If you've been following me on other social media channels (you are, right?) I've been going on and ON about something called Brightenex. This topical cream was developed by Dr. Obagi for ZO Skin Heath to lightens hyperpigmentation. It does NOT contain Hydroquinone, which is kind of a breakthrough for those of us with stubborn hyperpigmentation. According to the good doctor, here is what it does:
Bioengineered
to target all three stages of skin discoloration through a patented,
bio-vectored, microsphere delivery system. It is formulated to even skin
color and tone, and recommended as a first course in treating
hyperpigmentation.
A blend of potent retinol (1.0%), melanin inhibitors and antioxidants are released to rapidly brighten and even skin tone quality. Additionally, this comprehensive multi-action formulation minimizes skin redness caused by environmental factors and helps maintain an even and restored skin tone.
BRIGHTENEX™ Multi-Action System
A blend of potent retinol (1.0%), melanin inhibitors and antioxidants are released to rapidly brighten and even skin tone quality. Additionally, this comprehensive multi-action formulation minimizes skin redness caused by environmental factors and helps maintain an even and restored skin tone.
BRIGHTENEX™ Multi-Action System
- Dual pigmentation reversal with vitamin A and ascorbic acid-2 glucoside
- Bio-active levels of vitamins E and C, and stachys officinalis antioxidants
- Multistage glutathione, soy isoflavones, and N-acetyl glucosamine melanin inhibitor system
- Retinol (1.0%) microencapsulation in an oleosomes delivery system
 |
Here is the deal. Brightenex works. It will lighten your skin. Your hyperpigmentation will fade. Mine did. But that isn't the end of the story.
It's also a very strong topical. My skin is generally really hearty. I did have to baby it back to health after using a BB cream with methyl methacrylate, so maybe it's not as tough as it once was, but it's certainly normal. Brightenex worked better for me than lasers, peels and anything else I've tried.
(This is my histamine reaction when Brightenex accidentally transferred to my neck. It felt like a burn, but cleared up quickly with hydrocortisone.)
However, no matter when or how I used it, it also caused extreme micro-peeling on the third day after initial use. I also felt like I had a bad sunburn from time to time. My skin was never able to adjust, no matter how many days I did or didn't use it. I also got it on the back of my hand accidentally, where I suppose the skin is thinner. The Brightenex caused scabbing. I accidentally got it on my neck, transferred from my pillow, and it caused what looked like a serious burn and was very painful. Luckily, after a dermatologist consult, it was determined to primarily be a histamine reaction from the Brightenex and NOT A BURN. Still my skin reacted in a very strange way. This is strong stuff.
At the end of the day, Brightenex works. It's not for those with sensitive skin or those afraid of a little discomfort and peeling. I would suggest being very, very careful if you opt to use this. If you have tried everything else and nothing is working, this might be for you. But start slowly and be very careful. You'll get results, but it comes with some peeling, discomfort and potential, temporary side effects.
Sent for review. I'm not a doctor, so ask yours before using this or any other strong topical.
Official disclosure/disclaimer statement can be found here.
Subscribe and never miss a thing!
OMGosh, I'm not sure my skin could handle that ! I really appreciate your review ! You didn't mention how long you used it for to get those results or did you have to stop totally due to your reaction?
ReplyDeleteYikes! I have a love/hate relationship with my freckles so I have always wanted to try a product such as this, however I also have sensitive skin so I'm not sure if this would work. Definitely will have to look into it a bit more. Thanks for the review!!
ReplyDeleteI used this on and off for about 2 months. Within three days of the first application, the micropeeling would begin. It would stay dry and peeling for another three days or so. Then my skin would work it's way back to normal. I tried several combinations of using this, every other night, every third night, every night, once a week, etc. My skin never adjusted. It did get lighter though...
ReplyDeleteGlad to see that you stuck with it, because it really worked on you. I couldn't take the rash and redness I was getting, so I gave up. I was using it on my neck and chest, and I am so sensitive there anyway. It is so funny how we can react so differently to things on different parts of the body.
ReplyDeleteIm so glad someone finally did a review on this. I became very inpatient with this system partially because I had no where to turn for a support like forum. My skin became very dry and irritated and I couldnt see any results other than tightening of my pores after 8 weeks my skin looked like it had aged. Perhaps it has an ugly stage like obagi nuderm. Im going to give it another try and report back.I have a really stubborn sunspot I have tried everything for. Your review made me rethink giving it another shot. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteTry it! It definitely has an ugly stage!
ReplyDeleteI mix mine with a moisturizer before I put it on my face, and use only 1/2 a pump. The irritation and heavy peeling has cut down substantially and I am still getting results.
ReplyDeleteI just started using this product. At first once a week for about 3 weeks. Now I started twice a week. I did peel.. and keep peeling.. Is this going to stop at some point? Once I applied it after moisturizer and I noticed the peeling wasn't so bad. I have a few spots too on my cheeks but so far 4 weeks into it no major changes noticed other than peeling. I have not had results with IPL and was hoping this could do something. It did a good job for you as I can see.. Were you able to maintain your results? I assume you are using Sun screen.. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteIt never stopped peeling for me. It definitely works, but is really harsh. You MUST wear a sunscreen every day, even if you only walk past windows if you don't want it to return. I wear an SPF 30 daily.
DeleteOUCH! Looking at your allergic reaction reminds me of my face when I tried Murad products. I tried Murad's Skin Perfecting Lotion and woke up with a swollen, red, and itchy face that took almost 4 days to subside with Benadryl and ice packs. I looked at the ingredients and thought, "maybe it's the retinol?" Then, I tried another Murad product -- an eye cream with durian -- that did NOT contain retinol, and boy-oh-boy, was I sorry! I looked like a bee had stung both eyes. Again, 4 days for the swelling to subside and then I was left with dry, flakey skin around my eyes -- nice!
ReplyDeleteLong story, short: after my experience with Murad, I thought that I had sensitive skin so I switched to Paula's Choice. I've been using PC for the past month and I am LOVING IT! With my first order they sent a free 3-week sample of the Retinol Serum, and I was initially VERY hesitant to try it, so I did a patch test first, and...NO irritation! Between the Skin Lightening Gel w/2% BHA, the Retinol Serum, and the BHA 9 (which is AMAZING), my hyperpigmentation has almost faded away completely.