[MAHARANI]

I know that we talk about a lot of different products, but I am sure that we are all interested to know what everyone is using that is giving you results at the moment.


For me at the moment, I am back using makari. I say "back" , as I used it before but had a bad reaction. I rarely have porblems with my skin, but this product gave me a really bad area of spots aound the base of my nose and on my chin. It gave great lightening but I thought that my skin looked so congested that this wasn't worth me continuing to use it.

I then went back to using it a few months ago and combatted the skin problems by avoiding the areas where I had problems before by using a retin A to help combat any spots. I also use the makari clear acnyl on these areas. Touch wood, this has worked for me and whilst I am loking for something else that gives me lightening results, I will keep up this regime.

Personally because I know that makari can give problems, I would not whole heartedly recommend it, but I know that it does give lightening.


Let us know what is working for you..........

 

[MAHARANI]

Is no one seeing results then ?.........

 

[MAHARANI]

Come on guys, I can't be the only one.....

 

[New York]

I used Makari back in 2006. I used the caviar and the night cream, it gave me a very unhealthy color, pimples, black spots. Makari is not good for oily skin.

 

[ondine]

Several people here report getting adverse reactions to Makari. It seems not to be worth it.

I am using:

- likas papaya soap (really cleans skin well)
- mono 20% 2x. day on wet skin (impossible to spread the dry pasty stuff on dry skin). Using it on wet skin dilutes the strength somewhat (according to some sources) but I am going for effectiveness, evenness & safety; not speed.
- in the afternoons 1x /day a blend of RA 0.1% & HQ 4%
- SPF 60 Neutrogena spray on sunblock (doesn't turn me purple or grey)

The areas that get zero sun exposure are lightening steadily. Despite caution & sunblock, lightening the exposed areas is going more slowly BUT I haven't losy any ground. With mono, the effects are not seen for months since pre-existing melanin must exfoliate away. Since I was quite dark to begin with, this will take a while.

I began my lightening regimen in Jan 09 after months spent researching different options (an ongoing process!). Separating 'ad-copy' from scientific fact was tough. Even when assessing scientific data, results of studies have to be interpreted & conclusions drawn BUT scientific journals & articles are not trying to sell anything to anyone so there's no hyperbole or deceit.

 

[little erin]

Maharani, may be you ought to give a day or two for answers

. I don't have a 'proper' regimen at the moment. I have this lightening serum by Clear Essence I bought way back, I'm trying to finish it off. Been using this barely a month so can't tell if it is working but I'm not keen, just want to clear it. Also have an almost finished tube of Retin A that I begun using with Obagi products (these worked) earlier this year but when the Obagi's were exhausted, the Retin A went in hiding for a while and I only begun using it recently. I use a soap called Dudu Osun to give me a clear complexion; can't tell if its working or not as its my first bar but my skin looks smooth and even.

 

[little erin]

Ondine, how can you describe the Mono paste: How do the sources prefering not to use Mono on wet skin expect it to spread: Do you apply sunblock even on areas not exposed? Thanks

 

[GoddessOfEarth]

I read this post from 2008 a few days ago. For some reason, I was like, lol lol!

Yeah, that Makari can have some looking Zombie-fied and a lot looking broken out.

 

[ondine]

I would describe mono as being a lot like toothpaste that is drying out-only a little more gritty. It is almost but not quite white. Many sources advise mixing it in the blender with a natural oil blend (like Almond Glow or olive oil). the mono is not completely oil soluble so it makes a mottled blend. Many suggest using it on wet or damp skin. Some suggest doing both! It is hard to imagine trying to rub mono into dry skin. You'd be white & chalky & raw (from the graininess) & you'd use tons of product to cover a small area. On damp or lightly oiled skin, it forms a creamy emulsion that spreads readily. Ir looks white on the skin at forst but rapidly dries transparently.

Little erin, I put a little on areas not exposed but that might be inadvertently. What I mean by that is if I am wearing a knee length skirt, I'll apply sunblock a little higher because when sitting, the hem rises. I do the same with sleeves. Always a little higher than the ends.

 

[ttee]

Maharani, may be you ought to give a day or two for answers

. I don't have a 'proper' regimen at the moment. I have this lightening serum by Clear Essence I bought way back, I'm trying to finish it off. Been using this barely a month so can't tell if it is working but I'm not keen, just want to clear it. Also have an almost finished tube of Retin A that I begun using with Obagi products (these worked) earlier this year but when the Obagi's were exhausted, the Retin A went in hiding for a while and I only begun using it recently. I use a soap called Dudu Osun to give me a clear complexion; can't tell if its working or not as its my first bar but my skin looks smooth and even.[/QUO


Little Erin, Maharani last post was in March 2008

 

[little erin]

Ttee thanks for noting that. As this thread popped up with a recent post, I responded as if the thread starter had just posted. Someone just unearthed it then

 

[socialkittn]

I bought the likas soap and it hasnt done jack for me as far as lightening goes. It just leaves my skin very dry and it has given me blackheads on my back, chest, and face.

I know the main point of it is to exfoliate and let the creams soak in better, but I havent really noticed anything.

Im just trying to get rid of spots, not lighten my whole face/body so I'm saving up for some laser treatements and some HQ 4.0

 

[ondine]

Thanks for letting people know that this can happen! So far, others here have liked this soap but it is good to be reminded that no one product is correct for everyone. When you find something you prefer, please post: it will be an alternative to anyone else who tried Likas & dodn't react well to it.