Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

I was in awe! I tried tons of products and I decided to add this one to my long list. Glad I did!

Photo 1 - severe hyper pigmentation. Please see picture 2 so you can see the difference after 10 days!

For reference my skin is very pale and runs very dry/sensitive. This review is based on 3 months regimented-use as well as ongoing usage since a 2nd bottle purchase.

Melasma is well-documented as one of the largest, common skin issues facing women all across the globe. Men are also effected, but at much smaller percentage, and there is Science behind why this occurs. Discoloration/Melasama can develop in women of any race, but is most widespread among Indian Females , followed by women with deeper-toned complexions as more likely candidates to experience this change in skin. It is lastly commonly found in a wide array of ethnic populations with pale skin, such as myself. So anyone can develop discoloration, but their chances do vary based on a number of things to be taken into account. I really wanted to focus on this review to take time to address that because not everyone has access to a Dermatologist or Estie and I do believe it's often misunderstood. Many shrug it off and simply chose to conceal rather than treat or feel they are beyond help...that's it just part of aging to be accepted. But Melasma, much like acne, has a psychological impact among sufferers that can deeply effect self-esteem and often lead to deeper issues. I want everyone who is reading this wherever you are in the World to feel beautiful and know, there is hope...and affordable help, thanks, in part to The Ordinary.

Heredity and Ethnicity are NOT the only deciding factors in developing Hyper-pigmentation of some sort; including extensive development. Women are often victim of this discoloration because it is a skin reaction directly tied to increased hormone activity. This can be pregnancy (Pregnancy Mask/Chloasma), when one is in their prime reproductive years and birth control pills is taken, those who are on Hormone Replacement Therapy, (which is 1 factor why older women often struggle with & develop Melasma), and those who are experiencing thyroid irregularities. I cannot stress enough that your skin is an organ; it is your body's largest organ and so often what is taking place within the body will appear in the skin. Listen to what your skin is telling you. Just because there's a jar doesn't mean that you should dismiss every skin issue because there's a topical treatment or manner in which to conceal it. Melasma should not be confused with a darkening or greying of the neck, often increasing in skin-thickness on the neck folds...greying or blackening not linked to hair removal in the underarm area or discoloration/darkening of the abdomen. If you have discoloration there, I recommend a blood panel before embarking on any topical treatments. Those might possibly a sign that insulin in the body is not being properly processed and so your topical treatments, which may or may not include this ingredient, should be paired with a doctor's care for your health as a whole in that instance. I am not a physician; I simply speak from a place of both personal experience and extensive research.

Another largely-contributing factor to skin discoloration development in both females and males of ALL Ethnic Groups which was once dismissed as "age spots" years ago, is sun damage. Sun Damage often occurs in our younger years and the tell may not be obvious at that time outside of a sunburn. My Derm always jokes "There's no such thing as a health tan." While we all love and appreciate sunshine, it's crucial that you always protect your skin if you want to look it's very best with the passing of time. Melasma may appear slowly as the years pass and without proper sun-protection will further darken and spread. All SPF protection is not alike; you want broad-spectrum sun protection and be sure to touch that protection up accordingly. When using this product, that's especially important to consider, regardless of why you may be experiencing discoloration.

Lastly, some of you may be looking to this because of what you say is acne-scarring/discoloration. For scars, if you mean "pitting" in the flesh, that must be addressed through microneedling. But the darkening of skin spots where acne has healed over or if presently you have a breakout with discoloration...if you struggle with uneven skin tone or if you just have a few random spots that you dislike...maybe you simply want brighter skin; this is absolutely going to benefit your skin as well. A note to those with genetic/physical discoloration of the eye area, you'll benefit too with brightening and fading if you incorporate this into part of a broader, brightening regimen.

While ALL of these factors vary, they share one common theme: the potential for psychological impact. So what can be done? Plenty, but the results are always going to depend on the users diligence, overall health, and lifestyle/habits. No matter the reason how you acquired the discoloration, this product requires devotion to see great change.: AM and PM usage, every single day. (I would also make this part of several steps in my skincare to address those concerns, which I'll address in a moment.)

The most popular treatment for Melasma in my personal experience has long-been Hydroquinone, followed by Retin A and Glycolic Acid. Hydroquinone as well as these other treatments has long-been and is still currently used in Derms' offices all across the United States and is present in a wide variety of Korean Lightening Skin Treatments. It can be found in other countries in a variety of doses. While highly effective with impressive results, not all countries permit the usage, it carries the potential to irritate skin, and for those with deeper skin tones and shades, this poses an especially challenging issue. Even in pale women, unsupervised use or a regimen that is not in keeping with usage recommendations/guidelines can experience a "bruising" type of discoloration in areas treated. Hydroquinone is essentially a "skin bleaching" ingredient and so even those with freckles they adore need be very careful when addressing discoloration. Hydroquinone is safely used in many doctors' offices, including creams, lotions, serums and Chemical Peels. I'm not trying to alter anyone's opinion on the ingredient or treatment; I do feel it's a safe option for many with discoloration and have used it myself. I'm just trying to say it may not be for everyone. I also mention this because Alpha Arbutin works in the same manner that Hydroquinone does; by inhibiting the formation of melanin within the skin. Arbutin is a natural derivative of the Bearberry plant and unlike it's direct relative, Hydroquinone, Arbutin is a much more gentle, affordable and low-risk potential for treating skin discoloration for all skin types. It's a safe way to get your discoloration faded and brighten your skin as well as prevent new discoloration from forming that you can do within your own home...and with peace of mind. For those with deeper and darker shades of skin, this is a lovely option for you without the risks involved in more potent treatments for discoloration. That's a huge sigh of relief for many who are struggling with this skin issue...regardless of your skin tone and shade.

How should you use it? AM and PM, after washing and toning skin in the morning. After washing and toning in the evening as you would a serum. Treat this as a serum. If your skin regimen permits using only once a day THAT'S FINE..don't stress. Just be sure you are using it with routine regularly. Be diligent and be sure incorporate this into your routine rather than use in passing or you won't see results.

This is hydrating, it doesn't irritate in my experience. It's an ingredient I have only seen in Clinical formulations at my Derm's office and so The Ordinary, especially at this price point, is extraordinary in this regard. This is truly hope and help in a jar and so I am grateful that Beautylish is bringing this product to those who struggle with discoloration Worldwide.

What else can you pair with this to boost it's effect? If you want to get the most bang for your buck and see better results, I strongly advise you to pair this with The Ordinary's Azelaic Acid Suspension. I'd also use this with a daily dose of Vitamin C in a serum formulation. I do think Timeless does a better Vitamin C that's affordable than The Ordinary, but if you want to try a C from the Ordinary, I recommend the Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F or (depending on skin type/needs) for those non-sensitive or oily/acne-prone, their C suspension. I have left reviews for those 2 products if that is of help. Timeless I'd keep in the fridge as batches are made fresh-to-order. Drunk Elephant would be my high end recommendation. Sensitive-skinned users should use a light hand with any C until skin is acclimated.

Another Ordinary win that works very well with this product is Niacinamide with Zinc. (I have left a review for that product as well.) Another amazing way to address discoloration is through AHA's (Alpha Hydroxy Acids). Glycolic or Lactic Acid as part of your overall skin regimen not only will help with discoloration of all sorts, it also stimulates collagen, making it anti-aging and it combats/helps prevent some acne types. It does not pose the risk that skin-bleaching ingredients do so you can pair these with peace of mind. The drugstore and many online skincare as well as cosmetic stores carry affordable AHA options, so fear not!

Retinol or Retinoids, including the 2% concentration from The Ordinary or your favorite, properly packaged (no jars) of Retinol will also play a significant role in combating discoloration, evening skin tone, and brightening the complexion.

More than anything else, I cannot stress enough how crucial using Broad Spectrum SPF Protection is. Even on a rainy or winter day, I implore using sun protection. All Sunscreens are NOT created equally. Touching up is so incredibly important with sun exposure. You don't want to create more discoloration or undo all of the hard work that this product and your skin regimen are doing to not only brighten and fade spots, but to protect you from health risks. Not everyone will see results of the same type or in the same time frame because as I have tried to explain, everyone's experience with Discoloration is linked to their health, genetics, lifestyle, routine, etc. So don't lose hope because you didn't see the same results as someone else. I speak more about eye discoloration in my Ordinary Caffeine review, but this should help brighten the eye area slightly if you combine it with other brightening agents and hydration in the entire orbital area. (This is not for use on the lids.)

I hope this was of help to you. I will be repurchasing and have gifted this. I would not hesitate to highly recommend this. I've waited to write my review until I personally saw changes in my own skin and could explain, based on my own experience, how it paired with other products that address Melasma/Discoloration. If you are pregnant or nursing, consult with your doctor (many times you can phone in and ask a nurse) before using any new products in your skincare that alter the state of your skin. I'd test patch as I would any new product.

Keep it up...be vigilant. Help and positive change IS within your reach. :)

I love The Ordinary. Their products are exactly as advertised or lack there of...effective and inexpensive. I was using a serum that was $100/oz. in the morning and a serum/oil that was also $100/oz. in the evening and it was good but was not addressing all of my concerns, not to mention I was buying new bottles once every two months. Now for less than $100 I am able to address all of my concerns and I can see my supply lasting me at least 4 months.

I will admit in the beginning it's tough to figure out but with a lot of consideration after reading both The Ordinary's website and calling Beautylish's customer service number I was able to figure out my custom regimen for my 32 year old skin with concerns around aging(wrinkles), mild breakouts, undereye dark circles and hyperpigmentation. Morning: 1.)cleanse(Sunday Riley) 2.)toning mist (Jurlique) 3.)Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG 4.)Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 5.)The Buffet 6.)Matrixyl 10% + HA 7.)Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA then I apply my makeup. I can feel my skin tighten as it plumps any lines for smooth skin before I apply my primer. Evening: 1.)Remove makeup with cleansing balm (Sunday Riley) 2.)cleanse (Sunday Riley) 3.)Gel toner(Sunday Riley) 4.)Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG 5.)Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 6.)Every other night I switch between Advanced Retinoid 2% and Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% 7.)Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 8.)Moisturize (Sunday Riley) 9.) 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil. I wake up so moisturized and my skin feels like as if it is brand new skin. It honestly freaks me out how smooth it is!

I know it seems like a lot but I am serious about keeping my skin healthy and youthful so I can avoid surgical or harsh procedures as long as I can. So if your in for a little bit of effort to figure out your routine you can make your own customized and potent serum cocktail at a fraction of the cost of what the luxury brands tell you have to pay for something that works.

This paired with the niacinamide is a magical concoction that helps fade hyperpigmentation from acne in about a month.

I'm more than happy & grateful with The Ordinary Routine. Every product I add complement another & the results are incredibles. This sound like a "cliche"?!? Nobody pays me for my words, I ordered with own money & with hope of any improvement on my skin (Hyper-Pigmentation,fine lines but at the same time some adult acne!). Lot of problems on my skin & nothing makes any improvement. After I saw a video on media of Wayne Goss, & ordered my 1st products my skin improved on texture, fine lines filled, 0 acne & faded a lot my dark spots. I'm a young woman with a diagnosis of lupus, on my case is reactive for 5 years & from 3 little spots treated for a Dermatologist for a big amount of money & only saw results for two weeks, I never found the remedy... Meanwhile, my dark spots; took my cheeks. So devastated. The Ordinary change my life. Do just what said & more. I added to my AM skin regime Alpha Arbutin 2%+HA with Niacidine 10% +Zinc 1% & with Advance Retinoid 2%-No irritation I decided to use it every day. Results: My spots are almost faded, my skin is clear, hydrated, 0 acne pumps as reaction. I want to have a before pic of my dark spots & dehydrated face. This products are affordable & have the power of nothing can I tried before. Including, the days of extra full cover foundation are over. For first time I have confidence on my own skin. Have the power of fading & hydrated skin. I'm so happy with my The Ordinary. About Beautylish Inc.:So responsable, Extra fast shipping, Fresh products, Excellent wrapping & a you know when a Co. put effort for client's happiness. Thanks.

For the mature skin and those over 60, this product is a must have. I started having dark spots appear on my cheeks. I have been using a C serum and other acids, but the spots were getting darker and getting larger. I knew I needed something more, when I came across The Ordinary line. I have been using their products for only a week, and those spots are much lighter. I'm really looking forward to the end of the month to see the progress. I'm just as excited about all the other products I received. They have made a big difference in my complexion.

Wow! Deciem has really set the skincare business on its head. This product is exactly what it says it is and does exactly what it says it does. It is not "watered down" with anything you don't want or need. But, it feels like tapping water on your face. If you are not about heavy creams or heavy price tags, look no further. For the record, I am absolutely impressed by Beautlish! My orders arrived super quick and the packaging is the most amazing I have seen. (If only there were samples included, it would be absolutely perfect. Hint-hint)

I have gone through an entire bottle, and just did my first reorder. I love this so much. I am 50 years old and have a couple dark spots on the side of my face from sun damage and this has definitely reduced the darkness. I have been using it at night in my PM routine. Its amazing and very effective.

So far so good! I mean I think it's hard to say within a month but I have noticed a fading and lightening. I'm a mom that ended up with post pregnancy neck and lower cheek hyper pigmentation. And this is helping and blends and sets on my skin nicely. Under makeup no problems. Would reorder for sure