The one area of my skin care regiment that I am never satisfied with is skin bleaching/lightening products. Years ago, I used the Obaji products that contained 4% hydroquinone and it worked beautifully. My freckled, sun damaged skin became flawless after about 3 months of use. Fast forward 6 years, having two children (and the pigmentation issues that come with pregnancy), limited sun exposure (but exposure never-the-less), and I need to do a skin bleaching regimen again. However, the FDA banned all products that contain anything but very minimal amounts of hydroquinone. I was told by a dermatologist that I should do laser treatments to get rid of the damage. I did, and saw little results after the $500 cost. He also told me I would need several laser treatments per area to be satisfied with the results. MMMk, I need to correct problems on my back, chest and face, so the math is a bit intimidating. I don’t doubt that the laser treatments would work over time, but, my goodness, seven years ago they had an ingredient that worked wonders for treating freckled and sun damaged skin, surely there is something on the market today that works?!

As someone who has used many skin care products I always, always, read customer reviews before I buy a product. I came across Stone Crop Serum based on the 5 star reviews, but I noticed many of the people that wrote reviews also tried laser treatments (like moi). The reviewers said that this product worked better than laser, while noting that it takes a few weeks before you see results. I can relate to that as the Obaji I used years ago took a few weeks to get noticeable results. Another thing I noted in the reviews was a woman who used it on her eyes as the pigment had darkened due to her use of an eyelash growth product. She said that because Eminence Stone Crop is organic it didn’t bother her eyes. And lastly, but not least, it’s reasonably priced. At about $42, I will save thousands using this product as opposed to lasers, even if I have to buy two or three bottles. Needless to say, it’s in the mail, and I will write my review, here, when I use it. Check out the reviews for yourself!

I’m a big fan of chemical peels, because in my younger days I tanned every day it was warm even though I am light skinned and tend to freckle, and peels have drastically reduced that damage. However, regular peels can be expensive, so I have found a combination of products that work like a peel. I found a retinoid based cream or serum combined with a skin lightening treatment works exactly like regular peels, and essentially does the same thing, just in a more gradual process. It also lightens sun spots and freckles better than a peel.

Any retinoid based treatment will work, but I use Skinceuticals Retinol because it’s pure Retinol. After that dries I apply Priori Brightening Facial cream because it’s hydroquinone free and a gentle, lightweight cream that is designed specifically for reducing the appearance of uneven skin tones.

I have normal skin so I can tolerate pure retinol, but if you have sensitive skin, I suggest mixing the retinol with moisturizer cream and that will help. Make sure the moisturizer is just that and not another treatment.

Within a few weeks you will notice more even skin tone, smaller pores, diminished lines and faded sun spots and freckles.

You can find the Skincueticals Retinol and Priori Brightening cream, as well as other skin care brands AVAILABLE HERE

I recently heard some rumors that a new skincare company, Cosmetic Skin Solutions, has replicated Skinceuticals formulas for their top selling skin treatments and are selling the same formulas at a much lower price. I immediately thought ‘no way’, but since I write this blog I thought I would try it and see, since it’s pretty inexpensive. I tried it and the hype is true! My face had the same tightened feeling it gets when I use C+E Ferulic from Skinceuticals and within a few days of use my skin had the healthy glow, evened complexion, and diminished lines, as well. As a true skincare junkie and Skinceuticals diehard, I’m switching to the less expensive version from Cosmetic Skin Solutions. It saves me over a hundred bucks per bottle! Amazon has the most competitive prices from several retailers ( click image above), but the average cost is about forty bucks for the 1 oz bottle of C+E Feurelic. Cosmetic Skin Solutions also replicated the formulas for Phloretin C+F Serum, C+AHA Serum, Vitamin C 20 AOX+, Phyto + Gel, and Hydrating B5 Gel.