r/SkinLightening

Hello
So below is a picture of the color of my thigh compared to my hand. My body has three different shades. Would it be weird if I lighten my hand to match the color of my thigh? My chest is also the color of my thigh so is my face and so is my chest. Any recommendations on what to use? I just don’t like the look of having so many different shades on my body.

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.