Hello all,
Although I just joined today, I've been browsing the SCT forums for about a month now. I've read many of your success stories, as well as some of your not so successful stories. I've always been very skeptical when it comes to skin lightening. Many of the products sound way too good to be true. Not to mention most of them are very expensive. It seems like several of you have had good success with HQ 4%/Retin A 0.1% and the Mono 20%. I'm not really sure how the Mono 20% works. It completely removes melanin? Do you stop using the product or decrease applications once you've achieved the complexion you want? I guess I'm trying to figure out how you would avoid lightening too much, since I'm assuming the results are permanent and irreversible.
I haven't had a chance to read all of the threads in depth but it looks like Ondine is our skin lightening guru
. Ondine I see you've tried both the HQ 4%/ Retin A 0.1% combination and also the Mono 20%. How did they work for you? Like you, I need to first lighten some of my problem areas first (elbows, knuckles, knees, STRETCH MARKS yuck!!), then I'll focus on lightening my entire body. I want to even out and brighten my complexion, and lighten 1-2 shades. Where are you at in that process? Have you lightened a shade? 2 shades? Etc. Do you prefer one method over the other? Do you use any particular soaps or cleansers? Moisturizers? Sunscreens? Do you have any before and after photos? Sorry to overwhelm you with all the questions...just a little excited!
I definitely welcome advice, tips, pictures, and any helpful information from anyone that would like to share. I hope to figure out a SAFE and SIMPLE routine that I can stick with. Can't wait to get started so I can share my progress!!
**Healthy skin is Beautiful**
Although I just joined today, I've been browsing the SCT forums for about a month now. I've read many of your success stories, as well as some of your not so successful stories. I've always been very skeptical when it comes to skin lightening. Many of the products sound way too good to be true. Not to mention most of them are very expensive. It seems like several of you have had good success with HQ 4%/Retin A 0.1% and the Mono 20%. I'm not really sure how the Mono 20% works. It completely removes melanin? Do you stop using the product or decrease applications once you've achieved the complexion you want? I guess I'm trying to figure out how you would avoid lightening too much, since I'm assuming the results are permanent and irreversible.
I haven't had a chance to read all of the threads in depth but it looks like Ondine is our skin lightening guru
I definitely welcome advice, tips, pictures, and any helpful information from anyone that would like to share. I hope to figure out a SAFE and SIMPLE routine that I can stick with. Can't wait to get started so I can share my progress!!
**Healthy skin is Beautiful**