 $30/oz 1.7 oz / $99 $58.24/oz 2 Minis Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40 Sunscreen 0.68 oz / $22 1.36 oz / $22 $16.18/oz 1.7 oz / $38 $22.35/oz 2 Minis Supergoop! Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40 0.68 oz / $24 1.36 oz / $24 $17.65/oz 1.5 oz / $40 $26.67/oz 2 Minis Beekman 1802 Milk Drops Ceramide Serum 0.5 oz / $26 1 oz / $26 $26/oz 0.9 oz / $45 $50/oz 2 Minis Clinique Take The Day Off Charcoal Cleansing Balm 1 oz / $15 2 oz / $15 $7.50/oz 4.2 oz / $44 $10.48/oz 2 Minis Drunk Elephant Lala Whipped Cream Moisturizer 0.5 oz / $22 1 oz / $22 $22/oz 1.69 oz / $66 $39.05/oz 2 Minis ELEMIS Superfood Glow Priming Moisturiser 0.6 oz / $27 1.2 oz / $27 $22.50/oz 2 oz / $62 $31/oz 2 Minis Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Gel-Cream 0.17 oz / $26 0.34 oz / $26 $76.47/oz 0.5 oz / $76 $152/oz 2 Minis Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado 0.51 oz / $40 1.02 oz / $40 $39.22/oz 0.95 oz / $62 $65.26/oz 2 Minis Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Eye Zone Treatment 0.5 oz / $60 1 oz / $60 $60/oz 0.95 oz / $85 $89.47/oz 2 Minis Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser 2.5 oz / $16 5 oz / $16 $3.20/oz 5 oz / $26 $5.20/oz 2 Minis Kopari Beauty Sun Shield Body Glow Gel 1 oz / $18 2 oz / $18 $9/oz 5 oz / $42 $8.40/oz Full-size MAC Mini Hyper Real Fresh Face Cleanser 1 oz / $18 2 oz / $18 $9/oz 4.2 oz / $36 $8.57/oz Full-size PTR Ultimate Solution 5 Multitasking Moisturizer 0.67 oz / $28 1.34 oz / $28 $20.90/oz 1.7 oz / $65 $38.24/oz 2 Minis PTR Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturizer 0.67 oz / $23 1.34 oz / $23 $17.16/oz 1.7 oz / $55 $32.35/oz 2 Minis Philosophy Anti-Wrinkle+ Miracle Worker Moisturizer 0.5 oz / $28 1 oz / $28 $28/oz 2 oz / $76 $38/oz 2 Minis Supergoop! Glow Oil SPF 50 Dry Body Oil Sunscreen 1 oz / $18 2 oz / $18 $9/oz 5 oz / $40 $8/oz Full-size TULA Secret Solution 10% Resurfacing Toner 0.5 oz / $14 1 oz / $14 $14/oz 3 oz / $46 $15.33/oz 2 Minis TULA The Cult Classic Purifying Face Cleanser 1.7 oz / $14 3.4 oz / $14 $4.12/oz 4.2 oz / $24 $5.71/oz 2 Minis Beekman 1802 Milk RX Advanced Better Aging Cream 0.5 oz / $27 1 oz / $27 $27/oz 1.7 oz / $68 $40/oz 2 Minis Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Cream 0.5 oz / $26 1 oz / $26 $26/oz 1.7 oz / $77 $45.29/oz 2 Minis Kopari Beauty Sunglaze Sheer Setting Mist Sunscreen 1.53 oz / $18 3.06 oz / $18 $5.88/oz 2.53 oz / $34 $13.44/oz 2 Minis PEACH & LILY Ginger Melt Oil Cleanser 1.01 oz / $14 2.02 oz / $14 $6.93/oz 5.07 oz / $35 $6.90/oz Full-size Supergoop! Mineral Sheerscreen Sunscreen 0.68 oz / $24 1.36 oz / $24 $17.65/oz 1.5 oz / $40 $26.67/oz 2 Minis Tarte Maracuja C Brighter Eye Treatment 0.18 oz / $22 0.36 oz / $22 $61.11/oz 0.35 oz / $40 $114.29/oz 2 Minis Clinique Moisture Surge Intense 72H Lipid-Replenishing Hydrator Moisturizer 0.5 oz / $17 1.0 oz / $17 $17.00/oz 1.7 oz / $47 $27.65/oz 2 Minis I did these in batches over a few hours so I may have skipped a few things - if you notice any errors or things I forgot, please lmk! Happy shopping ❤️ submitted by /u/pakeliui to r/Ulta [link] [comments]

Hi ladies!! Ive heard that retinol is the way to go for anti aging benefits and I know I have to implement in my routine little by little, but should I buy a serum retinol or cream retinol? I've seen both. What do you use and recommend? Thank you!! submitted by /u/itsshlaffy to r/40PlusSkinCare [link] [comments]

Where to Buy Hydroxypure Retinol Serum for Face Finding the right skincare product can feel like hunting for a needle in a haystack. With so many serums available, it’s even harder to choose the right one for your unique skin needs. One product that truly stands out is the Hydroxypure Retinol Serum for Face. This serum has been received with rave reviews, and for good reason! Let’s dive into why this might just be the perfect addition to your skincare routine and where to grab it. What Makes Hydroxypure Retinol Serum for Face a Must-Have? Hydroxypure Retinol Serum for Face offers a plethora of benefits. Here’s why it’s capturing the attention of skincare enthusiasts everywhere: Promotes Cell Turnover: Retinol is celebrated for its ability to encourage cell turnover, which means smoother skin and a reduced appearance of fine lines. Minimizes Pores: Many users have reported a noticeable reduction in the size of their pores after using this serum regularly. Brightens Skin Tone: If you’re dealing with dullness or uneven skin tone, this serum might just bring back that youthful glow. Hydration Boost: Unlike some retinol products that can dry out your skin, Hydroxypure is formulated to keep your skin hydrated. Why You Should Choose Hydroxypure There’s a lot to love about Hydroxypure. It’s especially suitable for those looking for a gentler introduction to retinol without compromising results. The formula is designed to be effective yet easy on the skin. Many find that they can use it more frequently without irritation compared to other retinol products. Feeling intrigued? Click for details about where to purchase Hydroxypure Retinol Serum for Face! Find Your Hydroxypure Serum Here Where to Buy Hydroxypure Retinol Serum for Face Now that you’re convinced you need this serum in your life, the next step is figuring out where to find it. Fortunately, there are several avenues available for purchasing Hydroxypure Retinol Serum for Face. 1. Online Retailers The convenience of shopping online can't be beaten. Here are some recommended platforms where you can buy the serum: Official Hydroxypure Website: This is often your best bet for securing a genuine product. Plus, you may find exclusive deals! Amazon: Always a popular choice for a variety of products, Amazon frequently features Hydroxypure with fast shipping options. Dermatology Websites: Sites that focus on skincare products might have special promotions or bundle offers for Hydroxypure. Ready to get your hands on Hydroxypure Retinol Serum for Face? Click for more details here. 2. Local Beauty Supply Stores If you're not one for online shopping, you can also check out brick-and-mortar stores: Ulta Beauty: Many locations carry Hydroxypure and you can even test out other products they have! Sephora: Another great destination for quality skincare products, though availability may vary by store. Local Dermatology Clinics: Consult your dermatologist; they may sell Hydroxypure directly or guide you on where to buy it. 3. Discounts and Promotions Everyone loves a good deal! Keeping an eye on sales events can help you snag a bottle at a discounted price. Here are ways to catch better deals: Sign Up for Newsletters: Many websites offer subscriber-only discounts. It’s a win-win! Follow Social Media Channels: Instagram and Facebook pages for Hydroxypure often post flash sales or exclusive promotions. Seasonal Sales: Look out for holidays that typically have promotions, like Black Friday or Cyber Monday! Tips for Getting the Best Results with Hydroxypure Retinol Serum for Face Incorporating Hydroxypure into your skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some helpful tips: 1. Start Slow If you’re new to retinol, consider using the serum a couple of times a week before increasing to daily use. 2. Always Use Sunscreen Since retinol can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, it’s a must to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin. 3. Be Patient Results won’t be visible overnight. Most users begin to notice improvements after several weeks, so stick with it! Curious to see how Hydroxypure can transform your skin? Don’t wait! Click here for details and get started today! Conclusion To sum it up, Hydroxypure Retinol Serum for Face is indeed a terrific addition to anyone’s skincare arsenal. With access to lots of options for purchasing the product both online and locally, you can start enjoying the benefits sooner rather than later. Embrace the journey and enhance your routine with Hydroxypure! Taking that step towards healthier skin is just a click away—explore the best options now! Your skin will thank you! submitted by /u/mialane99 to r/HomeGlowFinds [link] [comments]

It starts the same way for most of us — scrolling through Instagram or watching a skincare influencer rave about how retinol changed their skin overnight. You see glowing skin, reduced wrinkles, and that perfect “glass skin” finish. Naturally, you wonder, should I try this too? But if you’re someone with Indian skin, you’ve probably also heard the horror stories — redness, peeling, irritation, and sensitivity after trying retinol. So, what’s the truth? To find real answers, I sat down with Dr. Sonnal Chavan, one of Pune’s most trusted dermatologists at Viva Luxe Clinic. She has treated hundreds of patients who’ve had mixed experiences with retinol — some saw dramatic improvements, while others suffered side effects from improper use. Here’s everything you need to know about whether retinol serums are actually safe for Indian skin tones, and how a skin specialist near me like Dr. Chavan approaches it differently. What Is Retinol, and Why Is It So Popular? Retinol is a form of Vitamin A that speeds up cell renewal. In simpler terms — it helps your skin shed old, dull cells faster and generate fresh, new ones. It’s known for: Reducing fine lines and wrinkles Fading pigmentation and acne scars Smoothing rough texture Boosting collagen production It’s one of the few skincare ingredients backed by decades of scientific research. But while it works wonders for some, it can be tricky for others — especially Indian skin tones, which are more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). The Indian Skin Factor — Why Retinol Needs Extra Care Indian skin (Fitzpatrick Type III–V) contains more melanin. That’s what gives it its warmth and natural protection against UV rays. But this higher melanin content also means our skin reacts differently to irritation. According to Dr. Sonnal Chavan, this is where most people go wrong: “When Indian skin is exposed to harsh actives like retinol too quickly, it can trigger inflammation, dryness, or even dark patches instead of improving the skin tone. The key is not in avoiding retinol, but in using it correctly.” So yes — retinol is safe for Indian skin tones, if introduced slowly, in the right concentration, and under dermatological guidance. Common Mistakes People Make with Retinol Before we talk about safe use, let’s address why so many people end up with bad experiences. 1. Starting with a Strong Formula Many people jump straight to 1% retinol because they think higher means faster results. For Indian skin, that’s too harsh. Dr. Chavan recommends starting with 0.1% or 0.3% — just once or twice a week. Let your skin adapt before increasing frequency or concentration. 2. Skipping Sunscreen If you’re using retinol and skipping sunscreen, you’re inviting pigmentation. Retinol makes skin more photosensitive — meaning UV rays can cause more damage. “A broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is non-negotiable when you’re on retinol,” Dr. Chavan emphasizes. 3. Layering Too Many Actives Using vitamin C, exfoliating acids, and retinol in one routine is a recipe for irritation. A dermatologist will help you build a balanced routine where actives complement — not clash. 4. Ignoring Moisturization Retinol naturally causes dryness during the “purge phase.” Hydration with ceramide or hyaluronic acid-based moisturizers helps reduce flaking and peeling. How Dr. Sonnal Chavan Uses Retinol in Indian Skin Treatments At Viva Luxe, retinol isn’t treated as a “miracle shortcut” — it’s used as part of a structured, scientific skincare plan. Step 1: Skin Type and Sensitivity Analysis Before recommending retinol, Dr. Chavan studies the patient’s skin type, existing concerns (like acne or pigmentation), and sensitivity level. Step 2: Building Tolerance Gradually She often starts patients on mild retinoid creams or serums once a week, combined with a nourishing barrier cream. As tolerance builds, the frequency is increased. Step 3: Personalized Day-Night Routine Since retinol is best used at night, Viva Luxe helps patients design complementary morning routines that focus on hydration and sun protection. Step 4: Ongoing Monitoring Patients are monitored for side effects like peeling, dryness, or purging. Adjustments are made in concentration or frequency based on how their skin responds. This controlled approach helps Indian skin enjoy retinol’s benefits without the burn. The Benefits of Retinol — When Used Right Once your skin adapts, retinol can genuinely transform your complexion. Patients at Viva Luxe often report visible results within 4–6 weeks: Reduced Acne and Whiteheads: Retinol keeps pores unclogged and reduces acne recurrence. Brighter Skin: It fades dark spots, tan, and hyperpigmentation. Even Texture: It smooths rough patches and fine lines. Youthful Glow: Boosts collagen, keeping skin firm and plump. These changes are gradual but long-lasting — a sign that your skin is healing from within. Why Retinol Works Differently for Indian Skin Indian skin doesn’t react the same way as Caucasian or East Asian skin. Its melanin-rich structure needs slower exfoliation and stronger hydration. That’s why copying Western routines from YouTube or TikTok often leads to irritation or patchy results. Dr. Chavan explains: “Our climate, diet, and lifestyle are completely different. Western routines often don’t suit Indian skin because they don’t consider humidity, pollution, or sun exposure.” At Viva Luxe, retinol routines are designed keeping all these factors in mind. Safe Way to Introduce Retinol (Dermatologist-Approved Routine) If you’re thinking about trying retinol, here’s a dermatologist-approved routine based on Viva Luxe’s protocol: Week 1–2: Cleanse with a gentle, pH-balanced face wash. Apply a lightweight moisturizer. Use retinol once a week at night, mixed with moisturizer (“sandwich method”). Week 3–4: Increase frequency to twice a week. Add soothing ingredients like niacinamide or panthenol in your morning routine. Month 2 onwards: Move to alternate nights if no irritation. Continue using SPF 50+ every morning. This slow approach trains your skin to accept retinol — without triggering sensitivity. Alternatives for Highly Sensitive Skin If your skin doesn’t tolerate retinol, Dr. Chavan sometimes recommends retinol alternatives like: Bakuchiol: A plant-based ingredient that mimics retinol’s effects without irritation. Retinyl Palmitate: A gentler derivative of Vitamin A. Encapsulated Retinol: Delivers retinol gradually, reducing irritation. These are great for beginners or people with rosacea, eczema, or overly dry skin. Common Myths About Retinol and Indian Skin Myth 1: Retinol is only for aging skin No — it helps with acne, pigmentation, and uneven tone even in your 20s. Myth 2: You can’t use retinol in summer You can, as long as you’re consistent with sunscreen and hydration. Myth 3: Natural products are safer than retinol Many “natural” products contain strong essential oils that can irritate Indian skin more than retinol when misused. Myth 4: Retinol thins the skin In fact, it thickens the dermis (the deeper skin layer) by boosting collagen. Real Patient Stories from Viva Luxe Priya, 28: “I started using over-the-counter retinol and got terrible peeling. Then I visited Viva Luxe, and Dr. Chavan put me on a low-strength formula with hydrating products. Within two months, my acne scars faded and my skin looked clearer than ever.” Mehul, 35: “I thought retinol was only for women, but Dr. Chavan explained how it helps men with rough texture and pigmentation too. It’s now a staple in my night routine.” Riya, 31: “I used to follow Western YouTubers and my skin got worse. After consulting a dermatologist near me at Viva Luxe, I learned what my skin actually needed — slower introduction and proper moisturization. Now I love how even and radiant my skin looks.” These stories prove that the secret isn’t in avoiding retinol — it’s in using it right. Why Consult a Dermatologist Before Starting Retinol You’ll find endless retinol products online, but not all are suitable for your skin type. The concentration, base formula, and brand quality matter immensely. A skin specialist near me like Dr. Sonnal Chavan helps you: Choose the right product strength Avoid combinations that irritate Understand what to expect during purging Build a routine that enhances, not damages, your skin barrier It’s the difference between glowing results and painful reactions. Viva Luxe: Personalized Skincare That Works What makes Viva Luxe Clinic in Pune stand out is its customized, science-backed approach. Dr. Sonnal Chavan believes skincare is not about following trends — it’s about understanding your skin’s unique rhythm. At her clinic, treatments are paired with dermatologist-guided homecare, ensuring long-term skin health. Whether it’s acne, pigmentation, or anti-aging, every plan is tailored for your skin tone, climate, and comfort level. Patients love that Viva Luxe blends medical precision with approachable, real-world care — the kind that actually works for Indian skin. Final Takeaway So, are retinol serums safe for Indian skin tones? Yes — absolutely. But only when used under guidance, in the right strength, and with plenty of patience. Think of retinol like strength training for your skin. Start light, stay consistent, and your skin will grow stronger over time. If you’re new to actives or have had bad experiences before, it’s best to consult a qualified dermatologist near me like Dr. Sonnal Chavan at Viva Luxe Clinic. Her expertise in treating Indian skin ensures your skincare journey is both safe and effective — no more guessing games, no more trial and error. Because great skin isn’t about using every trending serum — it’s about using the right one, the right way. submitted by /u/PerfectAirport4814 to r/SkinSolutionsindia [link] [comments]

Basically my skincare routine really consists of only when I shower haha, and I find that my skin is clear for the most part. I did undergo acutane for bad chest and backne so my face got some good benefits, but I find that I just cleanse my face in the shower and moisturize and that’s it. However when I shave after a shower, I usually count that as my exfoliation then I use a toner then moisturize and call it good. Is there anyway i could potentially slightly improve this? submitted by /u/mrkoolaidmeeseeks to r/SkincareAddiction [link] [comments]

Many people think about anti-aging as they age. We all want to keep our skin looking young, fresh, and healthy. One of the best ways to fight signs of aging is with retinol, a powerful ingredient found in many anti-aging serums and creams. What Is Retinol and How Does It Work? Retinol is a type of vitamin A popular in many anti-aging serums and creams. It speeds up skin cell turnover, which means it helps your skin make new cells faster. When new cells come to the surface, your skin looks fresh and young. Retinol also boosts collagen production, which keeps skin firm. Retinol is well-known for reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It penetrates deep into the skin. It works by promoting cell renewal and boosting collagen. This makes skin smoother and reduces the depth of wrinkles. It’s no wonder it’s found in the best anti-aging serums. Over time, retinol serum can help your skin look firmer and younger. What are the advantages of Retinol for Anti-aging? Below are the benefits of retinol: Smooths Away Fine Lines and Wrinkles Retinol is famous for its ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It boosts collagen production, which helps keep skin firm and smooth. Regular use of retinol can make your skin look younger by reducing the depth of wrinkles. For this reason, it is a top ingredient in many of the best anti-aging creams and serums. Say goodbye to those unwanted lines and welcome a smoother complexion! Fades Dark Spots and Evens Out Skin Tone One of the most impressive benefits of retinol is its ability to fade dark spots and improve skin tone. It speeds up cell turnover, bringing fresh, new cells to the surface. This helps lighten pigmentation and age spots, giving your skin a more even and radiant appearance. If you struggle with sun damage or uneven skin tone, retinol can help you achieve a more transparent, brighter complexion over time. Boosts Natural Hydration for Plumper Skin Retinol helps your skin stay hydrated by supporting its natural moisture barrier. Many people worry that retinol can cause dryness, but it helps the skin retain moisture when used correctly. This makes your skin look plumper and feel softer, reducing signs of aging. By using retinol alongside a good moisturizer, you can enjoy both anti-aging benefits and healthy hydration. Clears Acne and Prevents Future Breakouts Retinol is not only great for anti-aging, but it also helps clear acne and prevent new breakouts. It works by unclogging pores and reducing excess oil, keeping skin clear and free of blemishes. Many people with acne-prone skin find that retinol helps reduce pimples and blackheads while smoothing out their skin texture. It’s a fantastic choice for those looking for a dual-purpose skincare solution. Brightens and Refreshes Dull Skin perfectskincareguide.wordpress.com What to Know Before Using Retinol? Retinol is a powerful ingredient, so it’s essential to use it correctly. It may cause some irritation at first. This is normal and should go away as your skin concerns. Always use sunscreen during the day, as retinol can make your skin sensitive to the sun. Remember to choose products that match your skin type. Common Side Effects of Retinol: Redness or peeling: This may happen as your skin adjusts. Dryness: Use a good moisturizer to prevent this. Sensitivity to the sun: Wear sunscreen daily. This helps reduce signs of skin aging. Why You Should Try Retinol for Anti-Aging? In conclusion, for effective anti-aging results, consider using potent ingredients like retinol twice daily or exploring alternatives like our Refining Serum, enriched with glycolic acid and a powerful form of Vitamin B3. Our product development team has carefully crafted skin serums combining acids with Vitamin C to provide a complete anti-aging solution. Whether you choose retinol or its alternatives, your skin will benefit from a targeted, science-backed approach to looking its best. Ready to start your journey to youthful skin? Visit True Derma today and find the best anti-aging products for your skin type! submitted by /u/Affectionate-Cut1481 to r/expertskincaretips [link] [comments]

Hi guys! *For title it should be Lasers/Skincare/Beauty Hacks *I have tan skin so lasers are a bit complicated due to risk of hyperpigmentation I.e. IPL not mentioned DISCLAIMER: PLEASE double check this with the science, before/afters, own skin and goals, and research articles. I'm not a dermatologist but a majority of my friend circle are physicians and we all do this anyhow before trying anything. I don't have time to cite articles etc and this is just MY experience SO I thought after spending so much money and buying all the overhyped products I should share what worked for me to reduce my skincare regimen and allow me to be makeup free for work. So I've been deep into skincare for a long time and I wanted to officially share it as a lot of my friends asked me to. We don't gatekeep here and I thought Reddit would be the best place. My background: I'm into digital portraits and it requires an understanding of good ratios of the face. I'm also into deep diving into skincare hacks like all of us. Here's what I think works off the top of my head. Procedures Ultraclear + Coring: forget ponytail facelifts, lip lifts, belphs, skinpinch, brow lifts, etc until you try this first. A good tech can get you the results you want. Ask to core where you want max lift. Make sure they pass with all the levels. It's painful so use your own numbing cream (I think some Russian brands are stronger available online), numb for a long time, and opt for the laughing gas or whatever. Make sure to have them use eye shields for your eyes. Have them core in the direction of the lift you want. Ask for a map of how they did it. You'll want 2-3 over a year to get the full lift you want. Nothing supersedes this procedure. For healing: 10% vinegar soaks + ointment + Benev exosomes + Alastin skin nectar. Hydroquinone to prevent spots from forming. Moxi Level 3: It works REALLY well but it's a baby compared to Ultraclear. Make sure to try level 3 for maximum lift. You can do a series of 3 if you're not ready for Ultraclear. Fontana 4D: It also works REALLY well and can contour your cheeks skin the buccal fat removal. Moxi Level3/Fontana 4D def made me hot again after 20lb weight loss causing signs of aging before my wedding. Again do a series of 3 for max results. Ultraclear did the most though, I would do all 3 until I die or go broke. BBL Laser: It works and makes you look like you have foundation on (and gets rid of under eye darkness) but because of techs fears of hyperpigmentation (a real fear) it's hard to find someone to do it. PRF/EZGEL: My under eyes looked better but also the swelling stretched out the skin so it also looks worse? Not worth it. PRF or PRP is useless, the gel is the only thing worth trying. Laser Hair Removal: Make sure they are using the newest machine that is practically painless, find a center that does a full body membership it's cheaper, you'll need 8-12 sessions. The painless one is worth it just get it done all over at Morpheus: painful and melts fat stay away. I did it 3 times, it got rid of my beautiful under eye fat pads, it slimmed my buccal fat, and it got rid of some acne though. It's not worth it due to pain and fat melting and lack of skin tightness effects it so claims. Katalyst EMS Suit >> Emsculpt: They cost the same and both work but you can keep Katalyst for life. Just use settings on abs/butt and get up to level 400, you can thank me later! I had Emsculpt 5X on butt and AB's, it works temporary, now we own. 2 Katalyst suits and they make sure fit whenever we want and honestly just as fast. Emsella: Amazing for sex drive and preventing or helping with prolapse issues! Also works for urinary issues post kids :). Do 6 sessions for prevention and amazing sex. Coolsculpt: Bullshit. Can burn skin btw. HIFU: Melts fat. But it works:) so use in the right areas. J Plasma: feels like lightening bolts attacking skin and limited outcome, stay away. PDO Threads: Forget it, painful, invasive, temporary. Omnilux Redlight Mask: Get the MENS version. It works. Jovs: it breaks apparently l but I'm gonna try it and update yall later. Also curious about Amiro devices given what they say they do/tech they use. ZIIP Halo + Silver Gel >Nuface: It works better than all the other main home microcurrent devices I've tried (nuface, medicube, 2 others on amazon) get the silver serum as daily easy skincare. Forget the other ones. Things on my list: Sofwave, Emface (per reviews sounds useless?), Syllifirm, Profound, comment and lmk I'll try it if it sounds safe and effective. Injections: Botox: Prevent wrinkles (but tbh this is BS until you have a baby line forming), get rid of wrinkles, shrinks muscle. What I've liked: TMJ/Jaw Slimming (30-50U per side), TRAP TOX (amazing and makes your neck longer), LIP FLIP, NOSE TIP, BROW LIFT (only do the tail of the brow not the whole brow) and PLATYSMA (prevents face sagging and actually works, prob the most underrated and important area for Botox!). Filler: Deep Lasers ("lift" = volume) >> Sculptra (natural body makes volume) >> Slow Down on Fillers >> Injector >> Price/Injectable. Fly to the right person LA, Miami, or New York. Make sure the area they inject, they do often. Treat multiple areas BUT WITH 1/3 THE ACTUAL DOSE you want and go again twice. This prevents the botched look. Dissolve overfilled lips, it hurts, but it's worth it. ALA/Glutathione/Vit C: Shrinks pores and evens out skin tone. Make sure to add ALA for max pore shrinking. It also helps regulate sugar. You can also opt for liposomal. Go to a reputable IV center and make sure to have labs to get ALA. Peels/SkinCare: 30%+ Glycolic Acid On Body - Fast way to clear scars and evens out skin tone. Start low and increase slowly to prevent a burn. TCA Peel - Amazing for anti-aging tbh. But go to a spa and have them do it (face or full body) because it's more serious. Musely Spot Cream - Amazing stuff if you're lazy like me and don't like to do 100 things. Combines all the stuff you want for face skincare. Apostrophe Triple Cream for Rosacea - Top 3 ingredients that work for rosacea in 1 bottle. Also look into low dose naltrexone. Also moxi or ultraclear helps. Benev Exosomes + Microneedling: Use for scars and face/body with a home microneedling pen (max the number of needles Dr Pen is good). Calecium Exosomes + Microneedling: A godsend for hair growth. Retinol Gel .1% + Stack With Hydration: get it prescribed. Level up to max %, look up how to layer with coconut oil/moisturizers/Benev to prevent the ugly phase (breakouts, dry skin). Don't need if have Musely spot cream or alternate days. Clindamycin/Benzyl Peroxide Compound Cream: Get it prescribed and store it fridge now. It's the only thing that reliably clears up my acne overnight (I've tried dozens of acne products over 16 years). Alastin Skin Nectar: My main moisturizer post laser. * Wanted to add for Daily I use Prakti Maha mask because it works like under eye filler almost when you stack it on and gets rid of my acne without extra stuff about 60-70% of the time. I combine with Clarins double serum or snail stuff just depends. Also considering plated exosomes. Ourself Lip Plumping: If you don't want lip filler or just want to maximize lip size try this brand it's from the makers of one of the actual fillers and it works. Minoxidil>Grandelash>Latisse: Latisse darks eyelids /under eyes and lose eye fat so stay away!! It's so hard to get that fat back!! Use castor oil for eyelash durability and oral minoxidil for eyelash growth. Pills: Oral Minoxidil: Max your eyelashes and hair volume Low Dose Accutane: Freeze eggs before doing this. Derm will prescribe for chronic acne especially if on back etc. It will also help reduce size of tip of nose if issues with rosacea or thick skin. Gets rid of acne but horrible side effects even at a low dose. Spirinolactone: NOT FOR ME - will give me headache, dehydration, makes me dumb because I'm so dehydrated, worse breakout for months, also just not worth taking this pill. It may work for others? Eyes: Lumify (duh) Hair: Nanoplastia > Keratin Straightening > KBond20 > Olaplex > Dyson Teeth: SMILE Whitening (in office dental procedure) INSANE will get you white instantly Request for double frequency teeth cleanings Purple Toothpaste = Safe Alternative to Home Teeth Whitening that works better Boka Nanohhydroxy Toothpaste (so you don't loose enamel) Toothbrush with Water Flosser Combined (another lazy girl hack) Therabreath (contains xylitol known to prevent cavities) Mind Hacks: TDCS headband :) works for insomnia, works for mood I'll copy past all my comments into above later I use Elemind headband + Calm Sleep Powder for sleep after having sleep issues - (don't want to take meds, Benadryl is very bad for long term health and linked to increased dementia risk) Multivitamin: Make sure it has 5 methylfolate not "folic" acid. Try pure encapsulations or if you want to eat food-source multi try TEND prenatal bar chocolate flavor. Vit D: Try to get level to 60-90 it's suppose to help with a lot of things including depression!! Alzheimer prevention! Even used by oncologists to decrese cancer risk!! I take 50k unit every week and recheck my level after a month to make sure it's atleast 80. I used to have depression. Astaxanthin: 2000x more potent antioxidant than Vit C. It can give you an orangish glow if you overuse or if you're aiming for that! I used to use Vit c and other antioxidants. Omega 3/DHA (fish derived not algae!): Take it or eat fish it's good for you. DHA 1000mg I've been using for 10 years and it makes me smarter and remember more for exams etc. Silica Drops + Collagen 10G Daily w Hylaronic Acid + 100G Protein Daily > Nutrafol > Biotin/Hair Nail Vitamins: yes the standard female nutrafol works, I prefer Minodixil it's faster and better for me and less big pills lol. 1G Water A Day - Eat good food, drink water. Take collagen, eat protein 100G daily, fat 50G daily. Otherwise this is useless. ADD POTASSIUM (prime powder packets) to SLIM FACE SWELLING. Add gua sha or lymph suction drainage also to help. Sauna/Ice Water on Face also works. Low Fat is a FAD - Hit 50G fat a day - obv is you need to optimize weight lower calories and cut inflammatory food like most non vegetable carbs. You can take a food allergy test also and optimize. For example no tomato skins, no onions for us. Exercise (weights good for bones: BUT for brain benefits it's only with aerobic workouts!): increased bdnf and prevents depression also improved blood flow from skin - look into the research and thank me later - you need to burn 1200cal a week to hit this Dairy Does Cause Breakouts - cut it out and see if there's a change for acne Colustrum: ARMRA works better than others but they all work. It's good for gut health aka good for skin. Seed Probiotic: the best strains here. Rosacea/Autoimmune Skin Stuff: Look into low dose naltrexone and astaxanthin. Autoimmune issues cause the face to look puffy! PCOS/Hunger Cravings: Inositol 6G powder or gummy inositol/myoinositol Vitamin: Tend Prenatal Bar (hate daily pills) Gummy CoQ10 200mg Tru Niagen NAD+ (gives me energy) OM matcha mushroom powder (this flavor specifically has a blend that makes me happy/laughing next day, I use when stressed) Silica Drops (makes my hair shiny, nails stronger within weeks) Zinc Picolinate 30mg (if sick or acne) Fisetin (or Qualia monthly) gets rid of dead cells I just feel good when I take it Vital Protein Collagen/Hylaronic Acid Dessicated Beef Liver or Shilajit (micronutrients) Multivitamin: Pure Encapsulations ONE I don't take pills daily except multivitamin or depending on my aim. But these are what work for me and what I've read that makes sense and I've tried without side effects and some benefit x Inpsitol is a miracle that everyone should know about it'll legit make you less anxious too Deodorant: Chlorella Liquid (removes body odor) > Native > Certaindri. want to try the weekly devices out there that actually stop sweating but weighing risks. Native covers me all day smelling good and I used to sweat through EVERYTHING. Nails: basic - sally hansen hard as nails clear (drop 3-4 magenta drops of any brand in for a natural pink nail look) - silica drops make nails tough af - only do RUSSIAN manicures they are magic thank me later SUN: the sun is your enemy for skincare, it's time to be aware of this all the time! Legally UV tint the max of your front car window (there's a way to uv protect without darkening so it's legal). Always wear long sleeves or a hat. Cover face with hand when walking and unprotected. I use supergoop clear sun stick because I'm lazy and it's a stick and doesn't have white caste. I'm sure there's better ones but this is the best clear stick I found. The powder makeup ones are BS and don't actually protect you. A HAT + Long Sleeves >> Weight Loss: I have a chubby face if my BMI is above 19 genetically. Find the BMI you need for optimizing your face. I drink all my water before eating. I drink black decaf with monk fruit (stevia is not as safe, Splenda is bad news) instead of lattes. I put all my food on a salad instead of rice. I don't eat grain carbs because it makes me bloated. I eat spinach daily because it has highest potassium (reduces face bloating). I try to have have less than 1.5G salt daily. I also make sure there is IODINE in my salt for my thyroid (pink salt is causing iodine deficiencies and thus thyroid issues!). No dairy because it gives me acne (try cashew milk 25 cal). I hit 100G protein via NATURAL NO POWDER sources. Then I sleep by getting my fat intake (50g) and veggies cooked with seasoning I like or whatever I want to eat (kind of a baby Intermittant fast but more lax). If I'm craving sweets I eat frozen fruit and add fake honey (monk fruit sweetened avail sprouts). If you made it this far, the most important thing is to be at a healthy weight, eat right, drink water, no alcohol (I've heard from friends: Passion flower extract "anxiety" > IV NAD (addiction)), no smoking(I've heard from friends: Chantix > Wellbutrin> Nicotine Patch > Tapering Nicotine Vape ), no all nighters (if insomnia look above TDCS headband elemind > Calm Sleep Powder > Sublingual Melatonin). This is all I could think of but I've tried a lot feel free to DM me. I've also deep dived into fertility and dementia stuff for friends/family! If you want reccs DM! You can fact check me but I research this stuff just like we all do so you'll find out or realize this is likely the consensus. submitted by /u/Mindmaster04129 to r/30PlusSkinCare [link] [comments]

Designed to deliver targeted anti-aging benefits through an innovative dual-layer mask system. Each mask is infused with Retinol RX, a stabilized form of retinol that helps improve skin elasticity, reduce fine lines, and promote a firmer, more youthful complexion. https://www.kbeautyblossom.com/products/iope-retinol-serum-in-gel-mask #IOPE #retinol submitted by /u/K-BeautyBlossom to r/KbeautyOnlineShop [link] [comments]

Personal Experience with the Product The Ebanel 987 Liposomal Retinol Serum has been a regular part of my skincare regimen for the past few weeks. With its promise of reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots, I was naturally intrigued. My combination skin, leaning towards the oily side, often reacts unpredictably to new products, so I approached this serum with cautious optimism. I started small, applying it to my face and neck every other night before gradually incorporating it into my daily routine. The product felt lightweight and was easy to layer under my moisturizer without feeling tacky. It’s marketed as a pore minimizer and anti-aging solution, and while I didn't expect miraculous overnight results, I did notice subtle changes within the first ten days. Ease of Application and Texture The serum’s texture is a standout feature. It’s silky smooth, gliding effortlessly onto the skin without leaving a greasy residue. One of the things I genuinely appreciated was how quickly it absorbed, cutting down the waiting time before applying moisturizer or sunscreen. It's unscented, which is an advantage for those sensitive to fragrances, and it did not trigger any immediate redness or irritation on my occasionally sensitive skin. Despite the product dimensions feeling slightly bulky (about 4.15 x 1.95 x 1.3 inches), the pump dispenser made it convenient to use. Just one or two pumps are sufficient for full coverage of the face and neck. They certainly got the packaging right here—practical and hygienic. Highlights Lightweight texture that isn't greasy. Unscented formula, suitable for sensitive individuals. Quick absorption to save time during skincare routines. Pairs easily with other skincare products. Check Ebanel 987 Retinol Serum price on Amazon. The Anti-Aging Chemistry This serum leverages a potent 2.5% retinol concentration along with key companions like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and vitamin C. The liposomal delivery system is designed to enhance the penetration of retinol, targeting the deeper layers of the skin. Personally speaking, the inclusion of hyaluronic acid was a big plus for hydration, particularly because regular retinol products can sometimes dry out my skin. The way it smooths out tiny texture bumps and brightens my face has been particularly satisfying. While it suits oily and combination skin well, it’s always worth mentioning that introducing retinol requires patience. I did notice mild flakiness during the initial weeks, but pairing it with a nourishing moisturizer neutralized the dryness effectively. Importantly, I never forget sunscreen during the day, as retinol can increase photosensitivity. Perks Brightens uneven skin tone effectively. Targets multiple concerns like pores, wrinkles, and texture. Hydrating ingredients balance out retinol's potential drying effects. Dermatologist-tested and safe for most skin types. Potential Hurdles to Consider My experience hasn’t been without reservations, though. Firstly, it’s crucial not to overdo it with the product. Applying more than recommended leads to peeling or redness, as I learned the hard way after a particularly enthusiastic application early on. Furthermore, I wouldn’t recommend using it too close to sensitive lip or eye areas due to the risk of irritation. Another concern is about its lifespan after opening. Since vitamin C is one of its active ingredients and prone to oxidation, the serum is effective for about three months. If there’s any lingering product beyond that duration, it’s likely not delivering the same potency. Can cause mild irritation if used excessively or carelessly. Limited shelf life once opened due to vitamin C’s instability. Market Rivals During my skincare experimentation phase, I’ve tried alternatives like The Ordinary’s Retinol Serum and Neutrogena’s Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil. Compared to these, the Ebanel serum stands out with its liposomal technology, which ensures deeper absorption. However, The Ordinary’s version is more budget-friendly, although its formulation lacks the hydrating elements found in Ebanel. Neutrogena, on the other hand, leans towards being too rich and oily for my liking, making it less ideal for daytime use. On the flip side, The Ordinary’s option, with its straightforward ingredient list, is a go-to choice for minimalists. In terms of packaging, I still prefer Ebanel’s sturdy pump bottle over The Ordinary's droppers, considering the ease of one-handed use. Affordable Quality What really matters for any skincare investment? Results aligned with its price point. With this product, there’s a noticeable balance. Sure, it might not be the cheapest option out there, but the combination of retinol, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and vitamin C makes it remarkably well-rounded. Considering the lab precision and cruelty-free certifications, the value proposition feels justified to me. Click here to check if Ebanel 987 Retinol Serum meets your budget on Amazon. submitted by /u/AgeBis to r/skincaredevices [link] [comments]

Naisipan kong dumaan sa Watsons ngayong araw para bumili ng lotion, dahil paubos na yung ginagamit ko. Nakita ko tong lotion na 'to ng Luxe Organix na naka B1T1 for Php 405, kaya naisipan kong subukan. 2 variant yung binili ko, itong Retinol + Gluta, tsaka yung Niacinamide + Arbutin. TLDR: May microfoaming, malakas ang fragrance, heavier skin feel kumpara sa ibang serum lotions sa Market, mali-mali ang IL, mislabeled dahil imbes na retinol, Retinyl Palmitate ang laman base sa IL. Unahin muna nating tingnan ang packaging. Sa unang tingin, di nalalayo material sa packaging ng mga serum lotion ng Vaseline. Tho, yung sa Vaseline, rounded yung tabas ng seal ng tube sa both sides, samantalang itong sa LO ay pointed. Sa itsura naman mismo ng laman, off-white na medyo madilaw yung kulay ng lotion. Medyo clumpy din yung itsura pagkalabas nito sa tube, at madali ding mag-break yung emulsion upon skin contact. Malakas yung fragrance nya na dominated ng floral notes. Unang naisip ko nga nung naamoy ko e amoy poon, dahil sa sobrang floral. Medyo matagal ipahid sa balat, kumpara sa ibang serum lotion na nasubukan ko na. Naka-observe din ako ng microfoaming during application nitong lotion. Ang microfoaming ito yung nagkakaroon ng puti-puting streaks sa balat habang pinapahid ang isang product, kadalasan mga emulsion gaya ng lotion at creams. Ang microfoaming ay dulot ng pagkaka-trap ng air sa product habang ipinapahid sa balat. Kung ikukumpara ko ito sa ibang serum lotion na nagamit ko na (Vaseline Gluta-Hya Serum Burst Lotion, Smoochkins Nia-Arbutin Nano White Serum Lotion), ito yung pinaka heavy ang skin feel. Hindi ko masyadong na-feel yung pagka serum lotion. And lastly naka-experience din ako ng pamumula at pantal sa braso ko after ko gamitin itong lotion na ito. Tumungo naman tayo sa ingredient list. Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Myristate, Fragrance, C15-19 Alkane, Stearyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Triethanolamine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Disodium EDTA, Glutathione, Polysorbate 20, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Ceramide NP, Mannitol, Pentylene Glycol, CI19140, Phosphatidylcholine, Retinyl Palmitate, Cholesterol, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Chloride, Polyglyceryl-10, Citric Acid, Tocopherol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9, Ethylhexylglycerin Hindi na talaga nawala ang mga errors sa IL ng mga local products. Di yata talaga uso ipa-check man lang sa regulatory personnel ang IL na ilalagay sa final layout ng packaging bago ang ipa-mass printing. Para sa product na ito, hindi Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol ang tamang INCI name, kung hindi Cetearyl Alcohol. Next, Polyglyceryl-10, what? Incomplete yung ingredient name. Ang daming Polyglyceryl-10 esters na nag eexist, wag nyo na kami paghulain. (Side Note: Ang Polyglyceryl-10 esters ay kadalasang ginagamit as non-ionic emulsifier sa cosmetics.). Pangalawa kong napansin, CI19140. Ang CI19140 ay isang dye na kilala din bilang Tartrazine Yellow or FD&C Yellow #5. Ito yung nagbigay ng medyo madilaw na kulay sa lotion na ito. Konektado ito sa kasunod kong punto. Ikatlo, bakit Retinyl Palmitate ang nakalista dito sa IL? Kaya nyo ba nilagyan ng Yellow #5 ang lotion na ito para magmukhang may retinol, kasi nakakapagdulot ng paninilaw sa mga product ang retinol kapag ihinalo ito? Ngayon, ano ba ang problema kung retinyl palmitate ang nakalagay, imbes na retinol? Ito kasi yun: maliban sa obvious na mislabelling sa product na ito, mas mababa ang potency ng retinyl palmitate kaysa sa retinol. Sa buong retinoid family, ang mga retinyl esters kagaya ng retinyl palmitate ang may pinakamababang potency, dahil kailangan pa nito ng isang extra conversion step (retinyl palmitate -> retinol). Tandaan, ang mga retinoids, kailangang ma-convert into retinoic acid para ma-activate ang retinoic acid receptors natin sa balat at makuha ang benefits. Retinyl esters -> Retinol -> Retinaldehyde -> Retinoic Acid Kada conversion step, bumababa ang potency ng isang retinoid, kaya sa kaso ng retinyl palmitate, na isang retinyl ester, eto ang may pinakamababang potency. May peptides din pala itong lotion na ito: Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9 at Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11. Ang acetyl tetrapeptide-9 ay isang signaling peptide na nagbibigay ng message sa fibroblasts sa ating dermis na magproduce ng collagen (specifically Collagen Type 1) at proteoglycans, na mahalaga para mapanatili ang structure at mapanatiling tight (hindi sagging) ang balat natin. Nakakatulong din itong mabawasan ang appearance ng fine lines sa mukha, dahil na rin sa stimulation ng collagen at proteoglycan production. Kung ang dermis ang target ng acetyl tetrapeptide-9, ang epidermis naman ang target ng acetyl tetrapeptide-11. Kagaya ng acetyl tetrapeptide-9, signaling peptide din ito na nagbibigay ng mensahe sa epidermis na mag-synthesize o magproduce ng Syndecan-1 at Collagen XVII. Kapag mataas ang dalawang ito sa balat, nag-iimprove ang elasticity ng balat. Karamihan ng mga nabanggit na benepisyo ng dalawang peptides na ito ay base pa lamang sa mga in-vitro studies na naisagawa na. Wala pang gaanong in-vivo clinical studies na lumabas kaya medyo skeptical pa din ako sa mga peptides na ito. Tumungo naman tayo lastly sa product claims. Retinol + Gluta Whitening Serum Lotion Lightening Firming Hydrating 24 hr Supple Smooth 3X Peptide Youth Repair + Hyaluronic Bright + Ceramide Glow Unang claim pa lang, sablay na. Wala namang retinol tong lotion na 'to. Pinaglololoko ako nitong LO e. Sa claim na lightening at whitening, medyo duda ako. Mukhang glutathione lang ang pwedeng masabi ng brand na ito na skin lightening ingredient. Pero duda ako sa efficacy ng glutathione na makapagpa lighten ng skin topically. Maraming limitations yung mga published studies tungkol sa efficacy ng topically applied gluta, gaya ng mababang bilang ng participants sa studies at sobrang iksi na study period. Sa claim na firming, mukhang inilagay ito gawa nung mga peptides. Sa hydrating claim, meron namang hydrating ingredients (glycerin, hyaluronic acid derivatives, olive oil, Plukenetia Volubilis oil, tsaka Ceramide NP). Same din dun sa mga sumunod na claims, dahil sa presence ng mga nabanggit na ingredients. Final words: Hindi ako masaya sa nabili kong lotion na 'to. Hindi kasing lightweight at fast absorbing nung iba kong nasubukan na serum lotions. Amoy poon yung fragrance. May microfoaming during application. Nagkapantal ako sa braso. Mali-mali ang IL. Pero yung pinaka disappointing sa lotion na 'to e yung claim na may retinol daw, pero retinyl palmitate lang ang nasa ingredient list. May paglalagay pa ng yellow dye para magmukhang may retinol. Napakalaking red flag para sa akin ang pagmi-mislabel ng product. Ayun lang. Salamat sa pagbabasa. At laging maging mapanuri sa mga binibili at balak nating gamitin na products. submitted by /u/skincare_chemist19 to r/beautytalkph [link] [comments]

Any research/evidenced based approaches, or personal experiences would be helpful here. I want to experience the benefits of retinol in keeping my skin youthful, but I'm not sure which I should apply first and how long I should wait inbetween. submitted by /u/talexackle to r/Minoxbeards [link] [comments]

Hi everyone, I am a women in my 30s and my main/sole skin concern are these annoying fine lines creeping up on my face (dry to normal skin). I have been mostly using Korean skincare but recently also started using retinol daily at night. And I am not sure if that is why my skin has been peeling a bit every day recently. I am not sure if I should be worried about that or if that is good for skin renewal. I am pretty new to the whole AHA/BHA/peeling stuff and not quite sure how to add this to my routine. (I started using the L'Oréal Night Serum, 0.3% Pure Retinol as well as Versed Smooth Landing Advanced Retinoid Eye Balm.) Besides that at night, I currently use Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cleanser, followed by Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, followed by the Retinol and then Laneige Bouncy & Firm Sleeping Mask. For my AM routine, I use Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, then Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum VI and then Saturday Skin Carrot + Niacinamide Moisturizing Cream and only if I go outside Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics. (I rarely use makeup.) submitted by /u/SunshineNeededNow to r/30PlusSkinCare [link] [comments]

Other than the basic skincare routine, (cleanser, cream for treatment if needed, sunscreen and moisturiser). which serum or toner would add health benefits and care more for the skin? submitted by /u/Lucky-Success-9064 to r/AsianBeauty [link] [comments]

Link: https://amzn.eu/d/2Vaukxa Looking for a low key retinol with additional benefits. submitted by /u/Bookkeeper57 to r/IndianSkincareAddicts [link] [comments]

Hey-Oh! So, I see some form of this question multiple times per day in various skin and personal care subs: How do I deal with my hyperpigmentation? I also asked myself this question a few years ago. See, I'm prone to freckles and a little melasma and I set out to figure out a way to solve it with years of research, trial and error, testing, talking to dermatologists and professionals, and scouring every medical article I could get my hands on. I wanted to share my findings and research since this is a common concern, especially among people in their 30s. This started as a small post about my routine and ballooned into a massive book about hyperpigmentation. I hope it's helpful! DISCLAIMERS: I use the term "brightening" instead of "lightening" which is a subtle distinction. None of the ingredients or methods I recommend bleach your skin as "lightening" would suggest, but they can reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. "Brightening" tends to be a confusing term in skincare, but for the purposes of this post, I use it as a descriptor for anything that helps prevent or reduce melanin in hyperpigmented skin. I will use the term "hyperpigmentation" ad nauseam as a catch-all term for excess pigmentation in the skin including freckles, melasma, PIH and dark spots. This does not encompass moles which are different. This is also different from redness, which is a whole other post. Speaking about hyperpigmentation requires some sensitivity to very real issues around it including cultural implications. This post is not intended to moralize hyperpigmentation nor is it intended to alienate the normal melaninization of skin across various tones. Hyperpigmentation refers to excess melanin production on the skin in the form of spots that are darker than the surrounding skin. It's not bad or wrong, nor does it speak to anyone not "doing a good enough job" of taking care of themselves. I do repeat myself a few times in here but that is for people who are skipping around the article. I want to be as thorough as possible even if you're jumping to the parts of the post you need. I do run an online dermatology practice and skin care consultancy, but in order to protect the integrity of my advice, I do not promote my business, I don't give direct medical advice, I don't link to any products/websites, and I don't have any products I've formulated myself to promote. This is going to get long because I wanted to cover everything re:hyperpigmentation. But for your reading pleasure and ease, I have divided this post up so you can get whatever information you need: Table of Contents Types of Hyperpigmentation What Causes Hyperpigmentation? How To Treat Hyperpigmentation Part 1: The Ingredients How to Treat Hyperpigmentation Part 2: The Routine and Recommendations Body Hyperpigmentation Nuclear Options Let's get to it! Types of Hyperpigmentation Hyperpigmentation refers to excess melanin production in the skin, but it can actually take a couple different forms. Knowing the type of hyperpigmentation you're experiencing is key to understanding if and how it can be treated. Freckles: Freckles are incredibly common, especially for people with lighter skin tones. They are small, brown or reddish-brown dots often clustered on the skin. They develop on the surface and are not raised bumps. Freckles can appear anywhere on the body but are common on the face. Freckles are permanent, but the color, contrast and severity can vary and be tempered. Melasma: Melasma appears as dark patches or splotches around the face, though usually found on the forehead, upper lip, and high on the cheeks. Melasma forms deeper in the skin and appears more amorphous than freckles, moles, or age spots. It can create a “muddy” appearance and is very common among pregnant and postpartum women due to hormonal factors. But it can literally happen to anyone and anywhere on the body. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) occurs when damaged skin forms melanin during the healing process leaving dark spots. This is common after acne, injuries, eczema, burns, and other trauma to the skin. Exposure to UV rays during healing can make PIH worse. Post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) is similar, but leaves pink or red marks on the skin as a result of damage to the capillaries from injury or inflammation. Basically, when skin is compromised by injury, as part of the immune response cells will begin to generate melanin in an attempt to prevent further damage from UV exposure, so what will happen is the wound/legion/blemish will heal but the pigmented skin remains. Age Spots: This is kind of a forgotten form of hyperpigmentation. Sun spots, also referred to as liver spots, and solar lentigines are large spots/patches of dark skin with distinct borders. They vary in color from light brown to almost black. They develop on the surface of the skin usually later in life, but reflect damage that often occurred from improper sun protection at a younger age. They can appear on the face, neck, chest, hands, and arms, usually on areas that had UV exposure. For many people, they can begin to appear in your 30s or 40s. What Causes Hyperpigmentation? There are a number of factors that can contribute to the formation of hyperpigmentation. Generally, it forms as the result of a combination of genetic and environmental influences. Everyone is unique, but these are some of the most common causes of hyperpigmentation and dark spots: Genetics can play a role in the development of hyperpigmentation and dark spots in several ways: Melanin production: Melanin is the pigment that provides color to our skin, hair, and eyes. The amount of melanin produced and distributed in the skin is largely determined by genetics. People with a greater genetic predisposition to melanin production in their skin are more likely to experience hyperpigmentation and dark spots as a result of sun exposure, hormonal changes, and other factors. People with darker skin are also more prone to melanin production in the form of hyperpigmentation. Genetic anomalies: Certain genetic anomalies, such as oculocutaneous albinism, can affect melanin production and distribution in the skin, leading to an increased risk of hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Family history: If you have a family history of hyperpigmentation or dark spots, you may be more likely to develop these conditions yourself. Enzymes and genes: The enzymes that control melanin production and distribution are regulated by specific genes. Variations in these genes can impact melanin production, leading to an increased risk of hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Sun (UV) Exposure. In addition to genetic determination of melanin production, UV exposure is the leading environmental cause of hyperpigmentation and the formation of dark spots. Melanin is the pigment that provides color to our skin, hair, and eyes. It acts as a natural sunscreen (but don't treat it like natural sunscreen!!! This isn't the point of the exercise), absorbing UV radiation to protect the skin from damage. When the skin is exposed to UV radiation, the melanocytes (cells that produce melanin) in the skin go into overdrive, producing more melanin to protect the skin from further damage. This increased melanin production can result in dark spots or areas of hyperpigmentation on the skin. Hormones. In addition to genetic determination of melanin production, hormones and hormonal sensitivity is a leading internal cause of hyperpigmentation and the formation of dark spots. One of the most well-known examples of hormonal hyperpigmentation is melasma, a condition characterized by dark, amorphous patches on the face, particularly on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip. Melasma is often associated with hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy, hormonal therapy, or birth control pill use. The hormonal changes can stimulate an increase in melanin production, resulting in dark spots or areas of hyperpigmentation. This can happen irrespective of UV exposure, though the sun does exacerbate it. Hormones can also affect melanin production by altering the skin's metabolism and pigmentation pathways. For example, high levels of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands during stress, can trigger an increase in melanin production, resulting in hyperpigmentation. Inflammation, Injury & Trauma to the skin can result in hyperpigmentation by triggering an increase in melanin production. When the skin is inflamed or injured, it triggers a response from the body's immune system, which can stimulate an increase in melanin production as a protective measure. For example, acne breakouts or other skin injuries can result in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which is characterized by dark spots or areas of discoloration on the skin. The dark spots are a result of an increase in melanin production in the affected area, which occurs in response to the inflammation or injury. In addition to acne and other skin injuries, other conditions that can result in PIH include eczema, psoriasis, and insect bites. Medication Side Effects. Certain medications can cause hyperpigmentation on the skin. Medications that can cause hyperpigmentation include: Tetracycline antibiotics: Tetracycline antibiotics, such as doxycycline and minocycline, can cause discoloration of the skin and teeth when taken in high doses or for an extended period of time. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can cause hyperpigmentation in some individuals, especially if taken in high doses or for an extended period of time. Chemotherapy drugs: Certain chemotherapy drugs, such as doxorubicin and daunorubicin, can cause hyperpigmentation, especially in areas of the skin that have been exposed to the sun. Hormonal medications: Hormonal medications, such as birth control pills and estrogen replacements, can cause hyperpigmentation in some individuals, especially if they are taken for an extended period of time. Antimalarial drugs: Antimalarial drugs, such as chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, can cause hyperpigmentation in some individuals, especially if taken in high doses or for an extended period of time. Isotretinoin aka accutane when taken for acne can cause hyperpigmentation due to the increase of cell turnover and exposing delicate new skin cells to UV rays before they have shored up. If using these medications is necessary for your livelihood, it is not recommended to stop their use without the recommendation of your doctor. How To Treat Hyperpigmentation Part 1: The Ingredients When looking for skin care products to treat and prevent hyperpigmentation and dark spots, it's important to look for ingredients that can help encourage cell turnover, curb melanin production, and block harmful UV rays. A lot of these things overlap with treatments for other conditions like acne and general anti-aging, but I've noted ones that specifically work on the mechanisms controlling melanin production. Now, this is an extensive list, but I know it doesn't have everything. I've included the ingredients that had the most compelling evidence and/or worked the best for me or people at my practice. But it's also not necessarily a shopping list. You don't have to have all of these things to treat hyperpigmentation, but I'll get to that in the routine portion. This is more to be used as a tool that can help you diversify your routine if you find one ingredient or another doesn't work for you. And it can help you determine if a product targets hyperpigmentation based on its ingredients. There's lot's of options. Some of the key ingredients to look for include: Retinoids that increases cell turnover. Retinoids like tretinoin, adapalene, retinol et al, can help treat hyperpigmentation by promoting the turnover of skin cells and increasing cell growth, which can help fade dark spots and improve overall skin tone by replacing pigmented skin cells at the surface. While retinoids are extremely effective, they do have some caveats. First, they can be sensitizing to a lot of users, but this can be tempered by using different form functions, different application methods, or different concentrations. Second, because it's constantly turning over skin exposing delicate new skin cells to the elements, it can actually worsen hyperpigmentation if you're not vigilant about sun protection and avoidance. Tretinoin and other retinoids are firewalled behind a prescription in some countries and may be more difficult to obtain. But retinol/al is available in OTC forms. SPF represents a class of many ingredients designed to protect the skin from UV rays and the damage that occurs from exposure. UV exposure is one of the biggest causes of fine hyperpigmentation and wrinkles so adequate protection is essential. I know I'm not winning any science awards for this declaration, but a lot of people who struggle with hyperpigmentation aren't adequately protecting themselves from the sun. But you also have to be kind of realistic. Even with perfect protection and avoidance, sometimes your hyperpigmentation will still flare. This happens during the summer for a lot of people and something even I grapple with. The key is to do your best and SPF actually works well with numerous other ingredients (like the ones listed below) to help solve that problem. Arbutin is a Tyrosinase Inhibitor that blocks melanin production. Arbutin, or the synthesized version called alpha arbutin, is a favorite brightening ingredient because it's a slow-release derivative of hydroquinone that inhibits melanin production. This results in both healing and prevention of dark spots, especially when paired with topical acids. It metabolizes on the skin into hydroquinone which is super effective for hyperpigmentation while being a less controversial and hard-to-come-by ingredient than pure hydroquinone. More on hydroquinone in part 6. Tranexamic acid is another Tyrosinase Inhibitor. This was first used in wound care and it was found to have profound effects on hyperpigmentation. Although it's an acid, it's not a chemical exfoliant, kinda like how hyaluronic acid is not a chemical exfoliant. The exact mechanism by which tranexamic acid works to reduce hyperpigmentation is not fully understood, but it is believed to work by reducing inflammation by blocking plasmin which contributes to melanin production when unchecked. It is particularly effective in treating melasma and one of my personal favorite ingredients. Kojic Acid is another Tyrosinase Inhibitor. Kojic acid is a natural skin brightener that is derived from various fungi. Kojic acid can also help to exfoliate because it's a slight chemical exfoliant, which can remove dead skin cells that contribute to hyperpigmentation and improve overall appearance. But it does both things: block melanin production and turn skin cells over. Azelaic Acid has a lot of things going for it that can help with hyperpigmentation. It's an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic that disrupts melanin production. Azelaic acid works by inhibiting the production of melanin in the skin like those other tyrosinase inhibitors. In addition, azelaic acid also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which help to improve the overall health and appearance of the skin by reducing melanin production as a result of injury or inflammation. It's also an anti-acne ingredient that can address the root cause of PIH by reducing acne on the skin. It's pretty awesome and available in OTC and prescription strengths. Niacinamide is another one that directly and indirectly addresses hyperpigmentation. It's a skin soother that decreases inflammation and it naturally reduces sebum production which can curb acne which can curb PIH. It actually took me a little while to figure out that this was another solid hyperpigmentation treatment for these reasons because I used to look at it as being more of an acne treatment. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that works by inhibiting the transfer of pigment within the skin, which can help to reduce the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone. So while it doesn't block tyrosinase, it prevents transfer of pigmented skin cells to the surface. Vitamin C aka L-ascorbic acid is an antioxidant that fights free radical damage. It treats and prevents hyperpigmentation in three ways. First, it reduces free radical damage from UV exposure which helps increase the effectiveness of SPF when worn together. Second, it is also a tyrosinase inhibitor that blocks melanin production. And finally, vitamin C encourages skin cell turnover. The key is finding a nice stable version of it. Glycolic and Lactic Acid. Since this list is getting long I am going to group these together. Glycolic Acid is a water-soluble alpha hydroxy acid that penetrates into the pores to treat pigmentation by providing general exfoliation and resurfacing of the skin. The result is improvements in dark spots, texture and other signs of aging. Lactic Acid is also an AHA but with a slightly larger molecular size than glycolic acid so it doesn't penetrate as deep and acts more as a surface exfoliant. As a result it provides more gentle exfoliation to buff away surface pigmentation with an added benefit of acting as a humectant to seal moisture into the skin. Licorice Extract is a plant extract that inhibits melanin production. Licorice root extract contains a compound called glabridin, which has been shown to have skin brightening effects as, you guessed it, a tyrosinase inhibitor. In addition, licorice root extract also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce redness and inflammation associated with hyperpigmentation. I'm seeing more and more of this pop up in skin care. Soy Proteins are another plant extract that inhibits melanin production. They contain compounds known as isoflavones, which have been shown to help reduce the amount of melanin produced by melanocytes in the skin. Additionally, soy proteins have antioxidant properties that can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to hyperpigmentation. How To Treat Hyperpigmentation Part 2: The Routine and Recommendations This is adapted from numerous comments, posts and DMs I've written on the topic and also comprises a large portion of my own personal routine and routines we recommend to patients. This is a generalist routine meaning it targets all the forms of hyperpigmentation I've mentioned; freckles, melasma, PIH, and age spots though it can be tweaked to address these individually more specifically. This is really my jumping off point for people to get a good idea of what they can achieve as a baseline with OTC ingredients before fine tuning or enlisting the help of a dermatologist. For a lot of people, this is enough to fully resolve, but even if it gets you part of the way there, this should give you a good idea of reactivity. A few caveats: Freckles cannot ever be 100% eradicated. You can however reduce their appearance and prevent them from getting darker. It's important to have realistic goals and understand that sometimes our genetics will overrule any routine we have. This routine and any hyperpigmentation routine will not address moles. Moles are a totally different thing that can only be eradicated through removal by a medical practitioner. Moles can be raised or not, but no amount of topicals will get rid of them. Melasma is a beast. Sometimes it can be treated with OTC topicals, sometimes it requires prescription strength topicals like hydroquinone, sometimes you need in-office procedures like fractal lasers or IPL. Again, this routine is a jumping off point to see what you can accomplish at home before going down that road. You'll notice I don't mention products with all the ingredients I listed above. This is because the more you put on your face, the greater your risk of causing irritation. Again, you can adjust and tweak by switching out products with these ingredients or add/subtract as it suits your personal needs. If you're struggling with hyperpigmentation while pregnant or breastfeeding, these recommendations may need to be paused. Alright, let's get to it! AM routine -- The Goal: Heal, Protect, and Prevent. In order of application following a lukewarm water rinse: Azelaic acid Alpha Arbutin Vitamin C serum Moisturizer SPF The combo of C+AZ+AA+SPF is an absolute powerhouse for healing existing hyperpigmentation and preventing new hyperpigmentation from forming. It makes your SPF more effective, it inhibits the production of melanin from UV exposure (not your natural melanin production though), and it speeds cell turnover with dual antioxidant action and gentle chemical exfoliation. The result is brighter skin in a few months of consistent use. For Azelaic Acid, this is the ingredient for serious treatment. It's considered one of the most effective ways to reverse melasma aka serious hyperpigmentation short of hydroquinone -- which is both controversial and hard to get. It brings a little bit of exfoliation to the table in addition to inhibiting UV melanin production, but it also has a slight antiseptic property which can help with acne. Paula's choice Azelaic Acid Booster is the only one I've really tried after sampling the Ordinary's in-store and not liking the texture. I get about 6 months out of a tube and a little bit goes a long way. For Alpha Arbutin, the Ordinary's formulation is pretty solid. I prefer the Ordinary's AA 2% + HA as opposed to their AA 2% + Ascorbic Acid 8% as I don't believe the quality and stability of their Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) is great. That's why I opt for a separate Vitamin C serum step. But the AA + HA also has a little bit of lactic acid in it which provides some gentle exfoliation and encourages AA deeper into the skin where it's more effective. Lactic acid is mild enough that it's safe for use in a morning routine, but you still want to protect with SPF. There are a couple AA products floating around but I think TO's product is probably the best, most straightforward one. Alpha Arbutin metabolizes into hydroquinone on the skin so is basically one of the best OTC pigment correctors you can get. For Vitamin C, the gold standard really is Skinceuticals CE Ferulic. This is stupid expensive though so I’m going to suggest Timeless Vitamin C. I like that it comes in an airless pump that prevents oxidation over time. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that increases the rate of skin cell turnover bringing forward new, skin cells while simultaneously improving the effects of SPF. It's a great foundation for a fix. These ingredients can be layered on one right after the other then topped with your moisturizer (I like a basic one like cetaphil daily lotion), then topped with your SPF. The SPF I would recommend is Canmake UV mermaid gel in clear as this will not leave a white cast on your skin and it’s generally a very elegant SPF. It's SPF 50 which means it gives really good protection, but there are numerous SPFs you can try. I personally like anything from La Roche Posay, any Neutrogena SPF that's not formulated with ethylhexylglycerin, Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen, Biore Aqua Rich (another Japanese brand), Trader Joe's SPF if you can get your hands on it, and EltaMD. Of all the products I’ve tried that could act as a stand-in for vitamin c, azelaic acid, and alpha arbutin, there’s one Japanese serum from Hada Labo called “whitening lotion” which has had the biggest impact on my hyperpigmentation in a single product of anything I’ve tried. This might be a little too effective though, I actually find that it washed me out within the first 2 weeks of twice daily use, so now I only use it in the morning. And I’m not a fan of the translation… which is a direct but mistranslation. It’s not a bleaching lotion, it also relies on a form of vitamin C and tranexamic acid to brighten skin. But it's a really interesting to try if you wanted a simplified morning routine in which case I would apply this, then your moisturizer, then your SPF. PM routine -- The Goal: Renew and Reveal. In order of application: Cleanse Buffer Tranexamic acid and exfoliant OR retinoid** Moisturize To cleanse, I have a really basic recommendation that will remove your SPF, makeup, and any grime/sebum from your day. Start with Cetaphil gentle cleanser. This is a gentle, hydrating cleanser that will break up your SPF really effectively. Massage in and rinse. Then apply a foaming cleanser, I recommend Cetaphil daily cleanser which foams. This will sweep away anything that’s left and give you a good foundation for the rest of your routine. While this doesn't directly help hyperpigmentation specifically, it's a critical step especially for people who are acne>PIH prone. It also gives you a nice clean slate to apply the rest of your skincare. I've tried dozens of cleansers but always come back to these two as good basic options. For your Buffer this is an important step that can be done prior to using a chemical exfoliant or retinoid: applying an occlusive that will block the active from more sensitive skin. I recommend buffering around your eyes and nostrils with La Roche Posay Cicaplast balm because it kind of doubles as a nice eye cream, but this can also be done with basic vaseline or aquaphor for a more budget-friendly option. For Tranexamic Acid, my holy grail TXA product, La Roche Posay Glycolic B5 is actually a multipurpose serum that combines ingredients to treat hyperpigmentation with chemical exfoliants. It contains two hyperpigmentation heavy hitters -- Tranexamic acid and Kojic Acid which are great for melasma -- and two exfoliants -- Glycolic Acid and Lipo-Hydroxy Acid (LHA) which is like fancy salicylic acid -- so it both reveals new skin cells that are less prone to pigmenting from UV exposure while sloughing away your old skin cells. You can use this 2 or 3 nights per week. On off nights, just cleanse and moisturize. For a Retinoid if you can get prescription tretinoin, this is going to be the best bet. Your doctor will advise you on the concentration. More on that in part 6. It will help speed up the rate of cell turnover bringing new, unpigmented skin cells to the surface faster. Some other OTC options include differin (which is rated more for acne but uses the same mechanism for cell turnover so it's also effective in this use case) and retinols. Now, I haven't tried every retinol on the market but I have two that I stand by: SkinCeuticals retinol and L'Oreal retinol serum. The SkinCeuticals is, in my opinion, the closest to RX tretinoin in terms of efficacy, but it's a little pricey. The L'Oreal also does a really good job and is a little more affordable. It's currently my go-to OTC on the days I'm not using my RX retinoid tazarotene. You can use this 2 or 3 nights per week. On off nights, just cleanse and moisturize. ** My recommendations for tranexamic acid and retinoids CANNOT be used in the same night. You'll nuke your skin. And for most people, both aren't necessary, you can get away with using one or the other. If I had a preference, I would say use the TXA serum instead of a retinoid, but if you can build up a tolerance to using them both without damaging your barrier, they work really well together. So, proceed with caution. If you want to use both, use them on alternate nights and give yourself a night or two without either to let your skin recover. For me personally, I do retinoids on Sundays, and Wednesdays, chemical exfoliants on Mondays and Thursdays, and I let my skin rest (cleanse, moisturize, squalene oil) on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. On top of whichever active you choose, apply your moisturizer. You can use the same one you use in your morning routine, the Cetaphil daily lotion as it’s nice and light. I also like La Roche Posay Toleraine double repair for a ceramide-based cream alternative if you want something richer. You do not want to "slug" over actives. This advice gets mixed in a lot. Slugging refers to applying an occlusive layer over your skincare such as vaseline, aquaphor, oils like squalene oil, or healing balms like La Roche Posay Cicaplast balm. While this can be done on hydration nights, it should not be done on nights when you're using chemical exfoliants or retinoids as this may make them too effective causing irritation and breakouts. Body Hyperpigmentation Ok, I need everyone to be a grownup for two seconds. These products and methods (both from the prior section and this section) should NOT be used on your genitals. First, you can cause serious irritation or infection by applying active skincare to your genitals. Second, it's really not going to do anything to change the pigmentation of the skin there. The skin on your genitals is different than your body and facial skin and it pigments in different ways for different reasons so it's not going to respond to topicals the same way the rest of your body does. Don't even try it. To be perfectly clear, these are the areas you should not be applying skincare: labia majora, labia minora, vaginal entrance or vagina, clitoral hood, perineum, anus, intergluteal cleft aka inside your butt crack, penis, or scrotum. And I say this as someone who chaffed the precipice of her "intergluteal cleft" in an unfortunate crunches-in-the-wrong-gym-shorts accident leaving me with some deeply incriminating hyperpigmentation and earning me the nickname "skid mark" from my ever loving boyfriend. It faded after a year but you can still send prayers. These are areas you can apply skincare but do so with absolute caution and at your own risk: bikini line, mons pubis, inner thigh up to the groin fold, butt cheeks. Ok, now that we've got the disclaimers out of the way, let's move forward. Hyperpigmentation can also occur on body skin for the same reason it appears on the face, but it can also be triggered by friction. And because body skin is different from facial skin, it requires a slightly different approach. This is my recommendation for both hyperpigmentation and KP (Keratosis pilaris) because they rely on the same mechanism for treatment: chemical exfoliation. In the case of body hyperpigmentation, I recommend a two prong approach: a body wash in the shower and a topical treatment to be used after. Oh, and SPF again if there are areas that are exposed to the sun, and I have a holy grail SPF recommendation for this. Now you may have noticed in my facial skin recommendation that I did not mention CeraVe as a treatment brand. I have posted numerous takedowns of CeraVe on other threads so I won't rehash them here suffice it to say that it's no longer a brand I can in good faith recommend since it's acquisition by L'Oreal. This is often the brand that's considered when treating KP on the body, but I don't believe their formulations and ingredient quality works for everyone. For the body wash, I recommend Neutrogena body clear with Salicylic acid. This is an exfoliating body wash that will help clear away dead skin cells on the surface allowing new ones to come through. To be effective, you want it to sit on your skin for a little while. I recommend lathering it up and applying it after turning off your shower faucet and letting it sit for 2 or 3 minutes. This is when I like to knock out shower emails. Then rinse away. On towel dried skin after your shower, apply AmLactin Bumps Be Gone. Again, this is formulated for KP but the reason I like it is because it contains lactic acid which will also give the assist on brightening hyperpigmented body skin. The wash and this should be effective, but you might also want to mix in a few drops of the alpha arbutin serum I recommended for your facial routine, maybe three drops per application area (each leg, each arm, chest, etc). I generally don't encourage facial products on the body because it's not an economical use for them, and also because body skin is a little more resilient and doesn't need skincare that's formulated for more sensitive facial skin. The AA serum from the Ordinary is very affordable however and is a good hyperpigmentation generalist. Another one that I mentioned in the facial hyperpigmentation portion that can work well on the body is the Hada Labo whitening lotion. Again, this is formulated around tranexamic acid which is very effective for hyperpigmentation and a little bit if this stuff goes a long way. I buy it in bulk from Japanese Importers though it's also available on Amazon for a slightly higher price. If you find yourself in Asia, stock up on it. I use this specifically for fading tan lines that happen (even with diligent/neurotic SPF use) around my fitness watch and the straps of my workout tops that I run in. You also want to wear SPF on areas that are exposed to the sun to prevent pigmentation from occurring. The one I absolutely love that’s not your 90’s banana boat is Aveeno Protect + Hydrate lotion with SPF 60. This is a great SPF for a lot of reasons: it finishes like a lotion instead of a sunscreen, it dries down totally clear, and it has a pleasant, slight sweet scent. On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being bare skin, 10 being banana boat slathered on by your mom in 1997, and regular body lotion being a 2, I give Aveeno Protect + Hydrate a 2.5 in terms of texture and feel-finish. I use it as my daily lotion on my neck, arms, shoulders, and chest. If you're more active you might need a heavier hitter here like a sport sunscreen. Nuclear Options In general, I recommend trying OTC topical solutions for any skin concern before heading down the in-office procedure route. Part of this is because you can usually put a good dent in what you're struggling with by using OTC topicals, making in-office procedures and RX treatments easier and more effective. Part of it is so you have a good maintenance routine in place to use after the fact to preserve the results of your in-office procedure which can sometimes be costly. Lastly, while some procedures can solve the immediate problem completely, topical skincare can be really effective at treating other adjacent conditions like redness, acne, and fine lines. Side note: I haven't listed every possible compounded medication because there are a lot, and many compounded meds are formulated to tackle multiple issues like acne and hyperpigmentation. I also tend to favor single note skin care (aka, products with very few ingredients) as this allows you to combine or remove certain actives and gives you a better sense of reactivity. For tougher-to-treat hyperpigmentation such as melasma, if your topical routine doesn't totally clear the problem in 6 to 8 months, a visit to the dermatologist might be helpful. Here are the heavier-hitting procedures and topicals that can go the extra mile after you've exhausted other options. Medical Grade Peels: Medical grade chemical peels can be done by dermatologists. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or phenol peels may be done for cases of severe hyperpigmentation, but high concentration BHA or AHA peels are also commonly used. I do these twice a year. Because of the strength of the acids used, these must be done by a medical professional with careful followup. ***IPL Therapy and Laser Therapy may not work for everyone and in some cases may exacerbate hyperpigmentation so you really want to work with dermatologists with a lot of experience in treating cases similar to yours to determine if these interventions are appropriate for you. IPL Treatment: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy can treat hyperpigmentation by targeting the melanin in the skin with a broad spectrum of light wavelengths, heating and breaking the melanin down. IPL is particularly effective for treating sun damage and age spots, as well as other forms of hyperpigmentation. The treatment is relatively non-invasive, with minimal downtime, making it a popular option. This is also a great treatment for the redness associated with enlarged blood vessels (often confused for broken capillaries) on the surface of the skin which can also appear alongside hyperpigmentation. There isn't any clinical evidence to support at-home IPL devices being effective in the same way. That doesn't mean it's not possible, it's just not studied enough to be certain. Most at-home IPL devices do not operate in effective wavelengths the way professional grade ones do. Laser Therapy: Fractional and CO2 lasers can be used to treat a range of hyperpigmentation issues, including sun damage, age spots, and melasma. The treatment works by removing the top layers of skin, which contain the excess pigmentation, revealing fresh, healthy skin cells underneath. The lasers also stimulate the production of collagen, which helps to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Hydroquinone: This isn't an in-office procedure like the aforementioned treatments, but it is firewalled behind a prescription meaning you can only access hydroquinone in effective concentrations by working with a doctor. This is a somewhat new development at least in the US following some covid-era rejiggering of prescription clearances. HDQ is controversial because it's a skin bleaching agent which has some cultural implications in places where light skin is favored over natural pigmentation. HDQ technically works the same way other OTC tyrosinase inhibitors do (in fact arbutin actually metabolizes into HDQ when applied to the skin), pure HDQ happens to be the most powerful version of them. It lightens any skin it touches, not just hyperpigmented skin in higher concentrations which can make it tough to use. This effect isn't as profound in the other tyrosinase inhibitors I mentioned making them much easier to use over HDQ which, in high concentrations, must be dotted on the skin in only hyperpigmented areas. So HDQ is really reserved for intervention in extreme or OTC treatment-resistance cases. Tretinoin and Prescription Retinoids: This is going to be dependent on what part of the world you're in, but in a lot of countries, tretinoin and its counterparts like tazarotene are only available through prescription. I mentioned retinoids in the routine so if you're able to get your hands on a prescription from a doctor, it may be more effective than OTC retinols. Most doctors will prescribe a retinoid over hydroquinone, so this is usually easier to procure and can be quite effective on its own as a hyperpigmentation treatment. OTC differin is the only retinoid available over-the-counter (in the US) which can also be used for hyperpigmentation. Prescription Azelaic Acid: This is another one that's available in lower concentrations over-the-counter (which can still be quite effective) but there are prescription strength grades of azelaic acid. This is usually reserved for rosacea treatment as it tends to target redness and flushing, or as an acne treatment because of its antiseptic properties, but it can also be an effective hyperpigmentation treatment for its tyrosinase-inhibiting ability. If you made it this far, congratulations! I hope this information is helpful. While it is extensive and based on massive amount of research, experience, experimentation and work with professionals, it may not be perfect and it may not be suitable for everyone. Feel free to offer any constructive criticism or ask any questions in comments. I am always open to expanding my understanding. submitted by /u/YourBrilliantLayer to r/SkincareAddiction [link] [comments]

Hey-Oh! So, I see some form of this question multiple times per day in various skin and personal care subs: How do I deal with my hyperpigmentation? I also asked myself this question a few years ago. See, I'm prone to freckles and a little melasma and I set out to figure out a way to solve it with years of research, trial and error, testing, talking to dermatologists and professionals, and scouring every medical article I could get my hands on. I wanted to share my findings and research since this is a common concern, especially among people in their 30s. This started as a small post about my routine and ballooned into a massive book about hyperpigmentation. I hope it's helpful! DISCLAIMERS: I use the term "brightening" instead of "lightening" which is a subtle distinction. None of the ingredients or methods I recommend bleach your skin as "lightening" would suggest, but they can reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. "Brightening" tends to be a confusing term in skincare, but for the purposes of this post, I use it as a descriptor for anything that helps prevent or reduce melanin in hyperpigmented skin. I will use the term "hyperpigmentation" ad nauseam as a catch-all term for excess pigmentation in the skin including freckles, melasma, PIH and dark spots. This does not encompass moles which are different. This is also different from redness, which is a whole other post. Speaking about hyperpigmentation requires some sensitivity to very real issues around it including cultural implications. This post is not intended to moralize hyperpigmentation nor is it intended to alienate the normal melaninization of skin across various tones. Hyperpigmentation refers to excess melanin production on the skin in the form of spots that are darker than the surrounding skin. It's not bad or wrong, nor does it speak to anyone not "doing a good enough job" of taking care of themselves. I do repeat myself a few times in here but that is for people who are skipping around the article. I want to be as thorough as possible even if you're jumping to the parts of the post you need. I do run an online dermatology practice and skin care consultancy, but in order to protect the integrity of my advice, I do not promote my business, I don't give direct medical advice, I don't link to any products/websites, and I don't have any products I've formulated myself to promote. This is going to get long because I wanted to cover everything re:hyperpigmentation. But for your reading pleasure and ease, I have divided this post up so you can get whatever information you need: Table of Contents Types of Hyperpigmentation What Causes Hyperpigmentation? How To Treat Hyperpigmentation Part 1: The Ingredients How to Treat Hyperpigmentation Part 2: The Routine and Recommendations Body Hyperpigmentation Nuclear Options Let's get to it! Types of Hyperpigmentation Hyperpigmentation refers to excess melanin production in the skin, but it can actually take a couple different forms. Knowing the type of hyperpigmentation you're experiencing is key to understanding if and how it can be treated. Freckles: Freckles are incredibly common, especially for people with lighter skin tones. They are small, brown or reddish-brown dots often clustered on the skin. They develop on the surface and are not raised bumps. Freckles can appear anywhere on the body but are common on the face. Freckles are permanent, but the color, contrast and severity can vary and be tempered. Melasma: Melasma appears as dark patches or splotches around the face, though usually found on the forehead, upper lip, and high on the cheeks. Melasma forms deeper in the skin and appears more amorphous than freckles, moles, or age spots. It can create a “muddy” appearance and is very common among pregnant and postpartum women due to hormonal factors. But it can literally happen to anyone and anywhere on the body. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) occurs when damaged skin forms melanin during the healing process leaving dark spots. This is common after acne, injuries, eczema, burns, and other trauma to the skin. Exposure to UV rays during healing can make PIH worse. Post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) is similar, but leaves pink or red marks on the skin as a result of damage to the capillaries from injury or inflammation. Basically, when skin is compromised by injury, as part of the immune response cells will begin to generate melanin in an attempt to prevent further damage from UV exposure, so what will happen is the wound/legion/blemish will heal but the pigmented skin remains. Age Spots: This is kind of a forgotten form of hyperpigmentation. Sun spots, also referred to as liver spots, and solar lentigines are large spots/patches of dark skin with distinct borders. They vary in color from light brown to almost black. They develop on the surface of the skin usually later in life, but reflect damage that often occurred from improper sun protection at a younger age. They can appear on the face, neck, chest, hands, and arms, usually on areas that had UV exposure. For many people, they can begin to appear in your 30s or 40s. What Causes Hyperpigmentation? There are a number of factors that can contribute to the formation of hyperpigmentation. Generally, it forms as the result of a combination of genetic and environmental influences. Everyone is unique, but these are some of the most common causes of hyperpigmentation and dark spots: Genetics can play a role in the development of hyperpigmentation and dark spots in several ways: Melanin production: Melanin is the pigment that provides color to our skin, hair, and eyes. The amount of melanin produced and distributed in the skin is largely determined by genetics. People with a greater genetic predisposition to melanin production in their skin are more likely to experience hyperpigmentation and dark spots as a result of sun exposure, hormonal changes, and other factors. People with darker skin are also more prone to melanin production in the form of hyperpigmentation. Genetic anomalies: Certain genetic anomalies, such as oculocutaneous albinism, can affect melanin production and distribution in the skin, leading to an increased risk of hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Family history: If you have a family history of hyperpigmentation or dark spots, you may be more likely to develop these conditions yourself. Enzymes and genes: The enzymes that control melanin production and distribution are regulated by specific genes. Variations in these genes can impact melanin production, leading to an increased risk of hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Sun (UV) Exposure. In addition to genetic determination of melanin production, UV exposure is the leading environmental cause of hyperpigmentation and the formation of dark spots. Melanin is the pigment that provides color to our skin, hair, and eyes. It acts as a natural sunscreen (but don't treat it like natural sunscreen!!! This isn't the point of the exercise), absorbing UV radiation to protect the skin from damage. When the skin is exposed to UV radiation, the melanocytes (cells that produce melanin) in the skin go into overdrive, producing more melanin to protect the skin from further damage. This increased melanin production can result in dark spots or areas of hyperpigmentation on the skin. Hormones. In addition to genetic determination of melanin production, hormones and hormonal sensitivity is a leading internal cause of hyperpigmentation and the formation of dark spots. One of the most well-known examples of hormonal hyperpigmentation is melasma, a condition characterized by dark, amorphous patches on the face, particularly on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip. Melasma is often associated with hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy, hormonal therapy, or birth control pill use. The hormonal changes can stimulate an increase in melanin production, resulting in dark spots or areas of hyperpigmentation. This can happen irrespective of UV exposure, though the sun does exacerbate it. Hormones can also affect melanin production by altering the skin's metabolism and pigmentation pathways. For example, high levels of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands during stress, can trigger an increase in melanin production, resulting in hyperpigmentation. Inflammation, Injury & Trauma to the skin can result in hyperpigmentation by triggering an increase in melanin production. When the skin is inflamed or injured, it triggers a response from the body's immune system, which can stimulate an increase in melanin production as a protective measure. For example, acne breakouts or other skin injuries can result in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which is characterized by dark spots or areas of discoloration on the skin. The dark spots are a result of an increase in melanin production in the affected area, which occurs in response to the inflammation or injury. In addition to acne and other skin injuries, other conditions that can result in PIH include eczema, psoriasis, and insect bites. Medication Side Effects. Certain medications can cause hyperpigmentation on the skin. Medications that can cause hyperpigmentation include: Tetracycline antibiotics: Tetracycline antibiotics, such as doxycycline and minocycline, can cause discoloration of the skin and teeth when taken in high doses or for an extended period of time. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can cause hyperpigmentation in some individuals, especially if taken in high doses or for an extended period of time. Chemotherapy drugs: Certain chemotherapy drugs, such as doxorubicin and daunorubicin, can cause hyperpigmentation, especially in areas of the skin that have been exposed to the sun. Hormonal medications: Hormonal medications, such as birth control pills and estrogen replacements, can cause hyperpigmentation in some individuals, especially if they are taken for an extended period of time. Antimalarial drugs: Antimalarial drugs, such as chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, can cause hyperpigmentation in some individuals, especially if taken in high doses or for an extended period of time. Isotretinoin aka accutane when taken for acne can cause hyperpigmentation due to the increase of cell turnover and exposing delicate new skin cells to UV rays before they have shored up. If using these medications is necessary for your livelihood, it is not recommended to stop their use without the recommendation of your doctor. How To Treat Hyperpigmentation Part 1: The Ingredients When looking for skin care products to treat and prevent hyperpigmentation and dark spots, it's important to look for ingredients that can help encourage cell turnover, curb melanin production, and block harmful UV rays. A lot of these things overlap with treatments for other conditions like acne and general anti-aging, but I've noted ones that specifically work on the mechanisms controlling melanin production. Now, this is an extensive list, but I know it doesn't have everything. I've included the ingredients that had the most compelling evidence and/or worked the best for me or people at my practice. But it's also not necessarily a shopping list. You don't have to have all of these things to treat hyperpigmentation, but I'll get to that in the routine portion. This is more to be used as a tool that can help you diversify your routine if you find one ingredient or another doesn't work for you. And it can help you determine if a product targets hyperpigmentation based on its ingredients. There's lot's of options. Some of the key ingredients to look for include: Retinoids that increases cell turnover. Retinoids like tretinoin, adapalene, retinol et al, can help treat hyperpigmentation by promoting the turnover of skin cells and increasing cell growth, which can help fade dark spots and improve overall skin tone by replacing pigmented skin cells at the surface. While retinoids are extremely effective, they do have some caveats. First, they can be sensitizing to a lot of users, but this can be tempered by using different form functions, different application methods, or different concentrations. Second, because it's constantly turning over skin exposing delicate new skin cells to the elements, it can actually worsen hyperpigmentation if you're not vigilant about sun protection and avoidance. Tretinoin and other retinoids are firewalled behind a prescription in some countries and may be more difficult to obtain. But retinol/al is available in OTC forms. SPF represents a class of many ingredients designed to protect the skin from UV rays and the damage that occurs from exposure. UV exposure is one of the biggest causes of fine hyperpigmentation and wrinkles so adequate protection is essential. I know I'm not winning any science awards for this declaration, but a lot of people who struggle with hyperpigmentation aren't adequately protecting themselves from the sun. But you also have to be kind of realistic. Even with perfect protection and avoidance, sometimes your hyperpigmentation will still flare. This happens during the summer for a lot of people and something even I grapple with. The key is to do your best and SPF actually works well with numerous other ingredients (like the ones listed below) to help solve that problem. Arbutin is a Tyrosinase Inhibitor that blocks melanin production. Arbutin, or the synthesized version called alpha arbutin, is a favorite brightening ingredient because it's a slow-release derivative of hydroquinone that inhibits melanin production. This results in both healing and prevention of dark spots, especially when paired with topical acids. It metabolizes on the skin into hydroquinone which is super effective for hyperpigmentation while being a less controversial and hard-to-come-by ingredient than pure hydroquinone. More on hydroquinone in part 6. Tranexamic acid is another Tyrosinase Inhibitor. This was first used in wound care and it was found to have profound effects on hyperpigmentation. Although it's an acid, it's not a chemical exfoliant, kinda like how hyaluronic acid is not a chemical exfoliant. The exact mechanism by which tranexamic acid works to reduce hyperpigmentation is not fully understood, but it is believed to work by reducing inflammation by blocking plasmin which contributes to melanin production when unchecked. It is particularly effective in treating melasma and one of my personal favorite ingredients. Kojic Acid is another Tyrosinase Inhibitor. Kojic acid is a natural skin brightener that is derived from various fungi. Kojic acid can also help to exfoliate because it's a slight chemical exfoliant, which can remove dead skin cells that contribute to hyperpigmentation and improve overall appearance. But it does both things: block melanin production and turn skin cells over. Azelaic Acid has a lot of things going for it that can help with hyperpigmentation. It's an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic that disrupts melanin production. Azelaic acid works by inhibiting the production of melanin in the skin like those other tyrosinase inhibitors. In addition, azelaic acid also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which help to improve the overall health and appearance of the skin by reducing melanin production as a result of injury or inflammation. It's also an anti-acne ingredient that can address the root cause of PIH by reducing acne on the skin. It's pretty awesome and available in OTC and prescription strengths. Niacinamide is another one that directly and indirectly addresses hyperpigmentation. It's a skin soother that decreases inflammation and it naturally reduces sebum production which can curb acne which can curb PIH. It actually took me a little while to figure out that this was another solid hyperpigmentation treatment for these reasons because I used to look at it as being more of an acne treatment. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that works by inhibiting the transfer of pigment within the skin, which can help to reduce the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone. So while it doesn't block tyrosinase, it prevents transfer of pigmented skin cells to the surface. Vitamin C aka L-ascorbic acid is an antioxidant that fights free radical damage. It treats and prevents hyperpigmentation in three ways. First, it reduces free radical damage from UV exposure which helps increase the effectiveness of SPF when worn together. Second, it is also a tyrosinase inhibitor that blocks melanin production. And finally, vitamin C encourages skin cell turnover. The key is finding a nice stable version of it. Glycolic and Lactic Acid. Since this list is getting long I am going to group these together. Glycolic Acid is a water-soluble alpha hydroxy acid that penetrates into the pores to treat pigmentation by providing general exfoliation and resurfacing of the skin. The result is improvements in dark spots, texture and other signs of aging. Lactic Acid is also an AHA but with a slightly larger molecular size than glycolic acid so it doesn't penetrate as deep and acts more as a surface exfoliant. As a result it provides more gentle exfoliation to buff away surface pigmentation with an added benefit of acting as a humectant to seal moisture into the skin. Licorice Extract is a plant extract that inhibits melanin production. Licorice root extract contains a compound called glabridin, which has been shown to have skin brightening effects as, you guessed it, a tyrosinase inhibitor. In addition, licorice root extract also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce redness and inflammation associated with hyperpigmentation. I'm seeing more and more of this pop up in skin care. Soy Proteins are another plant extract that inhibits melanin production. They contain compounds known as isoflavones, which have been shown to help reduce the amount of melanin produced by melanocytes in the skin. Additionally, soy proteins have antioxidant properties that can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to hyperpigmentation. How To Treat Hyperpigmentation Part 2: The Routine and Recommendations This is adapted from numerous comments, posts and DMs I've written on the topic and also comprises a large portion of my own personal routine and routines we recommend to patients. This is a generalist routine meaning it targets all the forms of hyperpigmentation I've mentioned; freckles, melasma, PIH, and age spots though it can be tweaked to address these individually more specifically. This is really my jumping off point for people to get a good idea of what they can achieve as a baseline with OTC ingredients before fine tuning or enlisting the help of a dermatologist. For a lot of people, this is enough to fully resolve, but even if it gets you part of the way there, this should give you a good idea of reactivity. A few caveats: Freckles cannot ever be 100% eradicated. You can however reduce their appearance and prevent them from getting darker. It's important to have realistic goals and understand that sometimes our genetics will overrule any routine we have. This routine and any hyperpigmentation routine will not address moles. Moles are a totally different thing that can only be eradicated through removal by a medical practitioner. Moles can be raised or not, but no amount of topicals will get rid of them. Melasma is a beast. Sometimes it can be treated with OTC topicals, sometimes it requires prescription strength topicals like hydroquinone, sometimes you need in-office procedures like fractal lasers or IPL. Again, this routine is a jumping off point to see what you can accomplish at home before going down that road (and more on that at the bottom in part 6). You'll notice I don't mention products with all the ingredients I listed above. This is because the more you put on your face, the greater your risk of causing irritation. Again, you can adjust and tweak by switching out products with these ingredients or add/subtract as it suits your personal needs. If you're struggling with hyperpigmentation while pregnant or breastfeeding, these recommendations may need to be paused. Alright, let's get to it! AM routine -- The Goal: Heal, Protect, and Prevent. In order of application following a lukewarm water rinse: Azelaic acid Alpha Arbutin Vitamin C serum Moisturizer SPF The combo of C+AZ+AA+SPF is an absolute powerhouse for healing existing hyperpigmentation and preventing new hyperpigmentation from forming. It makes your SPF more effective, it inhibits the production of melanin from UV exposure (not your natural melanin production though), and it speeds cell turnover with dual antioxidant action and gentle chemical exfoliation. The result is brighter skin in a few months of consistent use. For Azelaic Acid, this is the ingredient for serious treatment. It's considered one of the most effective ways to reverse melasma aka serious hyperpigmentation short of hydroquinone -- which is both controversial and hard to get. It brings a little bit of exfoliation to the table in addition to inhibiting UV melanin production, but it also has a slight antiseptic property which can help with acne. Paula's choice Azelaic Acid Booster is the only one I've really tried after sampling the Ordinary's in-store and not liking the texture. I get about 6 months out of a tube and a little bit goes a long way. For Alpha Arbutin, the Ordinary's formulation is pretty solid. I prefer the Ordinary's AA 2% + HA as opposed to their AA 2% + Ascorbic Acid 8% as I don't believe the quality and stability of their Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) is great. That's why I opt for a separate Vitamin C serum step. But the AA + HA also has a little bit of lactic acid in it which provides some gentle exfoliation and encourages AA deeper into the skin where it's more effective. Lactic acid is mild enough that it's safe for use in a morning routine, but you still want to protect with SPF. There are a couple AA products floating around but I think TO's product is probably the best, most straightforward one. Alpha Arbutin metabolizes into hydroquinone on the skin so is basically one of the best OTC pigment correctors you can get. For Vitamin C, the gold standard really is Skinceuticals CE Ferulic. This is stupid expensive though so I’m going to suggest Timeless Vitamin C. I like that it comes in an airless pump that prevents oxidation over time. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that increases the rate of skin cell turnover bringing forward new, skin cells while simultaneously improving the effects of SPF. It's a great foundation for a fix. These ingredients can be layered on one right after the other then topped with your moisturizer (I like a basic one like cetaphil daily lotion), then topped with your SPF. The SPF I would recommend is Canmake UV mermaid gel in clear as this will not leave a white cast on your skin and it’s generally a very elegant SPF. It's SPF 50 which means it gives really good protection, but there are numerous SPFs you can try. I personally like anything from La Roche Posay, any Neutrogena SPF that's not formulated with ethylhexylglycerin, Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen, Biore Aqua Rich (another Japanese brand), Trader Joe's SPF if you can get your hands on it, and EltaMD. Of all the products I’ve tried that could act as a stand-in for vitamin c, azelaic acid, and alpha arbutin, there’s one Japanese serum from Hada Labo called “whitening lotion” which has had the biggest impact on my hyperpigmentation in a single product of anything I’ve tried. This might be a little too effective though, I actually find that it washed me out within the first 2 weeks of twice daily use, so now I only use it in the morning. And I’m not a fan of the translation… which is a direct but mistranslation. It’s not a bleaching lotion, it also relies on a form of vitamin C and tranexamic acid to brighten skin. But it's a really interesting to try if you wanted a simplified morning routine in which case I would apply this, then your moisturizer, then your SPF. PM routine -- The Goal: Renew and Reveal. In order of application: Cleanse Buffer Tranexamic acid and exfoliant OR retinoid** Moisturize To cleanse, I have a really basic recommendation that will remove your SPF, makeup, and any grime/sebum from your day. Start with Cetaphil gentle cleanser. This is a gentle, hydrating cleanser that will break up your SPF really effectively. Massage in and rinse. Then apply a foaming cleanser, I recommend Cetaphil daily cleanser which foams. This will sweep away anything that’s left and give you a good foundation for the rest of your routine. While this doesn't directly help hyperpigmentation specifically, it's a critical step especially for people who are acne>PIH prone. It also gives you a nice clean slate to apply the rest of your skincare. I've tried dozens of cleansers but always come back to these two as good basic options. For your Buffer this is an important step that can be done prior to using a chemical exfoliant or retinoid: applying an occlusive that will block the active from more sensitive skin. I recommend buffering around your eyes and nostrils with La Roche Posay Cicaplast balm because it kind of doubles as a nice eye cream, but this can also be done with basic vaseline or aquaphor for a more budget-friendly option. For Tranexamic Acid, my holy grail TXA product, La Roche Posay Glycolic B5 is actually a multipurpose serum that combines ingredients to treat hyperpigmentation with chemical exfoliants. It contains two hyperpigmentation heavy hitters -- Tranexamic acid and Kojic Acid which are great for melasma -- and two exfoliants -- Glycolic Acid and Lipo-Hydroxy Acid (LHA) which is like fancy salicylic acid -- so it both reveals new skin cells that are less prone to pigmenting from UV exposure while sloughing away your old skin cells. You can use this 2 or 3 nights per week. On off nights, just cleanse and moisturize. For a Retinoid if you can get prescription tretinoin, this is going to be the best bet. Your doctor will advise you on the concentration. More on that in part 6. It will help speed up the rate of cell turnover bringing new, unpigmented skin cells to the surface faster. Some other OTC options include differin (which is rated more for acne but uses the same mechanism for cell turnover so it's also effective in this use case) and retinols. Now, I haven't tried every retinol on the market but I have two that I stand by: SkinCeuticals retinol and L'Oreal retinol serum. The SkinCeuticals is, in my opinion, the closest to RX tretinoin in terms of efficacy, but it's a little pricey. The L'Oreal also does a really good job and is a little more affordable. It's currently my go-to OTC on the days I'm not using my RX retinoid tazarotene. You can use this 2 or 3 nights per week. On off nights, just cleanse and moisturize. ** My recommendations for tranexamic acid and retinoids CANNOT be used in the same night. You'll nuke your skin. And for most people, both aren't necessary, you can get away with using one or the other. If I had a preference, I would say use the TXA serum instead of a retinoid, but if you can build up a tolerance to using them both without damaging your barrier, they work really well together. So, proceed with caution. If you want to use both, use them on alternate nights and give yourself a night or two without either to let your skin recover. For me personally, I do retinoids on Sundays, and Wednesdays, chemical exfoliants on Mondays and Thursdays, and I let my skin rest (cleanse, moisturize, squalene oil) on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. On top of whichever active you choose, apply your moisturizer. You can use the same one you use in your morning routine, the Cetaphil daily lotion as it’s nice and light. I also like La Roche Posay Toleraine double repair for a ceramide-based cream alternative if you want something richer. You do not want to "slug" over actives. This advice gets mixed in a lot. Slugging refers to applying an occlusive layer over your skincare such as vaseline, aquaphor, oils like squalene oil, or healing balms like La Roche Posay Cicaplast balm. While this can be done on hydration nights, it should not be done on nights when you're using chemical exfoliants or retinoids as this may make them too effective causing irritation and breakouts. Body Hyperpigmentation Ok, I need everyone to be a grownup for two seconds. These products and methods (both from the prior section and this section) should NOT be used on your genitals. First, you can cause serious irritation or infection by applying active skincare to your genitals. Second, it's really not going to do anything to change the pigmentation of the skin there. The skin on your genitals is different than your body and facial skin and it pigments in different ways for different reasons so it's not going to respond to topicals the same way the rest of your body does. Don't even try it. To be perfectly clear, these are the areas you should not be applying skincare: labia majora, labia minora, vaginal entrance or vagina, clitoral hood, perineum, anus, intergluteal cleft aka inside your butt crack, penis, or scrotum. And I say this as someone who chaffed the precipice of her "intergluteal cleft" in an unfortunate crunches-in-the-wrong-gym-shorts accident leaving me with some deeply incriminating hyperpigmentation and earning me the nickname "skid mark" from my ever loving boyfriend. It faded after a year but you can still send prayers. These are areas you can apply skincare but do so with absolute caution and at your own risk: bikini line, mons pubis, inner thigh up to the groin fold, butt cheeks. Ok, now that we've got the disclaimers out of the way, let's move forward. Hyperpigmentation can also occur on body skin for the same reason it appears on the face, but it can also be triggered by friction. And because body skin is different from facial skin, it requires a slightly different approach. This is my recommendation for both hyperpigmentation and KP (Keratosis pilaris) because they rely on the same mechanism for treatment: chemical exfoliation. In the case of body hyperpigmentation, I recommend a two prong approach: a body wash in the shower and a topical treatment to be used after. Oh, and SPF again if there are areas that are exposed to the sun, and I have a holy grail SPF recommendation for this. Now you may have noticed in my facial skin recommendation that I did not mention CeraVe as a treatment brand. I have posted numerous takedowns of CeraVe on other threads so I won't rehash them here suffice it to say that it's no longer a brand I can in good faith recommend since it's acquisition by L'Oreal. This is often the brand that's considered when treating KP on the body, but I don't believe their formulations and ingredient quality works for everyone. For the body wash, I recommend Neutrogena body clear with Salicylic acid. This is an exfoliating body wash that will help clear away dead skin cells on the surface allowing new ones to come through. To be effective, you want it to sit on your skin for a little while. I recommend lathering it up and applying it after turning off your shower faucet and letting it sit for 2 or 3 minutes. This is when I like to knock out shower emails. Then rinse away. On towel dried skin after your shower, apply AmLactin Bumps Be Gone. Again, this is formulated for KP but the reason I like it is because it contains lactic acid which will also give the assist on brightening hyperpigmented body skin. The wash and this should be effective, but you might also want to mix in a few drops of the alpha arbutin serum I recommended for your facial routine, maybe three drops per application area (each leg, each arm, chest, etc). I generally don't encourage facial products on the body because it's not an economical use for them, and also because body skin is a little more resilient and doesn't need skincare that's formulated for more sensitive facial skin. The AA serum from the Ordinary is very affordable however and is a good hyperpigmentation generalist. Another one that I mentioned in the facial hyperpigmentation portion that can work well on the body is the Hada Labo whitening lotion. Again, this is formulated around tranexamic acid which is very effective for hyperpigmentation and a little bit if this stuff goes a long way. I buy it in bulk from Japanese Importers though it's also available on Amazon for a slightly higher price. If you find yourself in Asia, stock up on it. I use this specifically for fading tan lines that happen (even with diligent/neurotic SPF use) around my fitness watch and the straps of my workout tops that I run in. You also want to wear SPF on areas that are exposed to the sun to prevent pigmentation from occurring. The one I absolutely love that’s not your 90’s banana boat is Aveeno Protect + Hydrate lotion with SPF 60. This is a great SPF for a lot of reasons: it finishes like a lotion instead of a sunscreen, it dries down totally clear, and it has a pleasant, slight sweet scent. On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being bare skin, 10 being banana boat slathered on by your mom in 1997, and regular body lotion being a 2, I give Aveeno Protect + Hydrate a 2.5 in terms of texture and feel-finish. I use it as my daily lotion on my neck, arms, shoulders, and chest. If you're more active you might need a heavier hitter here like a sport sunscreen. Nuclear Options In general, I recommend trying OTC topical solutions for any skin concern before heading down the in-office procedure route. Part of this is because you can usually put a good dent in what you're struggling with by using OTC topicals, making in-office procedures and RX treatments easier and more effective. Part of it is so you have a good maintenance routine in place to use after the fact to preserve the results of your in-office procedure which can sometimes be costly. Lastly, while some procedures can solve the immediate problem completely, topical skincare can be really effective at treating other adjacent conditions like redness, acne, and fine lines. Side note: I haven't listed every possible compounded medication because there are a lot, and many compounded meds are formulated to tackle multiple issues like acne and hyperpigmentation. I also tend to favor single note skin care (aka, products with very few ingredients) as this allows you to combine or remove certain actives and gives you a better sense of reactivity. For tougher-to-treat hyperpigmentation such as melasma, if your topical routine doesn't totally clear the problem in 6 to 8 months, a visit to the dermatologist might be helpful. Here are the heavier-hitting procedures and topicals that can go the extra mile after you've exhausted other options. Medical Grade Peels: Medical grade chemical peels can be done by dermatologists. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or phenol peels may be done for cases of severe hyperpigmentation, but high concentration BHA or AHA peels are also commonly used. I do these twice a year. Because of the strength of the acids used, these must be done by a medical professional with careful followup. ***IPL Therapy and Laser Therapy may not work for everyone and in some cases may exacerbate hyperpigmentation so you really want to work with dermatologists with a lot of experience in treating cases similar to yours to determine if these interventions are appropriate for you. IPL Treatment: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy can treat hyperpigmentation by targeting the melanin in the skin with a broad spectrum of light wavelengths, heating and breaking the melanin down. IPL is particularly effective for treating sun damage and age spots, as well as other forms of hyperpigmentation. The treatment is relatively non-invasive, with minimal downtime, making it a popular option. This is also a great treatment for the redness associated with enlarged blood vessels (often confused for broken capillaries) on the surface of the skin which can also appear alongside hyperpigmentation. There isn't any clinical evidence to support at-home IPL devices being effective in the same way. That doesn't mean it's not possible, it's just not studied enough to be certain. Most at-home IPL devices do not operate in effective wavelengths the way professional grade ones do. Laser Therapy: Fractional and CO2 lasers can be used to treat a range of hyperpigmentation issues, including sun damage, age spots, and melasma. The treatment works by removing the top layers of skin, which contain the excess pigmentation, revealing fresh, healthy skin cells underneath. The lasers also stimulate the production of collagen, which helps to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Hydroquinone: This isn't an in-office procedure like the aforementioned treatments, but it is firewalled behind a prescription meaning you can only access hydroquinone in effective concentrations by working with a doctor. This is a somewhat new development at least in the US following some covid-era rejiggering of prescription clearances. HDQ is controversial because it's a skin bleaching agent which has some cultural implications in places where light skin is favored over natural pigmentation. HDQ technically works the same way other OTC tyrosinase inhibitors do (in fact arbutin actually metabolizes into HDQ when applied to the skin), pure HDQ happens to be the most powerful version of them. It lightens any skin it touches, not just hyperpigmented skin in higher concentrations which can make it tough to use. This effect isn't as profound in the other tyrosinase inhibitors I mentioned making them much easier to use over HDQ which, in high concentrations, must be dotted on the skin in only hyperpigmented areas. So HDQ is really reserved for intervention in extreme or OTC treatment-resistance cases. Tretinoin and Prescription Retinoids: This is going to be dependent on what part of the world you're in, but in a lot of countries, tretinoin and its counterparts like tazarotene are only available through prescription. I mentioned retinoids in the routine so if you're able to get your hands on a prescription from a doctor, it may be more effective than OTC retinols. Most doctors will prescribe a retinoid over hydroquinone, so this is usually easier to procure and can be quite effective on its own as a hyperpigmentation treatment. OTC differin is the only retinoid available over-the-counter (in the US) which can also be used for hyperpigmentation. Prescription Azelaic Acid: This is another one that's available in lower concentrations over-the-counter (which can still be quite effective) but there are prescription strength grades of azelaic acid. This is usually reserved for rosacea treatment as it tends to target redness and flushing, or as an acne treatment because of its antiseptic properties, but it can also be an effective hyperpigmentation treatment for its tyrosinase-inhibiting ability. If you made it this far, congratulations! I hope this information is helpful. While it is extensive and based on massive amount of research, experience, experimentation and work with professionals, it may not be perfect and it may not be suitable for everyone. Feel free to offer any constructive criticism or ask any questions in comments. I am always open to expanding my understanding. submitted by /u/YourBrilliantLayer to r/30PlusSkinCare [link] [comments]

What's up everyone. This has been a great subreddit to follow for fashion advice so I thought I'd contribute what I could as a dermatologist since I know that many of my friends view skincare as too complicated or cumbersome to worry about so they do nothing. There was a guide about 10 years ago that talked about some of these things but I think that this is a bit more comprehensive and aligned with the research and what I discuss with patients daily. I am a practicing dermatologist but I have to make it clear that this post is strictly for educational purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It's also not intended to be a comprehensive review of the topic but I'm going to try to cover the big points. If you have any concerns or questions about your skin health, it's definitely best to see a dermatologist in person. These are going to be listed in descending order of importance. You can stop at any stage here and still see tangible benefits for your skin in my opinion. I'm also going to avoid listing specific products to avoid any appearance of conflicts. Make sure that you follow the instructions on the packaging of anything you start. 1. SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN I know you've heard this a million times but sunscreen is absolutely THE MOST important thing you can do for your skin. Even if you don't apply to your whole body, using an SPF 30+ sunscreen (for some people with pigmentary disorders like melasma, we will recommend 50+) on your face should be a minimum. Besides causing skin cancers, sunlight is the #1 factor causing aging of the skin (wrinkling, pigmentary changes, "sun spots"). For a really clear example of this, here is a photo of one-sided photoaging published in the New England Journal of Medicine in a truck driver (who gets sun on the left side of his face while working). Ideally, you would use a "physical" sunscreen that has zinc oxide or titanium dioxide but these can leave white streaks on the skin, especially for darker skin types. If you have this problem you can get "chemical" sunscreens that have compounds like avobenzone, octinoxate and oxybenzone. There are also a number of products that are 1/2 and 1/2 which leverage the advantages of both. Physical sunscreens work immediately while you want to apply chemical sunscreens ~30 minutes before you go out into the sun. https://preview.redd.it/qzji12hcmhra1.png?width=640&format=png&auto=webp&s=fae4500f6f6ff33b2a72aaf4c06f4eb27fb58654 2. Nighttime retinoid Among all actives in skincare products, retinoids have by far the most demonstrated efficacy. These products are all derivatives of vitamin A. In addition to improving acne by shrinking sebaceous glands and reducing comedones (blackheads/whiteheads), retinoids significantly improve the appearance of the skin. They do this by increasing cell turnover and stimulating production of collagen/elastin (which increase firmness and general "youthfulness"). Almost all retinoids are inactivated by sunlight so the advice is to apply nightly to dry skin then moisturize. They can also be drying and make you more sun sensitive so using sunscreen and a facial moisturizer is important if you're using a retinoid. There are prescription retinoids such as tretinoin which you can get from your PCP or dermatologist as well as OTC products which use retinol (not as potent). 3. Moisturizer A lightweight non-comedogenic (look for that term on the bottle/box) moisturizer in the evening and morning is an important part of taking care of your skin. They help to lock in moisture and restore your skin's barrier, which can also decrease rashes if you're breaking out because of scratching dry skin causing a cycle of inflammation. 4. Topical vitamin C The last topical product I'll talk about with patients interested in a cosmetic skincare regimen is vitamin C. It has been shown to brighten skin and even skin tone as well as stimulate collagen synthesis but its number one effect is as an antioxidant. As an antioxidant it can help to neutralize free radicals generated by environmental exposures. It does break down when exposed to UV so you need to layer a sunscreen on top to make sure it has an effect. 5. Everything else As I alluded to earlier, the skincare market is vast and filled with different compounds and actives. Some have proven efficacy, many more do not. In the interest of keeping things simple, I'm sticking to the above for now since they have the most demonstrated efficacy, but if there's interest, I can do a follow-up post in the future. ​ A simple regimen incorporating the above would be: Morning: gentle cleanser, vitamin C, moisturizer, sunscreen Night: gentle cleanser, retinoid, moisturizer ​ Update First, thank you gentlemen for a Sunday reminder about the power of community. It's been beautiful to see the engagement and advice in the comments. I want to do an update for some of the common questions that came up: OK what do I absolutely have to do? If you're going to pick just one thing to use, put on a moisturizer with SPF 30+ before you go out in the morning. Trust me, I get it. In my younger years, I wasn't always consistent with this but it doesn't take much. Make it a part of your morning routine. It adds an extra few seconds but it's like brushing your teeth, and your younger, less wrinkled, and less prone to skin cancer future face will thank you. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Sunscreen? Do I have to? It's cloudy out. I recommend that everyone incorporate sunscreen to their morning routine. Like I wrote above. just like you brush your teeth, look at it as a thing you do every day and it becomes much less of a hassle. Yes its ideal to reapply every two hours and that is the American Academy of Dermatology's recommendation but don't make the perfect the enemy of the good. Use it every morning and if you can find a way to do it more frequently that's even better. Don't use the fact that you don't want to reapply as a reason to not do it at all. I'll avoid getting too far into the weeds of the science but sunlight has UVA AND UVB. UVB does peak at mid-day but UVA is constant ALL day. UV also penetrates clouds. So cloudy days aren't a free pass to skip your sunscreen. UVB is more responsible for sunburns and DNA damage leading to cancer while UVA is more responsible for photoaging and tanning but there is overlap there and UVA can cause skin cancer as well. SPF is actually just a measure of how protective sunscreen is against UVB but look for a BROAD-SPECTRUM sunscreen which means that it will protect against both. To protect against visible light which can worsen hyperpigmentation and some conditions like melasma, use a tinted sunscreen. The TLDR here is just use sunscreen every day before you go out. What order should I use the products? I'm not aware of any studies that look into this but what I generally advise patients is to apply any prescription medications to clean, dried skin first, then layer other products and finish with moisturizer and sunscreen. What specific products do you recommend? I wanted to not list specific products because I'm personally a bit suspect of posts that push brands or products but since it's been requested, I'll list as many as I can think of that I've used myself, my patients have reported good results from, or other dermatologists I know use. I'll focus on more affordable brands available in most stores that sell skincare products. A few that are pricier I'm mentioning mainly because of how many dermatologists I know use or recommend them. This is by no means an exhaustive list and I'm sure I will be leaving out some great products. Moisturizer La Roche-Posay face moisturizer - I personally like this one because it is hydrating but not too thick CeraVe PM facial moisturizing lotion Vanicream daily facial moisturizer Cetaphil daily oil-free moisturizing lotion Neutrogena Hydro Boost - This one's a love it or hate it. It has HA and is a gel rather than a lotion or cream so the texture is off-putting for some people while others love it. Sunscreen EltaMD Daily Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 - EltaMD is one of those brands that most dermatologist are familiar with for sunscreen and makes good products. They have a few different lines but this is a best seller. This one has physical and chemical sunscreen compounds. They also make a non-tinted version and other lines if it isn't for you. La Roche Posay Anthelios UV Correct - Friends of mine use this and they swear by it. It is a chemical sunscreen. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen - Also a bit of a love it or hate it quality but for me rubs in very nicely and I like that it is a purely mineral sunscreen. Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen - Some of my patients absolutely love this. It is a chemical sunscreen but they love the finish and feel of it. Others to look into: Cetaphil, CeraVe, TiZO (Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide sunscreens), Neutrogena Vitamin C Serums SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic - This is very expensive for a daily skincare product and I don't know how necessary it is to go to a product that is this pricy but it is a favorite among dermatologists for themselves and their patients so I felt that I had to include it in the list. Has vitamin E and ferulic acid which are antioxidants too. Be warned that it has an iron-like smell to it. Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster - Same ingredients as SkinCeuticals at a cheaper price. Haven't used it personally but have heard good experiences from others. Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C serum - You'll see a trend here. This also has vitamin E and ferulic acid like the Paula's Choice and SkinCeuticals serums. Also more affordable than both of the above. La Roche-Posay Vitamin C Serum - Has a more gel-like quality than others but it is more affordable and still has 10% vitamin C. The Ordinary Ethylated Ascorbic Acid - I recommend this brand for many patients for a variety of OTC agents like azelaic acid too. In my experience, their products are effective and very cost-effective. A note about vitamin C products: minimize how long you leave the cap open and how much light exposure it gets because the ingredient is prone to oxidation and breakdown when exposed to air and light. They come in oilier serums instead of water-based vehicles because it also breaks down when mixed with water. Gentle Cleansers Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser - Great and affordable cleanser. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser - Another affordable and effective cleanser. Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser - Also a great cleanser, good for those with sensitive skin. submitted by /u/mdskindoc to r/malefashionadvice [link] [comments]

I've been seeing A LOT of misinformation surrounding collagen supplements in skincare, both here and elsewhere on social media. Some of this misinformation has even come from quite famous dermatologists (!!!). I wanted to attempt to debunk a lot of these myths in a Q&A style format, using arguments I've seen people use before, with embedded references in case people want to explore the data for themselves. --- All of this oral collagen supplement stuff is just faddy Instagram nonsense. The use of collagen peptides for modulation of tissue behaviour dates back to the 1970s. It’s a very old (and big) field. ​ If you drink collagen it doesn’t magically avoid digestion and pop up in your skin. The vast, vast majority of collagen supplements are hydrolysates, which is when the collagen is chewed up into pieces during processing. This results in small peptides, depending on how much you digest them during manufacturing. They’re not really whole collagen molecules. No one in the field (I hope) thinks that whole, intact collagen you drink magically replaces collagen in your skin. This is a bit of a straw man argument that’s used a lot. They’re peptides with specific properties. ​ OK. So that doesn’t mean they avoid digestion. Proteins are digested into amino acids the stomach. Actually they can avoid digestion. Studies on oral collagen supplementation in mice have shown that they can reach the blood intact. Scientists have used radioactive carbon-14 in collagen supplements to show a spike in blood radioactivity immediately after ingestion. This radioactivity accumulated in the cartilage, which is a collagen-dense area. They also confirmed that the peptides hadn’t been digested by taking scrapings of the “other side” of the gut wall (facing the blood) and found that the peptides were large and intact: https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/129.10.1891. We also know that multiple peptides can be transported across the gut intact by the peptide transporter PEPT-1, and also by other means (an excellent review covering in vitro and in vivo evidence is here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2019.02.050.) ​ But there’s no evidence that they then make it to the skin. There’s actually a lot of evidence that they make it to the skin. This animal study found very rapid skin accumulation (within an hour or so) of a variety of collagen peptides after mice were given oral collagen hydrolysate. There are similar radioactivity experiments using C14 that prove signal in the skin after collagen supplementation. ​ Has their ability to avoid digestion been shown in humans? Yes –it’s been proven that humans have a flux of collagen peptides in the blood after an oral supplement. The exact composition of the peptides depends on the supplement given. But interestingly, it seems to match the mouse kinetics pretty well. Admittedly, it’s more difficult to prove that they reach the skin in humans. You can’t give a human a radioactive supplement (well, it’d be difficult). But we have evidence of their benefits in human skin, coupled with in vivo data to support this notion. ​ So they get into the skin – big deal. That doesn’t mean they do anything. Collagen peptides aren't inert protein, they're bioactive – they have cell signalling properties. Collagen peptides can cause profound changes to the genetic programming of cells. They can cause cells to up-regulate collagen mRNA, for instance. They can also decrease MMPs (which chew up your collagen), and up-regulate elastin mRNA, which is beneficial for skin health. Exactly how they do this is still being researched. They can interact with cell receptors to change their behaviour and function – such as the receptor DDR2, or a variety of integrins. Or, they can be taken up by peptide transporters and change the genetic landscape of the cell. Some papers have even found antioxidant functions. ​ A lot of this is in vitro evidence. That doesn’t mean they benefit the skin. There is a small mountain of in vivo data showing that oral collagen peptides can increase skin hydration, elasticity, collagen content etc, dating back decades. There are also over 19 double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trials in humans showing that they can benefit the skin. In this meta-analysis, they found that there was an overall net benefit for collagen supplements when all of the data was pooled. There was also a formal bias assessment (since many of these are commercial), and it wasn’t found to be a problem. ​ This is just because you’re giving protein, which your body uses for collagen building. You could give ANY protein and it would do the same thing. Not true at all. This has actually been tested. Dozens of in vivo studies have used a control protein (usually your run-of-the-mill proteins like casein or albumin), and shown that you only get these skin-beneficial effects with collagen peptides. The difference is that collagen peptides have specific bioactivity. They’re not just inert building blocks for protein. This has been shown recently in an open-label, randomised trial using an oral collagen supplement in hospital patients, which looked at skin elasticity and hydration. In the control group, they balanced this out by increasing their general protein intake. While the study has some shortcomings (it’s not a double-blind, placebo controlled trial), it is consistent with the wider in vivo data. There are a lot of robust clinical studies from other fields showing that oral collagen peptides have specific properties beyond inert proteins that the body uses for food. In this randomised double-blind trial for burns, patients were given either collagen hydrolysate or an equivalent amount of soy protein, and the collagen hydrolysate was superior. Futhermore, in this very fascinating recent study, humans were given either collagen supplements, or a control protein, and it was found that their extracted serum had specific bone-modulating activity only in the collagen group. ​ A lot of the clinical trials of collagen supplements for skin were commercially funded, and they often had other things like vitamins and minerals in the supplement. That’s true, and it’s a shortcoming. Beauty does not receive the same scientific rigour that—say—a cancer drug would receive. Governments and charities won’t fund this. However as mentioned above, bias analyses have been favourable. But in the wider context of trials from other fields that used pure collagen peptides, and the in vivo data (no company is making Deluxe Hair Glow Collagen Mix for Fabulous Mice…. so the in vivo studies are quite far away from commercial interests), it is all very consistent. There was no trial (to my knowledge) that failed, outside of metabolism studies for fitness. It’s also worth noting that there were some human clinical trials that used only collagen hydrolysate with no added actives, which were beneficial for skin. ​ A Youtube dermatologist said they don’t do anything. I’m not going to take them Great. This isn’t health advice, nor an argument that you should take collagen supplements. This is purely rebutting the argument that there is “no evidence” for them working, when ironically, they’re actually one of the most well-studied actives in the beauty sphere. The data aren’t perfect or complete – by any means. But I’m willing to bet that the evidence is a whole lot stronger than most of the things people do for their skin. Even the retinol studies can come out poorly under meta-analysis, but retinol doesn't seem seem to receive the criticism or skepticism of collagen supplements. ​ Are there any dangers with collagen supplements? Can you recommend a brand? This isn't medical advice; discuss any dietary supplementation with your doctor. This is just a post about the science from a procrastinating nerd. Edit: typos submitted by /u/Typical-Sagittarius to r/SkincareAddiction [link] [comments]

My skin is oily, mildly acne prone, although I have not gotten any major breakouts for a few years and my ski was generally clear and under control. Hearing about the benefits of retinol, I started using the Cerave Retinol Resurfacing Serum approximately a month ago. In the first week, I used it every other night, before switching to every night in the 2nd week. My skin started feeling a bit irritated and red and I broke out quite a bit, so I stopped using it for a week. I restarted using it twice a week instead. However, I generally still am constantly breaking out in random pimples and my skin seems redder and patchier than it has been in a few years. I know there might usually be a purging phase for retinol, but I’m wondering whether I’m just not suited for retinol. Has anyone else used Cerave Retinol Resurfacing Serum, and what’s your experience with it? Any tips / advice? Should I give it more time (eg another month or so) before giving up on this product? Any other general tips /advice? Thanks! submitted by /u/kaiyleh to r/SkincareAddiction [link] [comments]

Don't know if anyone else has posted this here before, if so, sorry for making another post about it. I already posted this list in r/Euroskincare but thought it might get more reach here. With everything going on I wanted to share some black-owned beauty businesses because a big part of invoking real change is to be more conscious of where you spend your money. We as consumers are the ones that have the power to make or break these companies. Lets put our money where our mouth is! EDIT: Thanks to everyone who has been so helpful in sharing all these brands! I'll try to list as many as possible! Wanted to share this link as well. If you have the means, please donate to some of the organisations that could really use your help. Supporting these beauty brands will benefit black-owned businesses in the long run. But right now the people that need our help the most are those on the frontline! On another note, apparently a lot of useful comments have been downvoted. To anyone doing this, and to the people that have come here to argue, why are you here? Nobody is forcing you to go through this post or buy these products. This post is clearly not for you! Stop forcing yourself into a conversation that you are clearly not willing to have. Just post your shelfie and go! ​ FRAGRANCE TAGS: [FF] = Fragrance & essential oil free brand *no known sensitizing extracts [MFF] = Mostly fragrance & EO free brand *no known sensitizing extracts [FFP] = Fragrance & EO free products *no known sensitizing extracts [FPW] = Contains fragrance or EO, but only in a wash off product [FFC] = Fragrance & EO free product, but use with caution when you have sensitive skin *no known sensitizing extracts Some brands contain 'fragrance free' products but are formulated with a lot of botanical extracts. These extracts aren't always known irritants and can even have beneficial properties. However, if you already have sensitive skin/known allergens, proceed with caution. Research the ingredients (as you always should do) as being exposed to so many highly formulated extracts might be sensitising to some. All products listed below can be used by anyone. Skin care is not limited to one gender. But if you are feeling cautious wether you can try these products or not because of for instance, heavy fragrance, I suggest you try out one of the fragrance free products. But also, fragrance is genderless too! Liking nice smelling stuff is a universal thing. ​ SKIN CARE - Epara Skincare [skincare] [FPW 1 2] - Beneath Your Mask [skincare] [FPW 1 2] - Unsun Cosmetics [sun care] -Undefined Beauty [skincare] [FFP 1] [FPW 1] - Base Butter [skincare] - KLUR [skincare] [FFP 1 2] - ROSEN Skincare [skincare] [FFP 1 2 3] [FPW 1 2 3 4] [FFC 1 2] - epi.logic skincare [skincare] [MFF 1 2 3 contains fragrance] - Dehiya Beauty [skincare] [FPW 1 2] - Pholk Beauty [skincare] [FPW 1 2 3 4] - Shani Darden [skincare] [MFF 1 contains fragrance] - Hyper Skin [skincare] [FF!] - Black Girl Sunscreen [sun care] [FF] recommended by u/bluepans - Nolaskinsentials [skincare] [FFP 1 2 3] [FPW 1 2 3 4 5 6] rec. by u/Illernoise & u/daramichele98 - Bolden Skin Care [skincare] [FPW 1 2 3] recommended by u/illecebrousowl & u/tooptoop - Épanouie Skincare [skincare] [FFP 1 2 3 4 5 6] [FPW 1 2 3] recommended by u/wetwhyofcourse - MoonXcosmetics [skincare] [FFP 1 2 body care =FF] [FPW 1] recommended by u/sarcib - Beauty Strike [skincare] [FFP 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9] [FPW 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 \all non-sheet masks=fragranced] [FFC 1 2 3]* recommended by u/smileyglitter - Ceylon Skincare [skincare targeted at men] recommended by u/spinmyworld - Nyakio Beauty [skincare] [FPW 1] recommended by u/spicegrl1 - KNC Beauty [skincare] [FFP 1] recommended by u/bringabook - Ayele & Co [skincare] [FFP 1 2] [FPW 1 2 3 4] recommended by u/LovesGG - Elle Johnson [skincare] [FFP 1 2 3] [FPW 1 2 3 4 5] recommended by u/dimichuji ​ COSMETICS - UOMA Beauty [cosmetics] - Mented Cosmetics [cosmetics] - Beauty Bakerie [cosmetics] - Juvia's Place [cosmetics] - The Lip Bar [cosmetics] - Coloured Raine Cosmetics [cosmetics] - Path Mcgrath [cosmetics] - Vera Moore Cosmetics [cosmetics] recommended by u/HardSign99 - IMAN Cosmetics [cosmetics] recommended by u/cherchezlafemmed - Kween Cosmetics [cosmetics] recommended by u/jadelovebird - Hue Noir [cosmetics] recommended by u/speecher ​ HAIR CARE - Briogeo Hair Care [hair care] - Loving Culture [hair care] - Pattern Beauty [hair care] - Kinky Curly [hair care] recommended by u/elianna7 - Miss Jessies [hair care] recommended by u/elianna7 - Adwoa Beauty [hair care] recommended by u/wetwhyofcourse - Boucléme [hair care] recommended by u/mimidaler - The Doux [hair care] recommended by u/al_vore - Aunt Jackie's [hair care] recommended by u/mellbell13 - The Mane Choice [hair care, grooming] recommended by u/rnountdiablo - Curls [hair care] recommended by u/Pushrestart - Mixed Chicks [hair care] recommended by u/Pushrestart - The Jane Carter Solution [hair care] recommended by u/Pushrestart - Curl Junkie [hair care] recommended by u/Pushrestart - Dizziak [hair care] recommended by u/CrueltyFreeUK ​ BODY CARE/CROSSOVERS - OUI The People [body care/hair removal] - BEVEL [men's grooming/hair/body/skin care] - Ixora Botanical Beauty [soap/grooming/skin/body care] recommended by u/humboldtwaffle - Bombd Aesthetics [soap/skin/body care] recommended by u/Segundosegundo - Camille Rose [hair/body care] recommended by u/elianna7 - Injoy Soapworks [soap/grooming/skin/body care] recommended by u/Whatuptee - Oyin Handmade [hair/body care] recommended by u/tooptoop - GOLDE [health/skin care] recommended by u/auller1014 - Foxie Bombs Cosmetics [skin/body/hair care/fragrance] recommended by u/HuiLingMao - Delish Condish [skin/body/hair care] recommended by u/humboldtwaffle - Eden Bodyworks [hair/body care] recommended by u/TakingOverYou - Papa Rozier Farms [skin/body/hair care] recommended by u/shoobishoe - Salt.xo [soap/body/skin care] recommended by u/Britt_candace - Ancient Cosmetics [body/skin care] recommended by u/anna-alicia - HappyRose [body/skin care] recommended by u/theinsidesoup - Organically Bath & Beauty [soap/body/skin care] recommended by u/tronliveson - Karen's Body Beautiful [hair/body care] recommended by u/styh06 - Donata Skinfood [skin/body/hair care] recommended by u/arrobaac - The Butters Hygienics [skin/body/hair care] recommended by u/jonesgrey ​ MISCELLANEOUS - Pear Nova [nails] - Baalm [skincare lifestyle] recommended by u/ValkyrjaValor - The Honey Pot [feminine care products] recommended by u/72PlymouthDuster - People of Color Beauty [nails] recommended by u/MACMUA ​ BRANDS THAT NEED A DISCLAIMER Wether you want to support these brands or not is up to you. But because they need more of an explanation, I wanted to list them separately. - Fenty Skin & Fenty Beauty, As pointed out by u/Heytherestairs, is mostly owned by LVMH. And while it's an INCREDIBLY big deal that Rihanna signed with them, it seems that Rihanna is only listed as the founder of the brand and its name, but not as the CEO. Wether that's problematic or not is another conversation. But the question here is, how much of the brand does she truly own and how much of that money actually comes her way? If anyone has done more research on this, please share it! For now Fenty Skin & Beauty will stay listed here. This is not a boycott, just a disclaimer. - SheaMoisture is listed here because they have been bought by Unilever. More about Unilever's practices here. Thank you u/addanchorpoint & u/elianna7 for pointing it out. - Carol's Daughter is listed here because they are owned by L'oreal. More information about why L'oreal doesn't deserve our support here. Thank you for pointing it out u/falloutficus if you believe any of these brands should be on one of the above lists instead of here, please state so why so we can discuss it. This is an open conversation, I'm just trying to listen to the community here and adjust where needed. If there are any other brands that need a disclaimer, please let me know. ​ LINKS I just saw u/itscaitlin had posted a very helpful list under the 'Black Lives Matter' post, which you can find here This Into The Gloss article features a lot of great brands that aren't listed here! recommended by u/radgreek u/Wakandalady posted here about why you shouldn't support L'oreal and any of its daughter-brands. This is why Carol's Daughter is listed under 'disclaimer'. Thank you for pointing it out u/falloutficus '9 black-owned grooming brands you can support' The SkincareAddiction team had already shared these link in their Black Lives Matter post: Resources specifically relevant to skincare: List of black owned beauty businesses from u/esteelaundry on instagram Indie black-owned businesses from r/Indiemakeupandmore, includes skincare ​ If anyone knows of any other brands, would love to hear about them! submitted by /u/angry-lemonade to r/SkincareAddiction [link] [comments]