|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 5/15/2008
Posts: 5,936
Points: 16,585
Location: Payne Whitney Ward #3
|
Can't find the name of the drug but there's a pill people with vitiligo take to lighten the remaining dark areas. I hear this is what some celebrities take to lighten overall.
|
|
Rank: Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 12/7/2009
Posts: 279
Points: 837
Location: MA
|
kosmeds wrote:It is true. First: You mention SPF but SPF does not measure protection from the tanning response, only burning. For protection from tanning, you need to invest in a very high PPD sunscreen. Euro formulations only. You have never had high UVA protection and yet you insist it doesn't work. Second Your hat is only as good as the protection it provides, which will vary by time of day and by the width of the brim (is it more than 5 inches?), but it will not protect you from reflections from the pavement, sand, water, magazine pages, etc. which is why you still need sunscreen underneath. Third: Whatever it is you are using, you are almost certainly not applying enough or reapplying often enough. Most people apply less than 1/3 of the amount used to measure the protection factors but get far less than the expected amount of protection because the relationship between amount applied and resulting protection is not linear, it's more like a log relationship. If you get a tube that states SPF 50+, PPD 32, you won't get that protection unless you apply about 1/4 tsp to your face every two hours or so. For your entire body if you go to the beach expect to use an entire 4 oz of sunscreen if you want the full protection. Otherwise you get only a small fraction of it. Casual or scant use will not cut it. Ineffectual protection = ineffectual results. I don't know your skin type and I am hesitant to recommend a specific product but try http://pharmazon.gr ; their prices are reasonable and they have a number of very high UVA protection formulas. And yes, deeper peels will make it happen faster. Oh I don't insist anything! Thanks for the information. Since my skin hasn't lightened all that much with sun avoidance and the high SPF I just figured I'm stuck with this shade barring any more extreme measures, e.g. peels, IPL, etc. I guess I used the wrong words: I am HOPEFUL that it is true as I want to reclaim the pale complexion I was born with. I am trying to be realistic though, turning 49 this year, with menopause on the horizon - the chances of my skin really changing all that much with just sunscreen seems unlikely. Again, I am very hopeful that using the PPD you mention will change my mind about that.
I glob the stuff on (sunscreen) and I don't sit on the beach any longer...although I did up until 4-5 years ago, wearing #30 Banana Boat and the big wide brimmed hat and thinking I was "safe". And yes, I did wear sunscreen with the hat, being aware of the reflection from sand and pavement. Also was an avid outdoor swimmer for 20+ years which certainly did not help matters.
I am Irish and I have the brown spots and wrinkled skin to prove it. :-)
(Sorry to hijack thread at all from the OP)
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 7/7/2008
Posts: 154
Points: 499
Location: Southern California
|
How much sunblock are you using? It takes a full tablespoon on the face to get the full protection listed on the container. If you are outside it is necessary to reapply every 2 hours to continue getting that level of protection.
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 9/18/2008
Posts: 7,082
Points: 17,072
|
There is actually clothing that has built in sunblock (material used) and hats as well: http://imaginecolorservice.ipaperus.com/SunPre/SunPrecautions/http://www.solartex.com/We are going to CA (Little River/Mendocino area) for vacay this year, first week of June. Not very warm there, but sun rays are still strong. I think I'm going to get some of the sun protection clothing for while I'm there.
DCNGA has left the board and is no longer taking PMs. She requests that if you wish to e-mail her to use her direct e-mail address which is: laserandiplsupport@gmail.com
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 3/20/2009
Posts: 176
Points: 528
Location: USA
|
george wrote:Hey guys, I appreciate all of your posts. You guys are right. A dermatologist should have the option to give me lighter skin. I just think that this dermatologist refused to. Miss J, I appreciate you mentioning these creams but at the same time its like DCNGA post states, they are dangerous. This is why I wanted to go to a dermatologist. And yes, I have tried everything from wearing sun block and covering my face completely to kojic acid and lemon on my face. Nothing seems to work. I dont get darker, I just stay the same skin tone. A combination of peels, 4%HQ, and retin A with a hat and high ppd sunscreen like photoderm sunscreen (the one with 38ppd) will help that significantly. I know because I also have darker skin and before a few years ago spent all day in the sun playing sports without a hat or sunscreen for 20 years so I had a really uneven skintone. I know trying to lighten your skin will get you stimatized but most people don't understand when I said I wanted to lighten my skin it didn't mean I wanted to change my identity I just wanted an even complexion. Anyways 4%HQ is still sold in canada without a prescription so I get it from there. Ps. Don't mess with steriods,arbutin,alpha-arbutin, or unknown hq brands etc. Hydroquinone(HQ) is the only thing that has been proven to reduce hyperpigmentation esp. in combination with retinA/aha BUT you MUST MUST wear sunscreen and probably a hat ALL the time.
|
|
Rank: Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 12/7/2009
Posts: 279
Points: 837
Location: MA
|
I have a Patagonia Sol Patrol long sleeved shirt (found at TJ Maxx) and Columbia sun protective clothing (Silver Ridge long sleeved shirt) and some pants that are 40 SPF which have worked really well for me. There is no built in sunblock but the weave of the material is such that they offer a high SPF. Have a nice vacation!
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 9/18/2008
Posts: 7,082
Points: 17,072
|
Thanks. Yeah, I meant the construction when I said material used. I definitely need to get the hat and I'm looking at swim suits that look more like surf suits. Hopefully they would keep me warm too in the cold water there.
DCNGA has left the board and is no longer taking PMs. She requests that if you wish to e-mail her to use her direct e-mail address which is: laserandiplsupport@gmail.com
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 5/26/2008
Posts: 141
Points: 473
Location: idaho
|
Hey guys, thanks again for the responses. THe thing is that I have yet to find a product that just lightens my skin. I dont believe that I have hyperpigmentation. In either case I have tried everything and I have actually ordered one of the products that kk25 recommended. We will see how good this works though. But once again, I have perfectly fine skin and its just that I want lighter skin.
PS. I think its funny how many of my friends are light skinned and they want to have my skin color and eventually end up getting a tan. Just goes to show you that human nature wants what it sometimes cant have.
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 6/7/2008
Posts: 2,285
Points: 6,879
Location: LA (temporarily)
|
Well George, without actually seeing your skin, I can't give my opinion; however, to me Sammy Sosa went too light. People with glowing brown skin (Beyonce comes to mind) look great. People with white white skin (Michael Jackson comes to mind) don't. So I know you want your skin lighter, and maybe it will look better, but please don't go too far. If your friends want your skin color because it looks like a nice tan, maybe you should think about that input also (?)
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Editor
Joined: 7/11/2008
Posts: 5,135
Points: 12,009
|
george wrote:Hey guys, thanks again for the responses. THe thing is that I have yet to find a product that just lightens my skin. I dont believe that I have hyperpigmentation. In either case I have tried everything and I have actually ordered one of the products that kk25 recommended. We will see how good this works though. But once again, I have perfectly fine skin and its just that I want lighter skin.
PS. I think its funny how many of my friends are light skinned and they want to have my skin color and eventually end up getting a tan. Just goes to show you that human nature wants what it sometimes cant have. George what did you ordered? I hope it wasnt the Triluma because it has steroid and can cause damage, I still have the age spots due to not using it because it makes the skin thinner etc etc. what i would suggest is the Shiseido Sunblock that one blocks a lot of sun and since is a light lotion is very easy to use, and it doesnt cause breakouts, its also water proof just that alone will get you 1-2 shades lighter. George I think I made a mistake if I mentioned lumigan (that is for eyelases growth)
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 5/26/2008
Posts: 141
Points: 473
Location: idaho
|
I ordered the sunblock kk25. They actually have it on amazon and its pretty freakin expensive. LOL. But we will see how it works. Thanks
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 6/29/2009
Posts: 2,493
Points: 7,736
Location: The leaf I am sitting on
|
I agree with NancyS about Sosa and Michael Jackson - neither looks good that fair. As a very fair-skinned person myself, I use self-tanning lotions regularly just so I look like I belong to the human race. But if you want lighter skin, you'll have a challenge getting it! The most effective skin-lightening products in the U.S. have at least a 2% hydroquinone concentration. Hydroquinone was banned in Europe, parts of Asia and Australia cuz of the its carcinogenic nature. Solutions stronger than 4% could be downright dangerous. Quinine is stored in the liver - and too much of this can cause jaundice and liver failure. The other problem with bleaching creams is that they often contain both hydroquinone and either mercury and/or steroids - neither of which is recommended over long periods of use. Crazy idea ... but if you just want the FACE to look lighter, could you use a foundation? Make it a bit more subtle? Other than that, the sunblock/sunhat route seems the safest way to go. ======================================== george wrote:Hey guys, thanks again for the responses. THe thing is that I have yet to find a product that just lightens my skin. I dont believe that I have hyperpigmentation. In either case I have tried everything and I have actually ordered one of the products that kk25 recommended. We will see how good this works though. But once again, I have perfectly fine skin and its just that I want lighter skin.
PS. I think its funny how many of my friends are light skinned and they want to have my skin color and eventually end up getting a tan. Just goes to show you that human nature wants what it sometimes cant have.
I Bug U
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Editor
, Member
Joined: 5/15/2008
Posts: 3,012
Points: 9,765
Location: NYC
|
kk25 wrote:
Actually shakira had lighter skin before she became famous in the US,
but later on when she started singing in English she went for a tan,blond look .
Ahhh, OK mystery solved about Shakira's skin tone. I guess it's the new nose and the even blonder hair that makes her look Barbie-ish. I think she looks amazing- she's a tiny person. I met her briefly about 4 years ago and she was barefoot- she is not even 5' tall I swear to you. I just looked her height up and they claim she is 5'2, but that is complete BS. I KNOW 5'2 when I see it because my mom and sister are that height. She must be just under 5'. Sweet girl, at the time she could barely speak any English.  PS- notice the platform stillettos she's wearing- not just regular stillettos, and they are VERY high platforms.
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Editor
Joined: 7/11/2008
Posts: 5,135
Points: 12,009
|
Ryan wrote: Ahhh, OK mystery solved about Shakira's skin tone. I guess it's the new nose and the even blonder hair that makes her look Barbie-ish. I think she looks amazing- she's a tiny person. I met her briefly about 4 years ago and she was barefoot- she is not even 5' tall I swear to you. I just looked her height up and they claim she is 5'2, but that is complete BS. I KNOW 5'2 when I see it because my mom and sister are that height. She must be just under 5'. Sweet girl, at the time she could barely speak any English. PS- notice the platform stillettos she's wearing- not just regular stillettos, and they are VERY high platforms.
yes , she is very short i think she is aroun 4'8" - 4'9" agree with you ,she does look kind of barbie-sh, and with that blond hair on some pics she looks so much like Beyonce, and yes look at those shoes they are super high(I need to get me some of those platforms because I am also kind of midgetty lol)
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 5/26/2008
Posts: 141
Points: 473
Location: idaho
|
Hey guys, I actually got a reply from a dermatologist already. Heres what he said.
"Good Morning,
Thank you for your email. I do have a few items that would work for you. One, is Vibrance Therapy by Vivite (maker's of Botox). It's a daily moisturizer with methyl dihydroxybenzoate at $96 for about a 2-3 month supply. It is a new alternative to a bleaching agent called hydraquinone. It can lighten about 1-2 shades over a 8 week period. Second, a prescription of Triluma would also do the trick in about the same time frame. Third, microdermabrasion's alone or combined with chemicals would more than likely be your best option and quicker. Products can work but they take 8-16 weeks for full effect as they are not penetrating the epidermal layer immediately like a treatment can. If you have any more questions please call our office, my name is Caitlin Hutchison CMA/EST. "
what do you guys think?
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 9/18/2008
Posts: 7,082
Points: 17,072
|
Where do you plan to stop with the lightening? Chin area/ neck/ chest? I can't see how you will do it without demarcation if you plan to go 2-3 shades lighter. As far as which method, it probably depends on how quickly you want to accomplish it. I can't see how a regular TCA is going to lighten you long term (chemical peel)or any of it to be honest. Whatever route you go, use the European sunblock afterwards without fail.
DCNGA has left the board and is no longer taking PMs. She requests that if you wish to e-mail her to use her direct e-mail address which is: laserandiplsupport@gmail.com
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 5/15/2008
Posts: 5,936
Points: 16,585
Location: Payne Whitney Ward #3
|
Just me but I do not put a lot of faith in microdermabrasion.
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 5/15/2008
Posts: 5,936
Points: 16,585
Location: Payne Whitney Ward #3
|
Just me but I do not put a lot of faith in microdermabrasion.
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 5/26/2008
Posts: 141
Points: 473
Location: idaho
|
You guys are right about that. If I did get lighter skin I would have to get it around my whole body. But that can be very expensive. European sunblock DCNGA? Would I be able to get that through amazon?
|
|
Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 9/18/2008
Posts: 7,082
Points: 17,072
|
http://www.anthelios.com/Anthelios. There's a pediatric one that is supposed to be fabulous with Tinosorb but cannot find it to buy in US. There is a seller on eBay who sells the higher SPF Anthelios products: http://shop.ebay.com/pharmamundi-usa/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686Not sure this one has the Tinosorb: eBay Link
DCNGA has left the board and is no longer taking PMs. She requests that if you wish to e-mail her to use her direct e-mail address which is: laserandiplsupport@gmail.com
|
|
|
Guest |
