ladywriter

Thanks for such an extensive and informative post. Skinmedica used to sell Cellex-C as their vitamin C serum but then introduced their own brand and dropped Cellex-C. If there is any difference, I cannot detect it and if you live in North America, you can find Cellex-C on The Shopping Channel. When it is featured as the Show Stopper, you can get a great deal on several Cellex-C products (including the vitamin C serum) at less than half price - stock up!

I am naturally extremely light skinned with blonde hair and have had pre-cancerous lesions removed from my upper chest and hands from sun exposure going back to my childhood when sun block products were not widely used. I am extremely vigilant about applying sun block whether I am indoors or out (I have been sunburned through glass!) and have been for 20 years. I have found that an effective sunblock MUST contain Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide to be extremely effective. Fallene markets a brand called COTZ with an SPF of 58. The one in the tube is the best for me - they have one that dries clear or slightly tinted with a matte, velvety finish. For someone with a porcelain colored skin, it is a perfect and natural looking makeup.

I appreciate the advice about applying an oil-free moisture cream before applying Retisol-A to the face. I have been able to use it one my hands and arms at night without difficulty but it is too strong for the more delicate skin on my face and upper chest area. I will give your suggestion a try. The skin in those areas is currently clear with hyper-pigmentation spots but unless I can correct them in the deeper layers of the dermis, I know they will surface in time.

Thanks again!

ladywriter

Hi there. I am a natural blonde with extremely fair, sensitive skin. I have had to avoid the sun all of my life and knew before the Dermatologist confirmed that I had pre-cancerous lesions that had to be removed from my upper chest and hands - the result of sun exposure from childhood. I am female but I don't see why that makes any difference.

The upside is that because I have been forced to care for my skin all of my life and have avoided the sun or prepared to be in the sun properly, it is a rare day that I am out when complete strangers comment on my "beautiful skin" and ask advice!

If you have questions, I can probably help you.

Regards,

Mira21

LightenNLift, I can see that you got this information from the Bright Skin Forum. This information was originally written by the SuperModerator Mileena from the Bright Skin Forum. Copying is a form of flattery. Amber and Mileena are cool so I don't they will mind that this forum is copying things from their forum.

I tried to post Mileena's 2007 thread "Information on Retinoids", but they won't let us post links here until we have a higher post count. Guys, just do a google search and you'll find the forum.

LightenNLift

and ur point is? the internet has free information to share for the benefit of all.

periwinkle

I'm the biggest copycat around here.

LightenNLift

guess that makes me next in line

Mira21

I don't think Amber and Mileena will mind that you guys copy their things. So don't worry about it.

periwinkle

Oh trust me I won't. Welcome to the site. Glad to have you.

LightenNLift

then a lot of site owners wont mind where we get skincare information from because it sure doesnt count as credible if it comes from members who are not board certified dermatologists or doctors with knowledge on published studies.

caesarsalad

Hi,
Can someone please tell me which brand of Hydroquinone is best?
I read that we should use Retin a together with 4% Hydroquinone (1/2 hour later after retin a).
Which is the brand? and where to buy this 4% Hydroquinone?

Tomx

LightenNLift is the BOMB!!!

Plain and Simple....

THANK YOU SO MUCH.........LightenNlift....

You Rock!!!

From a newbie, enjoying all your informative post.

caesarsalad

Hi friends.

No one replies to my question and i feel left out and sad.. perhaps I am too ignorant and all of you are experts in all the topics being discussed...

sorry for asking stupid questions.. I thought i can learn and get more tips from you guys about skincare.. but I think I am in the wrong forum..I am so sorry ...........

thanks and goodbye..
i shall disappear from this forum.. bye....

Angel

Lol ceasarsalad...

First of all, you posted in the wrong thread...this is an RA thread...

Anyway, not sure about the brand of HQ everyone is using but you can find it at all day chemist...Just go to their website and do a search for HQ 4%...

Well, I dunno why I just replied to you since you're gone now and won't be needing this info...oh well..

LightenNLift

Leslie Baumann in prevention magazine on the use of vitamin B3 (niacinamide)

You can purcahse the reputable niacinamide 5% gel with witch hazel and aloe called Metazene at 15 bucks for 2 ounce to be used with Retin-A or you can make a DIY niacinamide/glucosamine serum.

Instructions for DIY Niacinamide/glucosamine -

G & N Serum 1oz

½ tsp. Glucosamine (5%)
¼ tsp. Niacinamide (2.5%)
5 tsp. Distilled water
1 tsp. Glycerin

Mix it all together and store in a air tight container or bottle.

To reap anti-aging benefits and no irritation from Retin-A, apply the niacinamide after washing your face at night then wait 30 minutes to apply the Retin-A over that.

karenannev

This is very exciting, LNL! I'm lazy so I'll still use the ready made one, but no irritation sounds fantastic!

periwinkle

Topical Niacinamide - ImmInst.org Forums

Buy Glucosamine: Collagen production, lightening, and brightening for DIY skin care.

periwinkle

I'm not sure I'd want to apply it before the tretinoin though personally. I'd hate to risk any chance of it lessening the effects. Sounds great at other times.

LightenNLift

like 30 minutes after?

karenannev

Wow, thanks so much for those links, Periwinkle! Boy, it's so confusing isn't it. So hard to know what is the best routine. There really are just so many fantastic supplements and topicals out there to choose from.