[Review] Products I have used for hyperpigmentation as a POC

Beauty Tips For Body Care
I dealt with a bout of some bad acne after switching birth control early last year. My skin tone is somewhere between the IV and V on the Fitzpatrick scale so I am extremely prone to hyperpigmentation. Since it seems like a lot of people of color (POC) on here struggle with this I thought I'd give reviews of specific products I've used to try to clear it up aside from not picking and wearing sunscreen. My skin isn't completely clear yet but it's improved a lot in the last year. As always YMVV.The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution $8.70I was excited about this since it's so cheap, but it stung my face every time I used it (I am sometimes sensitive to rosewater) and didn't really improve my marks. Used for about 2 weeks. 1/5The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA $6.79Another product that I was excited about for the price. I'm not sure why but this broke me out badly. Used twice. 0/5The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA $8.90Felt nice and hydrating, but did absolutely nothing for my spots after using the whole bottle. 2/5Differin Gel $13.99Bought this to try because it's cheaper than my Retin A prescription. Didn't control my acne as well as Retin A and did not help my spots after using the whole .5 oz tube. 2/5Retin A .05 % Cream $42.99 with RxThis has always been my HG for my acne as well as hyperpigmentation. It dramatically fades my spots better than anything else. The only downsides are flakiness during periods of cold or dry weather and the cost. 4.5/5Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum $33.99Great at soothing, hydrating and overall brightening. Had a mild effect on my spots. It also smells really nice without fragrance. I used one bottle of this but did not repurchase because I wanted to find a slightly cheaper Vitamin C. 4/5Shark Sauce $29.00 Also great at hydrating and overall brightening. However, I didn't see much of a change in my spots. I have not repurchased this yet because it's pricey and I want to see if I notice changes in my skin now that I'm not using it anymore. I used 1 sample bottle and 1 regular sized bottle. 3.5/5Acure Roship Oil $11.59I've used Rosehip Oil on and off for a few years. It seems to improve the healing time for my active acne which minimizes the scarring it leaves. I like the Acure one particularly because it doesn't have much of a smell and it comes in a bottle with a pump. It is sometimes a little too greasy during the summer. 4/5The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution (edited to add because I forgot this) $7.30This product is legitimately amazing. It does sting when you first put it on but it makes my skin feel so smooth after I wash it off and has an immediate brightening effect the next day without irritation. I have used almost a full bottle and use it once a week. HOWEVER, I will not be repurchasing this because of the company drama which is a shame because it's truly perfect for me. 5/5I hope this helps my fellow POC, or anyone else struggling with PIH!
Girls Blog 2015
Submitted by toriocean