Hydroquinone Free Lumixyl For Skin Spots
Got Skin Spots?
Hydroquinone free Lumixyl® just may be your new answer to old sun spots (think: age spots, liver spots, etc.). Lumixyl® is a new proprietary synthetic oligopeptide (an oligopeptide is a protein fragment or molecule that usually consists of less than 25 amino acid residues linked in a polypeptide chain) consisting of a chain of ten amino acids. Marketed by Basis Medical Technologies, this beautifully elegant, non-irritating, non-scented cream appears to be even more effective than hydroquinone, the usual Gold Standard for reduction of hyperpigmentation or melasma without the use of lasers or light sources.
Is Hydroquinone Cream Dangerous?
Hydroquinone has been pulled off the market in some Asian and European countries. It has been discussed here, but the evidence as to whether or not it is dangerous is somewhat controversial. It also can cause irritation and allergic reactions. According to Neil Sadick, MD, FAAD, FAACS, FACP, FACPh, “Hydroquinone has had some controversy in the recent past and this product (Lumixyl®) offers a non-hydroquinone alternative that shows good clinical efficacy in treating discoloration without causing irritation”. From Dr. Bonnie: When first meeting, my patients tell me they want to look younger, and we talk about their concerns. For most its a sense of not looking as “fresh” as they used to. As we continue to talk, I find many are under incredible stress, and it’s aging them beyond their real years. They’re aware of the pressure, and maybe even of the toll it’s taking. Unfortunately, its not easy to figure out how to get off this energy draining treadmill that’s sabotaging their chance to look great. I ‘ve discovered three common problems that almost all of these patients share, and even went so far as to prepare three separate videos, which have become my “prescriptions”. Each deals with a different problem and shows step-by-step how to eliminate them from your life. I would love to share them with you, and there is no charge. The first is titled “The Dirty Little Secret of Multi-Tasking” and as the title may hint, Multi-Tasking is not helping us save time nor get things done faster. You will also begin receiving My Beauty Tip of The Week every Friday. In it I discuss things just like in the article above and can answer your questions, should you want to ask. It’s also free and you can unsubscribe at any time. I look forward to hearing from you. Dr. Bonnie
November, Sunday 2010 at 3:12 pm
I just bought lumixyl brightening system. How long should I wait after i apply glycopeel before I can apply brightening cream and then the sunscreen?
November, Tuesday 2010 at 4:04 pm
Dear Maria,
The glycopeel should be dry prior to the brightening cream. Also, you may wish to only use the glycopeel 4 to 5 times per week rather than everyday, as sometimes it can cause a bit too much exfoliation. The system is great though because it does make your skin healthier by decreasing skin reproduction time and decreasing that top layer of dead cells that gets uglier over time. Therefore, the sunscreen is extremely important (even in winter) because your skin is more susceptible to sun damage.
Enjoy!
April, Friday 2010 at 1:53 am
Hi Bonnie,
I keep searching a cream that can possible help me to whiten my dark scars on my hands and legs. I got this since last year and I tried DOVE whitening soap and any whitening lotion over the counter. I need your help what should I do. Thanks.
April, Saturday 2010 at 1:33 pm
Dear Michelle,
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark areas in response to trauma or injury) is common and can be tough. It occurs anywhere there has been inflammation, and it is often on the face of darker (types III through VI) skinned folks where blemishes were the culprit. It is tougher on the hands and the legs because the skin is slower to turn over on these areas than on the face. Therefore it is necessary to use something that will breakdown the stratum corneum (the top layer of dead keratin cells) and allow the penetration of the lightening product. In addition, a product that will increase cell turnover will enhance the efficacy of the treatment. That said, I often prescribe Tri-Luma for spot treatments because the tretinoin (generic Retin-A) turns the cells over faster and this causes the breakdown of the stratum corneum (because it literally is younger), while the hydroquinone (prescription bleaching agent) penetrates to decrease the production of melanin, thereby lightening the area. It also contains a mild steroid since both products can be somewhat irritating.
If you wanted something non-prescription, Lumixyl now has an additional product, GlycoPeel 20, that is applied prior to the application of Lumixyl. Since glycolic acid will also speed the cell turnover and decrease the stratum corneum resistence (though less efficiently than tretinoin) this combination greatly increases the efficacy of Lumixyl compared to using Lumixyl alone.
Kojic acid is an over-the-counter lightener that is frequently found in products, however it really is not strong enough to address what you describe.
Thanks for visiting and I hope this helps!
January, Friday 2010 at 10:04 pm
Hi, this is Bonnie. I got this email question today and thought I would share it with you all:
Can Lumixyl be used for dark circles under eyes?
January, Friday 2010 at 10:06 pm
Thanks for your question.
Dark circles under the eyes arise from a variety of issues. Sometimes it is hyperpigmentation (too much pigment) which may or may not be a heredity cause. In this case, Lumixyl may help. In other cases it can be due to transparency of the very thin skin under the eyes and therefore one may be able to see underlying tissues and blue vessels, all coming together to appear as dark circles. In other cases the lower lids may be indented somewhat and therefore decrease the ability of light to be reflected.
For an immediate help, Teamine Eye Complex from Revision Skin Care helps to decrease the darkness. For longer lasting changes, using a glycolic based cream, or the best…a retinoid (Retin-A, etc) will increase the thickness of the skin, and adding Lumixyl will help the pigment (if that is the issue) over time.
Any further questions? Please contact me at yearserased.com. Good Luck!
Dr. Bonnie Marting
August, Sunday 2009 at 11:19 am
Hi Bonnie,
I enjoyed the Anushka interview and the newsletter. In response to one
question, you mentioned a zinc/titanium sunscreen. The product I use most days is an spf 30 which contains both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide along
with moisturizers. I also have Neutragena spf 60 for sensitive skin which has zinc and titanium, that I use for outdoor days. I’d like to know what you recommend.
August, Sunday 2009 at 11:26 am
About sunscreens…I almost wish the authorities would do away with the SPF and get people to read labels. SPF refers only to UVB radiation and can be misleading. Zinc and Titanium (or only Zinc) in a sunscreen are a necessity as far as I am concerned, and there really is no reason for the other chemicals in a sunblock (the “other” sunscreening agents). The zinc should be at least 5%. It blocks the most UVA of all screeners/blockers, and will not be affected by heat, light, or UV rays, as others can be. Neutrogena® Sensitive Skin 60+ SPF Sunblock Lotion with PureScreenTM has zinc and titanium in strong amounts if this is the one you are referring to.
Some sunscreens boast Helioplex, which is a proprietary name for a formulation of broad spectrum skin protection containing Avobenzone and Oxybenzone. Avobenzone containing products have decreasing efficacy after a few hours of sun exposure, but the addition of Oxybenzone can reduce the amount of degradation that occurs. This is a problem with some chemical sunscreens. It will not happen with zinc and titanium.
September, Friday 2010 at 6:51 pm
In regards to your comment about sunscreen. Is there one in particular that you would recommend people to use in the summer? Preferabbly one that doesn’t decrease efficacy after only a couple hours. Is it true that you need to reapply sunscreen every 2 hour? Are there any sunscreens that last longer and can be worn under make up all day?
September, Saturday 2010 at 12:53 pm
I really prefer something that is a physical blocker and most often use products from Fallene, specifically TIZO for the face. TIZO is a non-chemcical based sunscreen that contains Titanium di-oxide, Zinc oxide, and Iron. These physical blocks provide long-lasting protection (you really have to wash this stuff off, as it is extremely water and sweat resistent). That said, NO sunscreen can protect you the same way the indoors can. Or clothes. But since the physical blocks do not break down in the heat, light, or vehicle, they are your best bet.
Why does one need to re-apply sunscreen? One reason is that if you are getting continued sun, you are counting down the numbers of the SPF (whatever it is) as well as the UVA blcoking potential. In other words, if a sunscreen boasts an SPF of say 30, then potentially you can be out 30 times longer with the same amount of exposure as if you were wearing nothing. However, you also have incidental removers, such as scratching an itch, giving a hug, wiping your hair out of your face, etc. These remove the protective ability. Finally, reapplying can add “layers” that may be helpful to increase the physical barrier. It’s worth it.