Admire My Skin Hydroquinone Dark Spot Corrector

Here’s our review of the Admire My Skin 2% Hydroquinone Dark Spot Corrector

Having dark spots of various causes is no picnic, but there are solutions for getting rid of them. One of the most popular choices out there, for reasons we can only understand, is the Admire My Skin 2% Hydroquinone Dark Spot Corrector.

As the you can see it from its name, the serum is based on hydroquinone 2%, which is the main ingredient. However, this isn’t the only one and the serum is made with plenty of other ingredients that work together for removing dark spots.

What is it for?

The serum presents a rather strong formula that addresses dark spots, acne scars, melasma and other skin discoloration conditions.

Even though the serum is going to cause a darkening of the affected area in the beginning, the area is going to peel off, but only to reveal a much lighter skin later on. This is something you need to keep in mind in case you get all panicky after the first days of use.

As the serum is powerful, it’s always wise to run a patch test before start using it on the affected areas. The serum is efficient, but it may cause a burning or itching sensation, some discomfort or even redness of the skin.

Protecting your skin while you’re using the serum is also something to have in mind, but we’re going to get back on this later on.

Proven to work on acne scars, the serum is a life-saver for many but it may just as well be too strong for your skin. It’s essential to mention though that the serum does lighten dark spots in most of its users so it’s worth to give it a try if ever in need.

Side note, don’t expect the serum to fully remove the dark spots, since the skin texture is already damaged, but you should see results close enough to 100% removal.

There are many factors that may interfere with the serum’s efficiency (genetics, application, safe use) so one may get better and faster results than another.

What are the active ingredients?

Hydroquinone 2% is the main ingredient of the serum and it’s the major reason for which the serum is so efficient.

For those of you who don’t know, hydroquinone is a topical skin-bleaching agent that is used for solving the hyperpigmentation problems such as melasma, dark spots, age spots or sun spots.

As the results of hydroquinone aren’t permanent, you need to use it constantly until you get the results that you wanted.

Some may get side effects from using hydroquinone, so a patch test always keeps you at bay from damaging your skin.

What about the inactive ingredients?

The serum includes various ingredients that have various benefits to the skin so here’s a detailed look:

  • Alcohol denat– this is a solvent and antimicrobial agent that may cause dryness, breakouts and irritation of skin
  • Propylene glycol that minimizes the risk for the moisture of water from cosmetic products to escape
  • Water
  • Hamamelis virginiana water-this is also known as witch hazel, an astringent that also calms the skin
  • Azelaic Acid- this is a strong anti-acne agent that also has bleaching abilities and anti-bacterial potency. It may lead to side effects like peeling, dryness or stingy sensation to the skin.
  • Kojic acid- it’s a lightening ingredient that addresses sun damage on skin, but also scars and age spots. It has antimicrobial abilities and may cause some inflammation or irritation to the skin.
  • Lactic acid- it’s a powerful ingredient that helps for minimizing the appearance of acne breakouts and wrinkles or other signs of aging. It smooths skin and eliminates fine lines and wrinkles
  • Salycilic acid- the agent that exfoliates and peels, the main reason of shedding the outer layer of skin. You can expect skin dryness and skin irritations when using cosmetic products with this ingredient.
  • Sodium hydroxide- this is a popular pH adjuster, but it may lead to deep ulcerations and serious burns
  • Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose- it’s a lubricant, a foam enhancer and a stabilizer that thickens and forms a film in hair can skin care products.
  • Ascorbic acid- this is the popular vitamin C that plays a big part in the collagen synthetic.

What’s the best way to use it?

As mentioned previously, always run a patch test before start using the hydroquinone serum, or any other hydroquinone-based cosmetic product.

Some got the best results when applying the serum with a q-tip straight on the dark spots, twice a day. As skin reacts differently, you can get results as soon as after one week of use, but you could also get them only after few weeks of gel.

A tiny burning sensation is quite likely to appear, but it doesn’t mean you’re having a bad reaction to the serum.

You should also expect to notice a darkening of the area where you applied the serum, pretty similar to a mild burn.

If you’re using make up, it’s likely that it’s going to cake on top of the skin, looking like a bruise underneath the makeup.

Some didn’t give up on their skin care routine and continued to wash the face with a micro-exfoliation wash once a day. After a while, the dark spots are going to peel off the face, revealing lighter areas instead.

If you’re still not happy with the results, you can start over with applying the serum. Some brown spots may disappear for good, but this depends on each skin.

As long as you’re patient about it, you should be able to see improvements after a while.

The safety rules when using it

Apart from running the patch test, some rules need to be followed during a hydroquinone treatment, this one including:

  • Even though the serum can be applied in the morning, it’s always better to include it in the night time routine
  • Always apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing if you’re using it in the day. Better yet, do it no matter if you apply it in the morning or at night. The serum increases the sensitivity of your skin, so the risk for sun burns increases a lot.
  • You should take a break after three months. Use some natural products in between
  • It’s a good idea to use the serum along with a retinol cream. Not only the results are going to show sooner, but it’s also alleviating some of the side effects of the serum.

Is Hydroquinone Safe?

Dr. Howard Murad said: “Skin Bleaching, Skin Whitening, Skin Lightening. So many choices, but they are all basically the same thing. The bottom line is that you want to change the tone of your complexion and you need a mild treatment to do it. Sometimes it’s best to use a stronger product like a hydroquinone cream.”

The takeaways

The serum is effective as long as you’re using it right and play by the rules.

Here’s a very short list of its main qualities:

  • It removes hyperpigmentation, melasma and dark spots of various causes
  • It has a strong and one-of-a-kind formula
  • Its price is not bad at all, considering its efficiency
  • It’s easy to use and to store

As for the downsides, you need to decide for yourself if it’s worth the pay the token or not. Considering the great outcomes, we’re not seeing the minor issues as deal breakers:

  • You may get a tingly sensation in the beginning. The more you’re using it, the sensation is going to disappear as your skin adjusts to the serum
  • It does dry the skin and makes the skin more sensitive. There are solutions for the problem though when you’re determined to get results.

The conclusion

The serum is potent and removes dark spots, melasma and hyperpigmentation and you need to stay put about its minor side effects that are easy to overcome and, more important, not permanent.

===> See reviews and pricing on Amazon

 

Other skin whitening or dark spot removing products we have reviewed: the Meladerm Whitening Cream, the TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum for Face, the Active Pigment & Lifting Cream by Tulip Natural, the Neocutis Perle Skin Brightening Cream, the Lifeline Daily Defense Complex.