HELP & ADVICE? New skincare routine for HYPERPIGMENTATION, SCARS, SPOTS & DRY SKIN

Lifestyle Wedding, Fashion & Beauty
, , , ,
1

Hi all, hope you are all well. I am look for some detailed advise as I have been reading this forum for some time now. I am 21 years old and living in the UK.
I have attached a picture of my current skin so you can get a more accurate idea of my current skin situation.

Please note i am also focussing on: daily sunscreen spf50, drinking lots of water, eating healthy and taking vitamins and zinc.

Major skin concern:
· Hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone around mouth, upper lip and eye area (dark circles)
· Sunspots, scars from picking at blemishes/old spots

Other concerns:
· Dry skin/ Eczema under lips and around mouth
· Keratosis Pilaris on nose (looks like blackheads but aren’t
· Breakouts

Products I have purchased to incorporate into my skincare routine:
· FAB facial radiance pads - use as BHA
· Stridex maximum strength pads - use as AHA
· Hydroquinone 4% - Purchased OTC whilst on holiday in Canada.

My questions:
· I am aware of the health risks associated with Hydroquinone and I only wish to use it for short term. Can someone tell me if it should be used by itself or other products, should it be applied in the day or night, should i apply only to pigmented areas or the whole face and for how many months should i continue treatment before stopping?
· I also wish to start using Retin A/Retinol. Can anyone recommend the % i should use, where i can purchase it, how to use etc.
· Will it be ok to use very mild AHA/BHA, Hydroquinone and Retin-A all together in my skincare routine? the won’t make any of the products less effective will it?

Sorry for the long post and thank you in advance.

Restored attachments:

FullSizeRender.jpg
FullSizeRender.jpg800×600 113 KB

2

Re: HELP & ADVICE? New skincare routine for HYPERPIGMENTATION, SCARS, SPOTS & DRY SKI

^ The fact that you don't know whether hydroquinone should be used during the day or night shows that you haven't done much research on it.

You're also using too many products. With so many products that have acids/exfoliants, you will only damage your skin if you use them daily and add more to it.

What you need to get is a good Vitamin C serum. Amazon sells tons of them so look for one that has good reviews. Look at the ingredient list of the serum. There are different types of Vitamin C.....you want one that has L-Ascorbic acid. Start using the serum in the morning. You will apply the serum first, then sunscreen and whatever else.

I would also recommend getting a carrier oil to use as moisturizer. I usually buy mine at Garden of Wisdom web site. Some good ones to try are Jojoba, Argan, Rosehip and Avacado. You should also learn about oil cleansing method. It's a great way to take off make-up/sunscreen that's gentle on your skin. There are threads on it here and you can also google it.

This is a example of a potential routine for you:

Morning:
1) Splash face with cold water
2) Apply vitamin C serum - give it 5-10 minutes to soak in
3) Apply sunscreen and then whatever else

Evening/Night:
1) Use oil cleansing method to clean face
2) Use one of the pads EVERY OTHER NIGHT. Either Fab or Stridex...pick one. But use it EVERY OTHER NIGHT.
3) Use hydroquinone as a spot treatment if you insist on it but again...apply it EVERY OTHER NIGHT.
4) Apply a oil to moisturize.

Down the road you should also consider doing 40% lactic acid peels. This is a much better option for hyperpigmentation than hydroquinone.I buy mine at Makeup Artists's Choice. Again, there are many thread on it on this forum with very detailed instructions. You should do the lactic acid peels once every two weeks.

NOTE: Do NOT start using all the products the same day! So when you start using the pads, use the pads ONLY for at least 2 weeks, then add hydroquinone. Use the hydroquinone for at least 2 weeks and if things are going well, then add vitamin C serum etc. The reason you want to do it this way is to make sure that IF you have a bad reaction, it will be very easy for you to figure out what product you're having a reaction to.

Also, listen to your skin. If your skin every feels super dry, reddish/itchy etc., then you need to slow down on using the products b/c it's too much. You need to have patience. It will take months before you may see a difference. Skin is not a race....using tons of products isn't going to give you fast results. Once you've incorporated all these products in your routine without any problems, try it for at least 6 months and see how your skin looks. Then think about adding Retin A.

3

Re: HELP & ADVICE? New skincare routine for HYPERPIGMENTATION, SCARS, SPOTS & DRY SKI

Hey for some people, posting on a forum IS research of sorts. There’s so many millions of threads and websites out there, it can get overwhelming :halo:

4

Re: HELP & ADVICE? New skincare routine for HYPERPIGMENTATION, SCARS, SPOTS & DRY SKI

LOL yea sure. Things like hydroquinone, Retin A etc. should not be taken lightly. There are plenty of horror stories when it comes to using these products and in most cases, when you read what the person did that led to the BAD outcome, it turns out they didn’t use the product correctly. Frankly, if the websites out there are too overwhelming for someone to do the research, then they should just pay the money and see a dermatologist.

Either way…doesn’t make much difference to me. It’s not my face that’s at risk. :slight_smile:

5

Re: HELP & ADVICE? New skincare routine for HYPERPIGMENTATION, SCARS, SPOTS & DRY SKI

I second the notion of adding a new product slowly into the mix of the other stuff you are using. This will also give your skin time to adjust rather than overwhelming your skin at once.

Try using rosehip oil for your skin as a moisturizer, at night time. Or, you can mix in a little bit with your sunscreen for use during the day.

It will help purge any white heads you have and helps with the blackheads too. and over time, your acne will heal alot faster. I use a mix of rosehip ol and hempseed oil cuz of my acne.
For me, after about 2 weeks of consistent use, I noticed when I get a new flare up, it is dried up by the next day. this stuff is THAT good. However, for you, I wouldn't recommend hempseed because it's not that great for dry skin. Use Rose hip oil, you can buy it from tons of places online.

Once your skin looks a little healthier than it is now, add the peels !

6

Re: HELP & ADVICE? New skincare routine for HYPERPIGMENTATION, SCARS, SPOTS & DRY SKI

Everyone has to start somewhere.

7

Re: HELP & ADVICE? New skincare routine for HYPERPIGMENTATION, SCARS, SPOTS & DRY SKI

Wow. I feel like you are doing too much to your skin and it may not be good for you. Try and be patient as well. At that age, even I had issues like breakouts, uneven skin tone. Products either made it worse or just kept the breakouts to a minimum. None of that supermodel, glowy, dewy skin I wanted.

Years passed, after the age of 24, I had less time to spend on my face, I would get home, eat, cleanse, moisturize and hit the bed ASAP. My skin hasn't looked better.

What DID help was microdermabrasion. I got that done a couple of times like 3 years ago, at the lowest possible intensity as an add-on to my facial. Its fun, feels like a mini vacuum on your face. Due to time issues, I just randomly use masks at home, sometimes.

Of course, I am no dermatologist, just sharing my personal experience.

8

Re: HELP & ADVICE? New skincare routine for HYPERPIGMENTATION, SCARS, SPOTS & DRY SKI

I apologise, I am aware that Hydroquinone is a photo-sensitive product and should not be worn when in the sunlight, but my question was more referring to if it could be worn under spf.

Thank you for the example routine. I have this rosehip oil Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil [PAI-010] : Pai Skincare, Organic Solutions for Sensitive Skin so i will add that as a carrier oil.

I have tried the OCM in the past however found that it broke me out.

9

Re: HELP & ADVICE? New skincare routine for HYPERPIGMENTATION, SCARS, SPOTS & DRY SKI

Thank you Mrs Saieen. Yes there is so much conflicting information online. I apologise, what I meant was that I am aware that Hydroquinone is a photo-sensitive product and should not be worn when in the sunlight, but my question was more referring to if it could be worn under spf.

10

Re: HELP & ADVICE? New skincare routine for HYPERPIGMENTATION, SCARS, SPOTS & DRY SKI

Thank you for the reply lovely! Really appreciate all your advice. I actually bought this rosehip oil Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil [PAI-010] : Pai Skincare, Organic Solutions for Sensitive Skin a couple of months back and you have just reminded me to use it. Will definitely take the advice of adding one product at a time into my routine

11

Re: HELP & ADVICE? New skincare routine for HYPERPIGMENTATION, SCARS, SPOTS & DRY SKI

Do update us soon with your skin care. I would love to see your wonderful results ! :)

12

Re: HELP & ADVICE? New skincare routine for HYPERPIGMENTATION, SCARS, SPOTS & DRY SKI

and dont be afraid of OCM. the initial breakouts are only temporary. Because your skin is purging, it's only bringing out the acne underneath the surface of your skin quicker to heal your skin. you have to be patient. If you do it for a period of time, for example, a month, and it's still not better, then indeed, maybe it isnt for you.

patience is key !!!!!!!!!

13

Re: HELP & ADVICE? New skincare routine for HYPERPIGMENTATION, SCARS, SPOTS & DRY SKI

Anything that is a photo-sensitive product should not be worn during the day. Speaking of sunscreen, try to get a physical sunscreen as opposed to a chemical one. I use Juice Beauty CC Cellular cream daily and it has amazing sun protection. It’s also tinted so it won’t leave a white cast which many of the zinc based sunscreens leave. You can apply physical sunscreen’s immediately before going out as opposed to chemical ones which take some time to start working. Also, with physical sunscreen, as long as your’re not blotting it a lot or sweating/getting wet, no need to re-apply during the day.

WOW…that is a VERY expensive oil! You should really consider finding a cheaper brand. There is no reason to pay this much for any carrier oil. You’re getting ripped off.

How many times did you try it? And what carrier oils did you try it with?

14

Re: HELP & ADVICE? New skincare routine for HYPERPIGMENTATION, SCARS, SPOTS & DRY SKI

Paheli, I really like the Juice CC cream overall but what's super annoying about it is that the colour comes off on everything, like my clothes, other peoples clothes. Do you have this problem?

15

Re: HELP & ADVICE? New skincare routine for HYPERPIGMENTATION, SCARS, SPOTS & DRY SKI

I don't have this problem BUT I also don't let anything touch my face once I apply sunscreen/make-up on my face. During the day, clothing (mine or other people's) doesn't touch my face.

I imagine ANY sunscreen you wear would come off to a certain point if touched by clothing. Juice Beauy is just more noticeable b/c its tinted.

BTW, I set it with powder to tone down the dewiness. Maybe that will help you? Do you set it with anything?

16

Re: HELP & ADVICE? New skincare routine for HYPERPIGMENTATION, SCARS, SPOTS & DRY SKI

no I don't set it I didn't think you needed to set sunscreen/moisturizer. How do you avoid it touching your clothes, mine comes off just as I put my clothes on because I have it on my neck too, when I'm hugging someone, I don't know sometimes my clothes just accidentally touch my face,haha is that odd?

17

Re: HELP & ADVICE? New skincare routine for HYPERPIGMENTATION, SCARS, SPOTS & DRY SKI

@Paheli00 - what is the vitamin c serum good for? can you post a link of one you recommend?

18

Re: HELP & ADVICE? New skincare routine for HYPERPIGMENTATION, SCARS, SPOTS & DRY SKI

I have not been doing such an intensive skincare routine like you do 9 maybe i should tho) but ive been using the Sheseido White Lucent Serum and also Kiehls Dark spot corrective Serum alternately. Have noticed my face has become brighter, skin tone has become more even and the dark spots have faded as well.
Also , i keep using deep cleansing clay/charcoal masks from time to time.

19

Re: HELP & ADVICE? New skincare routine for HYPERPIGMENTATION, SCARS, SPOTS & DRY SKI

LOL....no, there's no need to "set" your sunscreen/moisturizer. I set it with b/c otherwise, it looks too shiny/oily on my face.

I don't think your situation is odd.....but it's very different than my routine. I don't usually hug people and if even I do, it's very quick and my face really doesn't touch them or their clothing. And as for my clothing....lol yea that doesn't touch my face either. I put the sunscreen a bit below my chin but I don't apply it all the way down onto my neck.

Maybe you can put on your clothing first and then apply the sunscreen. This way, it's not getting on your clothing. And stop hugging people? ;)

20

Re: HELP & ADVICE? New skincare routine for HYPERPIGMENTATION, SCARS, SPOTS & DRY SKI

It works as a antioxidant, boost collagen production and help with overall brightness. If you google it, tons of articles will come up.

I make my own but you can find a lot of different ones on sale on Amazon that are inexpensive ($25 or less). The reviews should help you find a good one. Just make sure you get that that actually says what % Vitamin C it has and read the ingredients list to make sure it has L-Ascorbic acid. There are different types of vitamin C and you want one that has L-Ascorbic acid.