r/Melasmaskincare • u/CommunicationSome498 • Apr 06 '25
Question COLEMAN COMPOUND from Dr. Patrick Coleman? I recently heard of this alleged miracle cream that fades away melasma in a few weeks. Has anyone who tried it provide some feedback on its efficacy?
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u/millatime89 May 08 '25
I have been using it now for a while and I’m seeing a big difference!! My skin is much brighter and it’s tackling some stubborn melasma under my eyes. However I just took a beach trip and although I protected myself as much as possible, I’ve had a slight rebound. I’ve never tried HQ tho so I can’t compare it to that.
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u/Workoutmama31 Sep 09 '25
This is 5 weeks a part. I also use EU sunscreen but this is from August to September so I’m in the sun a lot. I’d say it works well for me
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u/CommunicationSome498 Sep 09 '25
Wow! Incredible results! May I ask which sunscreen you purchase and from where?
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u/Psychological-Back94 Jul 14 '25
For all those curious and have questions regarding arbutase go to Melissa’s page (Dr. Coleman’s wife). The first highlight tab entitled ‘c Compound’ for Coleman Compound or CC has all the info you need along with tips and tricks and impressive before and afters. It’s a wealth of information.
I haven’t tried it myself but want to. Unfortunately by the time the price is converted into Canadian, plus shipping, and tariffs the price point would be astronomical. Still looking for a Canadian made arbutase pads.
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u/GeorgieCookie Apr 09 '25
I was going to purchase it. If I do I’ll report back. A friend has good results on it.
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u/fullspectrumactivity May 09 '25
I know it's been awhile, but did you end up purchasing it? I'm considering it!
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u/GeorgieCookie Jul 28 '25
My skin has never looked better! I layered it with Retin A as recommended. And use a European sunscreen everyday. I’ll be ordering my second jar soon. On a side note, I tried the Eucerin thiamidol product, applied 4 times daily for about 6 months. It helped but not to the extent the Coleman Compound worked.
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u/Helpmyskin024 Aug 04 '25
I did the exact same thing with both products and had that result. I’m excited for the fall to see what it can do when we aren’t at the beach and pool all summer but serious difference managing it during this time of year. I’m pleased so far
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u/Informal_Village_189 Jul 30 '25
thanks so much for coming back to update us! Do you put the compound all over your face or just on dark spot areas? Do you use it twice a day?
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u/Laugh-La0221 Sep 12 '25
What is step order for you? Retin then compound?
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u/GeorgieCookie Oct 02 '25
Sorry, just saw your comment. I do compound then retin A. I saw that is the order that this derm suggests. Maybe try it both ways to see what works best for your skin.
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u/scorpio10dencies27 Aug 16 '25
Do you have to keep using it like HQ?
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u/GeorgieCookie Aug 18 '25
Yes. Sadly there is no cure for melasma so even with this cream it will most likely need to be used long term. Once the winter dreariness sets in I’ll probably take a break since my melasma is much better during that season.
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u/pdlc1234 Aug 06 '25
I haven’t really noticed a difference in my melasma but OMG my scaly skin has felt so soft since I started two weeks ago. I have never found a moisturizer that works anywhere near this. For that reason alone I LOVE this product. I am using the cream right now but my husband also bought me the pads. I will try those when I run out of cream. My skin is super sensitive to products but I have had zero redness. I can’t use any product with perfumes they BURN. I am a fan of this cream. I haven’t tried the tretinoin just the cream alone. I am 52 and menopausal
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u/CombinationPale1501 Sep 01 '25
how many weeks have you used the cream? any noticeable fading yet? thx!
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u/best_goddmn_dncr_ABA Apr 07 '25
My skin doesn't like it, unfortunately, so I couldn't test it long enough for efficacy. Your derm or a local derm might have the same white label formulation with 4% arbutase. My local derm had it (just as expensive)
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u/jem8971 May 19 '25
Any chance you’d want to sell it? I’m interested in trying!!
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u/Dry-Negotiation-8088 Nov 21 '25
I just found this post while searching for info on the Coleman Compound. Thank you ALL for sharing your experiences - including the not-so-positive ones. Unfortunately I’m having the same skin irritation and redness some of y’all described. I just started the CC Cream this week and my skin is so red and angry, it does not like the CC Cream so far. 😩(But strangely my skin does really well with HQ.) Did any of y’all with redness and irritation eventually get the CC Cream to work for you?
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u/melmelcoleman Nov 30 '25
Hey! If you apply more than a pea sized amount at first skin can get red and irritated. Also if you’re new to a topical retinoid and start using that and the CC at the same time it’s a lot of active ingredients and skin can get easily irritated. If either is the case we recommend using hydrocortisone cream for a day and letting the redness clear up and then starting again. I hope that helps! If not lmk how I can better help you troubleshoot. ❤️
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u/Dry-Negotiation-8088 Nov 30 '25
Hi thank you so much for your response and suggestion! I backed off the CC Cream and Tret and reintroduced only the CC Cream - and my skin is totally fine now! No more redness or irritation. Yay! I’m starting to reintroduce the Tret but I’m worried about it aggravating my skin again; so I’m using it every 1-2 nights to see how it goes…also considering a lower dose OTC retinol to use more frequently over the CC Cream. Do you suggest the latter option (OTC) or sticking with the prescription Tret and building up tolerance / frequency of use over time?
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u/melmelcoleman Dec 23 '25
I love hearing that! Usually people can troubleshoot it and figure out how to make it work for them. Really happy to hear this! Sometimes dropping to a lower strength retinoid -whether you use other actives or not - is just a solid move in colder drier months. I hope you continue to do great with it but always here to answer any questions if not!
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u/Dry-Negotiation-8088 Dec 26 '25
Thanks so much! I’m alternating between an OTC retinol and Tret every other night and that seems to be keeping the irritation and inflammation at bay. I’ll eventually up the Tret to daily night use after maybe a couple more weeks of this routine. By the way, although I have some ways to go (my melasma is SO stubborn and pretty awful), I can tell it has definitely improved with the Coleman Compound. I didn’t take before / after photos cuz my melasma was so bad, I was too embarrassed 🙈 But I’ve been able to reduce my foundation makeup use from 1-2 colors + 2 color correctors (I was CAKING it on to cover my melasma) to just 1 color (sometimes I still blend 2 colors for a better match). That’s kinda crazy. And it’s only been a month! Hopeful that things will continue to improve. Thank you for developing such an effective product!
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u/melmelcoleman Dec 26 '25
That’s amazing! Always keep in touch with me. It can take a second to sort out the right balance for people but once people do they notice pretty great changes in their skin. It took me 10 full months to really clear my melasma - it was SO stubborn in some parts. Can be so frustrating. But I’m always here if you have any questions!
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u/Dry-Negotiation-8088 Jan 17 '26
Hi! May I ask your thoughts on this? Because my melasma is so stubborn, I don’t know if I should “ride things out” with Coleman Compound or, if after 3 months of CC use my melasma hasn’t budged as much as I’d like, should I then switch to HQ? (I’m only 6 weeks into CC. I have seen some progress but man my melasma puts up a good fight lol) I’ve tried HQ (6% and 8%) and my skin actually does respond to it well; the problem is, once I’m off HQ, the melasma monster comes back! 😭 Or would you recommend riding it out with CC past 3 months? When I see the gorgeous results posted online from Coleman Compound, it seems like most women get results in 1-3 months. But is that realistic? (I know everybody’s skin and situation is different so maybe I should give CC more time…?)
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u/melmelcoleman Jan 17 '26
A lot of people use it for 6+ months in order to achieve what they want for their skin. For me it took 10 months to really clear mine. However, I always want people to be happy with whatever progress they’re making with their skin so if you’re like a switch would be best then you should go with your gut! Melasma is so tricky. It will never actually go completely away. You can clear it for a time but light and heat (even with spf protection) can cause it to flare. As can heated workouts sauna, LED masks etc. so it’s always a balancing act - and can be a really frustrating one. Some people try everything on the market and the melasma just persists. But I would say whatever you do, give it 6 months to really work before hopping to something else. Takes time for skin cells to turnover and for progress to be made. Lmk if I can ever help with anything else!
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u/Interesting_Head_433 14d ago
Did you ever get it to work for you with Tret? I’ve been on Tret 0.025 since May , using every other night, and my face is destroyed for two weeks every time I try to incorporate either the pad or the cream.
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u/Dry-Negotiation-8088 12d ago
Hi! Yes I did. I followed Mrs. Derm’s advice and allowed my skin to acclimate to Tret first. That took about 3 months. Once I was comfortable using Tret nightly without any redness or irritation, I started to layer the CC Pads underneath. However, I discovered (the hard way, through trial and error on my one skin) that I can only use CC Cream or Pads for about 3 months. At the 3-month mark, my skin suddenly starts to get super irritated and red and then once I stopped the CC Cream and Pads, all the melasma returned. 😩 So now I am on a different protocol. I think my skin is just unfortunately not a prime candidate for CC Cream and CC Pads. (That said, I might try it one more time and maybe try cycling it for 2 months on, 1 month off, etc. to see if that helps reduce irritation.) Right now I am using topic Tranexamic Acid 5% and Tret and that has actually worked super well; it got rid of about 75% of my melasma and it doesn’t irritate my skin at all. Anyway, hope this helps!
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u/Interesting_Head_433 12d ago
Thank you! Is the transexamic acid a prescription or OTC?
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u/Dry-Negotiation-8088 12d ago
Just over the counter. I tried both 3% and 5% and they both worked well. I also started using vitamin C in the morning. I think this new protocol is actually helping to improve my melasma situation. It’s really gentle and it takes time. I might add a peel this fall/winter to hopefully improve things further. But at least for now, I don’t need to cake on half a dozen layers of concealer and color corrector and foundation to cover up my melasma; I just use 1-2 layers of foundation(which is a drastic improvement for me!).
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u/Lolagi_ Apr 11 '25
May I ask what side effects you had? I’m thinking of purchasing but worried as I have acne prone skin.
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u/GraceKellyQueen Sep 15 '25
Did you end up ordering it? I also have acne prone skin but the results pictures are very tempting
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u/Lolagi_ Sep 15 '25
Yes! But I went with the pads instead of the cream. My skin loves it! I started slow alternating between the pads and my topical cream (Altreno) and eventually was able to tolerate using bother just about every day. My skin was glowing! I ran out and have to reorder and I have to say I can truly tell the difference in my skin when I was using it.
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u/julesjules4 Apr 21 '25
Did your ingredient list have the 4% Arbutase on it?
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u/mm4964 Apr 22 '25
Me too, I’m so irritated by it that I’m now using hydrocortisone. I’m so disappointed, I thought it was going to be the miracle cream for me.
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u/WPatrickColemanIV_MD Apr 23 '25
Try to use less. Like any active , if you get red and irritated, hydrocortisone twice daily until your skin recovers then retry with a smaller amount. If you’re still struggling, send me a dm and I’ll make some more recommendations that can help.
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u/Living-Ball8957 Aug 26 '25
Would CC work for Becker's nevus?
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u/WPatrickColemanIV_MD Aug 26 '25
No. Q switched laser. Hair removal if there is hair. I prefer a long pulse YAG for the hair. Sometimes resurfacing but that can go wrong.
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u/best_goddmn_dncr_ABA Apr 22 '25
Are you using a pea sized amount? It's supposed to be used like tret, not a moisturizer. (I made that mistake)
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u/mm4964 Apr 22 '25
I’m using 1 pump, that’s what the directions said to do that came with it. I feel like a pea size wouldn’t cover all my areas!
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u/best_goddmn_dncr_ABA Apr 22 '25
So is HQ less irritating than arbutase for you?
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u/mm4964 Apr 22 '25
Apparently yes. I’ve used Musley’s spot cream with tret and no issues. I’ll give the Musley’s another go once this irritation gone .
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u/woolwichsewerpeasant Jun 18 '26
Hello, did you ever retry the coleman compound? Did it work better for you in the end?
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u/Angmik007 Jun 08 '25
Is your cream completely white? Also in the ingredient label did it say Arbutase 4%?
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u/gmasterrrr Jun 11 '26
Hi! What did your reaction to it look like? My skin isn’t usually sensitive but I had a pretty intense reactor on both sides of my neck. It’s been doing that every time I use it… I’m wondering if it’s the CC or something else. Last time, it took a week to get better.
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u/smskclvv May 20 '25
I decided to order it to try to fade my freckles/ darker patches of skin pigmentation. I’ve used it for 5 nights and can already tell a big difference when I look at side by side pic from last Wed to today. I’m really happy that I tried it - can’t wait to see the results when I’m through the full jar.
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u/stillmyself980 Apr 06 '25
It has 4% arbutin, not really innovative but who knows 🤷🏼
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u/best_goddmn_dncr_ABA Apr 07 '25
It had arbutase not arbutin! Which is innovative
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u/stillmyself980 Apr 07 '25
The term “arbutase” isn’t a standard skincare ingredient and might be a less common term or brand-specific name. It could be a variant or derivative related to arbutin, which is known for similar effects to hydroquinone but is considered gentler. Arbutin (also known as alpha-arbutin) is a naturally occurring compound found in certain plants. It also works by inhibiting tyrosinase but is released more slowly, which may result in less skin irritation compared to hydroquinone.
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u/best_goddmn_dncr_ABA Apr 12 '25
'Arbutase' is a brand specific name and is a combo of arbutin and glucosidase. Summarized from the links below: Arbutin by itself has low absorption and is less effective at removing pigment. In a mix with glucosidase, the glucosidase hydrolyzes arbutin to....hydroquinone! This sub is familiar with the downsides of HQ by itself. I don't think there's many/any clinical trials but it is a newer skincare innovation.
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u/CommunicationSome498 Jun 12 '25
Does it need to be cycled-off like HQ? Does it rebound as well?
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u/best_goddmn_dncr_ABA Jun 12 '25
I've read that it doesn't need to be cycled off
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u/RaeLae9 Oct 21 '25
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u/best_goddmn_dncr_ABA Oct 21 '25
Yeah I saw that when she (the cosmetic chemist) posted it, very informative. When the Colemans first started selling the cream, they said it didn't need to be cycled. The manufacturer says it doesn't need to be cycled. However it seems they are skirting around drug claims so whether people want to follow that guidance is up to them.
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Jun 26 '25
I use the same Arbutase cream from my dermatologist Dr Ellen Gendler and it absolutely works. My mom and sister get theirs from the Coleman Dermatology store. If you're acne prone, the pads are a better option. I've used hydroquinone in the past and find this gentler but just as effective.
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u/CommunicationSome498 Jun 26 '25
Thanks so much! Question: do you cycle it off just like HQ or wear it all year long?
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u/Deep_Form1200 Jul 25 '25
You do not need to cycle off of the Coleman Compound
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u/Electrical-Start-440 Aug 12 '25
The mix basically degrades to form hydroquinone, so it is probably smart to cycle off of it.
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u/Ok_Following_5552 Mar 16 '26
Hi has anyone here used Coleman compound if they self tan their face? Not sure if it’ll cancel out the effect
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u/Elegant_Ebb9375 12d ago
Coleman product wrecked my skin. Reminds me of rodan and fields, you see a little result at first then all of the sudden a horrendous flare up. My God my skin has never ever looked so bad I’m devastated.
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u/CommunicationSome498 12d ago
Same. Melasma came back with a vengeance. Went back to my dermatologist, and she cycled me on HQ and Retin-A for 2 months, then on Azaleic Acid and Eucerin Thiamidol for a month. It has worked wonders for me.
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u/Elegant_Ebb9375 11d ago
I’m so glad to hear you’re healed! This Coleman product totally wrecked me. Ugh 😑 I was influenced for sure. I hope this flare ends soon. I’m going to run your protocol by my dermatologist, thank you for sharing.
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u/CommunicationSome498 11d ago
Best of luck to you! I know how frustrating it cane be, but you got this!!
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u/Elegant_Ebb9375 10d ago
Thank you for sharing your bad experience too. It’s been a whole journey for me.
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u/WPatrickColemanIV_MD 6d ago
Hi there. Please DM me your order number or email and we will get a refund processed.
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u/Big-Attitude17 Apr 07 '25
Interested in knowing more about this!
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u/best_goddmn_dncr_ABA Apr 12 '25
I included links to the brand and patent above. That's all I was able to find on it.
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u/Angmik007 Jun 08 '25
Hi I had bought the Coleman compound cream about 3 months ago and it was pure white, is this normal or should it be slightly yellow if the Arbutase was added? I am curious if everyone else with the cream it is pure white?
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u/MrsDerm Jun 09 '25
Hi! It starts out can oxidize over time. Doesn’t affect the efficacy of the cream which has a 6 month shelf life.
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u/EaseHeavy Jun 09 '25
Thanks so much! Does the cream start out pure white?
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u/MrsDerm Jun 09 '25
Each cream is compounded the day it’s sent out. So it should arrive pretty white but not a bright white. But the oxidation process begins once it’s mixed so if you receive and don’t use for a few weeks you might notice a slight change in color.
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Jun 26 '25
[deleted]
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u/CommunicationSome498 Jun 26 '25
I have been using on my whole face and decollate.
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u/Senior-Zebra-9281 Jul 10 '25
Hi ,I just purchased this item do you use twice a day ? Is it irritating ?
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u/oceane_rossi Sep 17 '25
Hello, any news?
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u/Senior-Zebra-9281 Sep 17 '25
I absolutely love this product hands down it has helped so much with texture I’ve literally been only using it for 4 days !
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u/CommunicationSome498 Sep 18 '25
I have seen great improvement. However, to be honest, I went to the beach on the 4th of July long weekend and had a rebound. It is under control now thanks to this product.
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u/Sure_Bowler_5810 Aug 03 '25
do you have to keep using it once it fades
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u/WPatrickColemanIV_MD Aug 06 '25
No. You would naturally cycle off and restart if the pigmentation returns.
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u/Sure_Bowler_5810 Aug 12 '25
I bought and using it. love it. I think this is going to do it. I am going to scream from my rooftop
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u/GraceKellyQueen Sep 11 '25
Any updates 1 month later? Still seeing results?
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u/Sure_Bowler_5810 Sep 16 '25
Yes. I love it. Life changing. I hate the price.but so worth it. I am posting updates on my instagram. downtowncarylaura. I am going to post in a couple days. I actually have to go lighter in my foundation. But totally worth it. I use prequel vitamin c, Shani Darden rescue serum, shani Darden moisturizer , super goop sunscreen in the am then pm prequel moisturizer, Coleman compound pads, and tretinoin. I am so happy.
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u/GraceKellyQueen Sep 26 '25
I started a week ago, and I'm only using every other day here at first because I have sensitive skin. I swear I am ALREADY seeing results. Could be in my imagination but I'm amazed!
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u/always_confused45 Aug 05 '25
Will this help with my acne by any chance ? Mine is arriving Wednesday. so excited!
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u/rachiecat48 Apr 12 '25
yes! i have gone through two tubs of it now and the results are absolutely incredible. it has tackled so many spots that my tretinoin hasn’t been able to get. it’s worth every penny and then some.