u/RaccoonKlutzy3723

Hi! This is a 3- months-old-post I initially shared n r/tretinoin and r/skinwhitening . I thought it could help people here.

Timeline: 9–10 months of consistent effort. Results: Achieved my initial goal of lighter skin, faded dark spots, and a much more even overall tone. Photos: Left is Before; Right is After. Both were taken in the same spot, at the same hour, and in nearly identical lighting to ensure the comparison is as accurate as possible.

The Mindset & Coaching

Beyond the p.ro.du.c.ts, I want to mention that I worked with an online life coach. While she isn't a dermatologist, she helps people set realistic goals and achieve them. She used information from r/skinwhitening to create my regime. For me this is step 1.Now that I reached my initial oals I set another objective .

The Routine

1. Oral Supplements (AM with Breakfast) Vitamin D & Vitamin C (1g) MSM (1 tablespoon) NAC (600 mg): I cycle this every 3 months. Glycine (1 tablespoon) Dietary Glutathione: I eat avocados daily for natural Vitamin E and glutathione support.
2. AM Topical Routine Moisturizer: I rotate between Cetaphil, Vanicream, or Avène Xeracalm. Sunscreen Strategy: This is my "holy grail." I layer my protection: Option A: EltaMD UV Restore SPF 40, followed 20 minutes later by the Tinted version. Option B (Fast): Neutrogena Purescreen+ Mineral Tint or ISDIN Eryfotona Ageless. The "Commute" Trick: I apply a high-zinc sunscreen (white cast) for the drive to work, then layer a tinted mineral sunscreen once I arrive.
3. PM Topical Routine Double Cleanse: CeraVe Oil Cleanser followed by Cetaphil or Vanicream. I use paper towels to pat dry to ensure all sticky tinted SPF is removed. Treatment: Tretinoin.05 (weekdays).
4. PM supplements: Vitamin c 1 g. NAC 600 mg Glycine one tablespoon Alpha lipoic acid one capsule
5. Weekly Exfoliation (Friday Night) Lactic Acid: I started at 5% and worked up to a 20% solution. Process: I use exfoliating gloves, apply a self-made K.o.ji.c Acid serum while the skin is "raw" (receptive), and seal everything with Cica-Plast or Vaseline. Note: I tried Hydroquinone (HQ) previously, but my derm stopped it after a few weeks due to an allergic reaction.
6. Weekend Recovery: On Saturdays, and Sundays I stay indoors, skip SPF, and use a thick layer of Vaseline with a "cold face mask" to seal in moisture.

[DISCLAIMER ON PR✔️D.CT NAMES] I am listing the specific brands I used for strictly informative and transparency purposes. This is not a sponsored post, and I am not affiliated with any of these brands. I’m sharing these names only because I know how helpful it is to see the exact formulations that worked for someone else’s skin chemistry.

AM Routine (Weekdays)

Moisturizer: I rotate between Cetaphil, Vanicream, CeraVe, or Avène Xeracalm.

The Sunscreen Strategy (Essential):

* I apply EltaMD UV Restore Broad-Spectrum SPF 40. 20 minutes later, I layer EltaMD UV Restore Tinted SPF 40.

If I’m in a rush, I use Neutrogena Purescreen+ Mineral UV Tint or ISDIN Eryfotona Ageless Tinted Mineral SPF 50. Commute Tip: I wear a high-white-cast sunscreen (like EltaMD UV Skin Recovery SPF 50) for the drive to work, then apply the tinted version once I arrive.

PM Routine

Double Cleanse: I use CeraVe Cleansing Oil followed by Cetaphil or Vanicream cleanser. Note: Since tinted mineral SPF is sticky, I use paper towels to pat dry to ensure all residue is gone. Treatment: Tretinoin (Monday–Thursday/Sunday).

Weekly Exfoliation (Friday Night) Lactic Acid: DIY serum . my strength went from 5% to 20%.

The Method: I wash with a 15% to 20% Lactic Acid solution (face and body) and sometimes I use exfoliating gloves. Post-Exfoliation: While the skin is receptive, I apply a self-made K.o.j.i.c Acid serum, then La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm or Avène Thermal Water, and seal it all with Vaseline.

My goal:Fading dark spots,even out my tone, and a glowy look

Holistic & Lifestyle Changes

This was a total lifestyle overhaul. Lighting and environment matter as much as creams:

Sleep: In bed by 9:45 PM; up at 6:00 AM.

Light Control: At 8:00 PM, I switch all home lights to dim yellow bulbs.

Diet: Organic food mostly; no alcohol or smoking; sugar/processed food limited to twice a month.

Sun Avoidance: I use tinted UV filters on my car windows and hit the gym (located in a basement) to avoid commiting at peak UV hours.

Extras

After my derm stopped HQ he gave a light lactic acid peel last November.

My "Holy Grails"to avoid pigmentation due to heat

Cold Face Eye Mask: I use this on weekends instead of SPF ( I stayed locked up playing videogames in a dark room) to soothe heat and "seal" my moisturizers. It’s a lifesaver for avoiding inflammation and I think it helped me get protected from visible light from the sun.

Drinking a lot of water

Environment: I use a silent tower fan instead of AC—it’s much less drying for my skin and better for my asthma

Discipline: Consistency over 10 months was the real key.

Important: I didn't start with Tret .05, I worked my way up from .001%. Tret was my only active until November of 2025 when I added Lactic acid. Simple routines give great results. Sun avoidance is non-negotiable.

Happy to answer any questions about the specific strengths or textures!

I'll post an update because I made some adjustments but basically it's the same.