[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.

 

[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.

 

[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.