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Skin Lightening Creams: Prescription
Product: Lusta AF
Ingredient: 4% Hydroquinone. Lustra AF is a popular product containing 4% Hydroquinone and also contains a sunscreen.
What is it? 4% Hydroquinone is an ingredient in a topical cream. It is considered the primary topical agent for inhibiting melanin production.
How does it work? Hydroquinone works by killing the melanin in the discolored areas.
How long before I see results? Results appear in one to three months depending on the darkness of your brown spots.
Are there any adverse reactions? Some users report mild irritation.
Where do I get it? You need a prescription by a physician to get this product.
Cost: The average price at a pharmacy without insurance coverage is $55.00.
Note: As you are using the formula you must stay out of the sun, since exposure to sunlight will stop the effect.
Product: Retin-A, Rejuva-A, Retisol-A and Renova
Ingredient: Tretinoin (also know as All-Trans Retinoic Acid). Tretinoin is found in the products Retin-A, Rejuva-A, Retisol-A and Renova.
What is it? The ingredients of tretinoin are used in a cream and derived from Vitamin A.
How does it work? Tretinoin lightens the skin by replacing the old skin with new fresh skin. It gradually fades brown spots.
How long before I see results? This process takes two to six months to see results.
Are there any adverse reactions? Tretinoin can often leave the skin flaky and dry. Other common side effects are redness, burning, itchiness and stinging sensations.
Where do I get it? You need a prescription from a physician to get this product.
Cost: $26.00 to $100.00.
Note: When you are using the formula you must stay out of the sun, since exposure to sunlight will stop the effect. The upside to these creams is they also soften fine lines and wrinkles and give the skin a radiant appearance. I have a couple of friends that use Retin-A and they have flawless skin. But they must wear sun protection at all times. As a bonus, Tretinoin can improve cell production, collagen production, elasticity, dermal thickness and texture.
Skin Lightening Creams: Over the Counter
Product: Porcelana and Esoterica
Ingredient: 0.5 – 2% Hydroquinone. This smaller dose of hydroquinone is found in products like Porcelana and Esoterica.
What is it? .5% - 2% Hydroquinone is an over the counter version of 4% Hydroquinone.
How does it work? Inhibits melanin production.
How long before I see results? Treatment will take at least three months, but most customers report results after six months.
Are there any adverse reactions? Some users may experience mild skin irritation.
Where do I get it? Drug Stores carry this milder form of Hydroquinone.
Cost: $4.00 to $20.00.
Note: As with all lightening solutions you must protect yourself from the sun during the process. I tried one of these creams a couple of years ago and did not have the patience to see results, but have seen results on those you used it in their daily regime over a long period of time.
Chemical Peels
Ingredient: There are three types of chemical peels:
Light peel-Alphahydroxy acids (AHA).
Medium peel- Trichloroacetic (TCA) acid.
Deep peel-Phenol is the strongest of the chemical solutions.
What is it? A chemical peel is a process where an acid containing solution is applied to your face then removed. It usually takes 15-30 minutes. There may feel a stinging sensation as the peel solution is applied. After an hour later, a thick coat of petroleum jelly is layered over the face covering the protective crust left by the chemical peel solution. That crusty (scabby) layer stays in place for one to two days.
How does it work? A chemical peel uses a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing the damaged outer layers of the epidermis.
How long before I see results? After healing, about two weeks, you will notice results.
Healing time? After a light peel you may return to your normal activities the next day. It will take about two weeks after the medium or deep peel to resume normal activities.
Are there any adverse reactions? The light chemical peels can cause flaking, dryness, redness and skin irritation. Medium peels may cause significant swelling that diminishes after the first week. And the deeper peels cause some discomfort that may require a mild pain medication. But the post-op complications to be concerned about are scarring, infection and abnormal pigmentation. Your doctor will let you know if you are a good candidate for a chemical peel.
Where do I get it? Chemical peels are performed by an experienced plastic surgeon or dermatologist.
Cost: A light peel can be as little as $100. Medium peels can start at $150.00 to $1,000.00. The deep peels can range from $300.00 to $3,000.00 depending on your needs.
Note: Your skin is fragile for a couple of months after the procedure and you should wear sunscreen to protect your skin. All chemical peels carry some uncertainty and risk.
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