Products for Hyperpigmentation

Growing up, I always had good skin.  Through high school and college, I never paid much attention to what skincare items I used, just whatever was cheap and easily available.   THEN I started working full time (as a social worker, stress = bad for your skin) and my skin started freaking out.   Its still a battle keeping my skin clear and looking good.   I do have some slight hyperpigmentation from old breakouts.  So I am regularly trying to find products that help fade my hyperpigmentation.   I have tried soooo many different things, but what I have found to be my favorite are these

Skincueticals Phyto+

here's the website description

"This botanical gel for hyperpigmentation is an advanced lightening formula combining four active ingredients to diminish discoloration and improve the overall health of the skin. Kojic acid and arbutin, natural alternatives to hydroquinone, work synergistically to help break up hyperpigmentation, while cucumber and thyme contain anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties to soothe red, irritated skin.

Active ingredients are delivered in a hyaluronic acid base to hydrate as they help heal, calm, and improve the appearance of the skin. Phyto+ can also be used to help reduce erythema and to maintain results following invasive cosmetic procedures."

Now on their website they suggest using this twice a day.  I only use it at night, but I can still tell a difference!  I have been using it for about 6 months, and it has definitely faded some old scaring I have!  and it has not irritated my skin at all either, which is usually an issue for me. 

Its $78 but it lasts forever,  I am still on the same bottle I bought months ago.

The second product is new to me, but I LOVE it, and have mentioned it before.

Neostrata Renewal Peel

This is hard to find I have noticed. I bought it on eskinstore.com

website description

"Ideal quick fix for uneven and dull skin. The glycolic acid will help eliminate the dead cells responsible for the rough skin. This solution contains 10% glycolic acid and 10% gluconolactone, the highest potency available of AHA to achieve the results after only 1 treatment."

This is $63, but lasts FOREVER.   I saw that it had really good reviews on makeupalley, so I figured I would give it a try.   It is the best peel/exfoliation product I have ever used.  I mentioned this product in another thread, and stated how it helped with a scar I had on my arm.   Whats amazing about this product is that it works so well, yet doesn't irritate my skin.   This is on its way to becoming HG for me, and I definitely plan on repurchasing when I run out (which probably wont happen  for a while )

but of course, I'm a shopaholic, so I am always looking for something newer, better.  I just received this in the mail

Glytone Fading Lotion

"This formula contains 2% hydroquinone and 1% kojic acid to lighten dark discoloration in the skin such as age and liver spots. Skin is left brighter, clearer and healthier."

I know kojic acid works for me from using Skinceuticals Phyto+, so I am curious to see if the combination of that and hydroquinone will work better!  I will post a review in a few weeks!

Late to work!

So heres a quick "kims late to work AND stuck in traffic FOTD"  (hence the not so happy face!)

it was taken in the car so the pics arent the best but here goes anyway!

I somehow turned off my alarm and realized i had about 20 min to get out the door! i had to take a shower becuase i felt like my hair was gross, so i let it air dry while i did my makeup.   All i used was cover blend by neostrata as a concealer (its really a foundation but it works amazingly as a concealer as well)
Nars copacabana over my eyelid, and Nars thunderball to line.  
Laguna bronzer over cheeks, nose, chin and forehead,   and Dior Color Reviving Balm on my lips!  

Skincare I LOVE!

I am constantly looking for skincare that works with my weird skin. My skin is combination (dry in some areas, but can be oily in the Tzone) and can also get red bumpy and irritated when i try new products. I have gone to a few different dermatologists, and cant say I have been impressed with any. (My sister who is in vet school claims that in the medical or vetrinary field people only go to derm because they like the 9-5 hours) I have definetly found that to be true! Most times the Dr. glances at me and prescribes me zit medicine, which anyone with common sense would see is going to aggrivate my skin. I was then told that the red/bumps was rosacea. but rosacea meds and prescriptions creams havent helped. So with a lot of research on my own i have found something that works for me.

#1 - diet is so important. DRINK WATER! and green tea!

for me i discovered that my skin was amazing after taking Cipro (an antibiotic for a UTI) for a week. I found some information on the web that Cipro also kills the bad bacteria in your digestive system. So I have made an effort to eat my organic greek yogurt and try to regulate the GOOD bacteria in my system. It has really helped. ( I also havent had a UTI since!)

I also started using Neostrata skincare, specifically their face wash

This is the description from their website

Start your skin care regimen with this soap-free formulation that gently exfoliates without drying the skin.
Polyhydroxy Acid Gluconolactone provides anti-aging benefits
Removes impurities and makeup without drying the skin
Ideal for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone

I use this with my Clarisonic and I LOVE it. Its kept my bumps at bay and just really evened out my skintone!

I also purcharsed the Neostrata Skin Renewal Peel

From the website:

Ideal quick fix for uneven and dull skin. The glycolic acid will help eliminate the dead cells responsible for the rough skin. This solution contains 10% glycolic acid and 10% gluconolactone, the highest potency available of AHA to achieve the results after only 1 treatment

this peel comes with little circular pads, that have one soft side, and one rougher side, that you soak with the solutions, rub over your face, and leave on for up to 15 minutes. It is by far my favorite exfolation/peel product I have ever used. Ive tried, the md skincare alpha beta peel, dr peter roth peel, and so many others, and none come close to this! Its around $60 but you get at least 30 uses out of it so its completely worth it!

I have also used it on the back of my arms where i had scarring from keratosis pilaris, and it has made a HUGE difference on the scarring!  I never thought any product would accomplish that!