Read ALL about my review process including how I take swatches, photos, and more here.
It’s a vicious cycle: you get a pimple, it ruins your day/week, it finally goes away, you get happy, then the dark spot comes. *SIGH* I’m always trying to avoid getting pimples in the first place (this is impossible by the way) because the dark spots can take so long to go away. Plus you have to be extremely diligent, like catching the Roadrunner with ACME tools diligent, when a dark spot rears its ugly head. If you don’t catch them while they’re fresh, many over the counter treatments won’t be very effective and you’ll need to see a dermatologist.
But thankfully I can add another treatment to the list of brown spot banishing creams: Alpha Hydrox Spotlight Skin Lightener. I bought this back in January when I lost a battle with acne and had a host of brown spots on my chin. I like this because it also contains 10% glycolic AHA (a good exfoliator as well) and hydroquinone (skin lightener). Hydroquinone can be a very controversial ingredient (some claim it has carcinogens in it while the FDA has not proven hydroquinone can cause cancer) so if you’re on the fence about it, skip this and look for treatments with kojic acid (try Reviva Labs Skin Lightener Day Cream with Kojic Acid and/or Brown Spot Night Gel w Glycolic & Kojic Acid).
Anyway, it takes a great amount of patience to deal with hyperpigmentation as treatments can take 6-8 to up to 12 weeks to see results. My issue was as the spots started to fade, I had a few more breakouts and therefore more spots…lol. While my chin still has a few spots, the original ones have all faded. Can’t stress enough how this, like other over the counter treatments like it, works best on fresh spots.
More info on Alpha Hydrox Spotlight Skin Lightener:
Say goodbye to freckles, age and liver spots, AND changes in skin pigmentation caused by pregnancy or the use of oral contraceptives with this Spot lightener by Alpha Hydrox. This highly effective targeted skin lightener contains a unique combination 10% Glycolic Alpha Hydroxy Acid and Hydroquinone, proven to lighten skin discolorations. The special applicator tip provides easy application right on the spot so fading of unaffected areas wont be a concern. For all skin types, non-greasy, absorbs quickly. Contains 10% Glycolic AHA, Hydroquinone and Vitamin E. Moisturizing emollients leave skin feeling soft and smooth. .85 oz.
New blog post: Add Alpha Hydrox Spotlight Skin Lightener to the List of Approved Hyperpigmentation Treatments: http://bit.ly/lC5cHR
New Blog Post: Add Alpha Hydrox Spotlight Skin Lightener to the List of Approved Hyperpigmentation Treatments http://bit.ly/kIZ139
Add Alpha Hydrox Spotlight Skin Lightener to the List of Approved Hyperpigmentation Treatments http://bit.ly/igJTuL by @StyleNBeautyDoc
New Blog Post: Add Alpha Hydrox Spotlight Skin Lightener to the List of Approved Hyperpigmentation Treatments http://bit.ly/kIZ139
Hi Danielle!
I wonder if you have any advice for dark spot ligtening Without using Hydroquinone. I have had a negative reaction with hydroquinone (actual skin Darkening – instead of lightening) – so because of that side effect on my skin — Hydroqinone is NOT an option for me when it comes to skin lightening.
Is there anything that you can recommend that will do as good a job as you have indicated hydroqinone has done for your skin?
Also, have you heard about using fresh lemon daily – to lighten spots on skin – have you heard about this – does this work?
As always, i look forward to hearing your advice.
Thank you!
Lastly,
Hey Lisa!
I mentioned two spot lighteners without hydroquinone in the post ;)
I’ve heard about using fresh lemon daily, but haven’t tried it myself. The vitamin C found in lemons can have a brightening effect so I can see how it could work :)
I was not using my eyes very well yesterday – sorry to have bothered you, with my questions yesterday!
Last question on this topic: Have you successfully bought anything Directly from the Reviva Labs website before?
I do appreciate your help.
Thank You!
Hey Lisa!
You’re not a bother at all :)
Yep–I’ve ordered directly from Reviva Labs without issue. They’re also sold in vitamin stores, too so if you want to check one nearby and save on shipping :)
hey danielle! this issue is the story of my life. I was thinking about getting the Dr. murad post acne spot treatment..have you used it? it’s quite expensive, but if i can get something that is effective and cheaper maybe i’ll try this one! i’m starting to lose hope :(
Hey!
I haven’t tried the Murad Post Acne Spot Treatment before, but looked it up and see that the active ingredient is 2% hydroquinone which many spot treatments contain. It also contains AHAs and glycolic acid (both great ingredients to help with exfoliation and skin brightening), but you can get the same ingredients in cheaper products. Keep in mind though that most OTC dark spot treatments only work well on fresh spots so if you’ve had those spots for a while your best bet is going to the dermatologist to get something stronger and more effective prescribed.
Here’s some posts I’ve done on dark spots (or are related to them):
https://www.thestyleandbeautydoctor.com/2011/04/the-lowdown-on-getting-rid-of-dark-spots/
https://www.thestyleandbeautydoctor.com/2010/12/how-to-fake-flawless-skin/
https://www.thestyleandbeautydoctor.com/2009/07/the-skinny-on-skin-care-2/
https://www.thestyleandbeautydoctor.com/2010/11/dr-baumanns-skin-type-solutions-find-out-your-skin-type-for-free/
Hope this helps!
can you also do a post regarding dark spots on skin? i was out of the country and got bit up something terrible by mosquitoes and now my legs are scarred. thanks!
Awesome blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere?
A design like yours with a few simple adjustements would really make my blog jump out.
Please let me know where you got your theme.
Thanks
@nikkiatnit3 and Alpha Hydroxy Spotlight: http://t.co/spUlbpDPGp. But these are only effective on “fresh” spots.