Love it
I really liked this product, it worked well for me. I didn't have significant discoloration but did have some after a summer in the sun. I used the entire tube and definitely see a difference. Now I'm switching over to the regular 2% BHA since I don't have the need for the hydroquinone. The tip about using a pin to prick the foil instead of ripping off the foil entirely is a good one--I did that and didn't have any trouble with too much product coming out at once.
—Kate
This product works!
I'm 39, Hispanic and I've had melasma for about 8 yrs. I have used this gel for 10 weeks. I can say that this gel is the only safe product that I've used that has worked. It didn't completely even out my skin tone but it definitely lightened the dark spots from dark brown to a light tan shade. I apply it morning and night, after the exfoliant. This gel is sticky and you have to learn how to apply it/work with it. It also made my skin a little red, I'm not sure if it's irritation or what but it is worth it; I rather have a little redness than look like a dark brown butterfly smashed on my face. The results are so obvious, my coworkers although having next to perfect skin also placed orders. Thank you Paula and team. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. The redness you are experiencing is likely due to applying an exfoliant prior to applying your skin lightening gel which contains a 2% BHA exfoliant. You may want to try using one exfoliant in the morning, and one at night. Using two exfolaints at the same time is much too irritating. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our customer care team for assistance. We are always happy to assist you.
—Ana
5 star treatment, but tube dispenses too much gel
I opted for Paula's Choice Skin Lightener Gel with BHA in an effort to lighten some acne marks and attempt to bleach some capillaries. I also use RESIST Serum with Retinol. Several weeks later I am stunned to see my complexion really starting to clear, and an even tone emerging where prominent redness tends to lurk. I believe the combination of hydroquinone, BHA, and retinol is a match made in heaven for my complexion. Whereas the RESIST Serum with retinol has a wonderful airless pump dispenser, the RESIST Skin Lightening Gel with BHA tube tends to drip, run, and waste product despite my best efforts to control the amount that dispenses with each use. I would love to see better packaging for this product as I do believe it is indeed making a "clearly remarkable" difference in my skin. To counter comments from other reviews about the aroma, it really isn't that bad - you can tell you are applying a treatment with active ingredients, but it doesn't stink or leave a lingering odor once it absorbs. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your comments. We will be sure to share your experience with the product to Paula and her Product Development Manager. Please contact customer care with any questions.
—Joe
Great product except for the odor!
I'm a new PC user, and having discovered the BHA items, I thought I'd try to lighten some dark spots while exfoliating. This item has a strong odor. It does dissipate after application, but it's bothersome enough that I think I will stick with the regular BHA product! I'm loving discovering PC products! Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. Rest assured that even though the smell of this product is not to your liking, we guarantee it is safe and free of contamination. Paula's Choice goes through significant lengths to ensure the products are gentle, effective, and safe. One of the challenges of having a fragrance free line is that we cannot use perfumes to keep consistency in scent from batch to batch. Sometimes these ingredients may be stronger than expected depending on where the crops are harvested. Please contact customer care with any questions, we are happy to help.
—J
hmm
Unfortunately, this product's texture (it is a bit sticky and doesn't work very well under my makeup) and ingredients (I think it is the hydroquinone)irritates and reddens the skin on my face. I've been using it on my shoulders and upper arms, however, and it has been very good at lightening freckles and preventing occasional acne. If my skin weren't sensitive to the lightening ingredient I would continue to use it, but as is I think I will try a BHA product without it. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. We are sorry to hear of your experience with this product. While the response you have indicated is not typical, we do understand that each customer is uniquely different in how they will respond to products or ingredients. This along with everyday environmental factors can sometimes play a part in how someone will ultimately respond to a product or combination of products. We will credit you for the product and please contact customer care with any questions.
—Clara
Did not work
This product did not work at all for me. I have used it every day and have seen no difference. I agree with the comments about the packaging. If you accidentally turn it upside down, it pours out of the package. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. We are sorry to hear this product did not produce more favorable results for you. While our lighteners do work for many consumers, we understand that each person will respond differently. Consulting with a dermatologist would offer a higher concentration of the lightening ingredient may give you better results. We will be sure to credit you for the purchase and note your experience with the packaging with our Packaging Manager. Please check out www.beautypedia.com for other lightening options to see how they work for you and please contact customer care with any questions or concerns.
—Michele
Great Product!!!
This is another wonderful product in the Paula's Choice skin care line. I started using it once per day and didn't see a lot of change. After ramping up to twice per day, I started to notice the results I wanted to see. Like all gels, if you use too much, it will ball up under other products. I use a pea sized amount and let it absorb for several minutes before applying my serum (Skin Balancing in the AM and Resist Intensive in the PM). Great work Paula and staff!!! As a side note: please work on the packaging. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review! We will certainly pass along your comments and suggestions to Paula. Please contact customer care with any questions.
—Claire
Unfortunately didn't work
I really wanted this product to work. The older formulation seemed to work much better. I have been using this religiously as directed for weeks, and no improvement. I also don't like the smell of the product. Hoping I can find something else to help me deal with teh hyperpigmentation. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. We are sorry to hear this product did not produce more favorable results for you. While our lighteners do work for many consumers, we understand that each person will respond differently. Consulting with a dermatologist would offer a higher concentration of the lightening ingredient. We will credit you for the product but do suggest using it a bit longer as lightening results can take some time. Please check out www.beautypedia.com for other lightening options to see how they work for you and please contact customer care with any questions or concerns.
—Katy
Disappointing
This is the 11th week that I am using this skin lightening gel with 2% BHA and so far I have not seen any result. I have applied this day and night and really disappointed that it has not improvement both the spots on my skin nor brighten my complexion in anyway. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. We are sorry to hear this product did not produce more favorable results for you. While our lighteners do work for many consumers, we understand that each person will respond differently. Consulting with a dermatologist would offer a higher concentration of the lightening ingredient. We will credit you for the product. Please check out www.beautypedia.com for other lightening options to see how they work for you and please contact customer care with any questions or concerns.
—Tracy
Impressed
I have a brown patch on my upper back from when I missed some sunscreen on the area. This gel has done an amazingly good job of fading the discoloration quickly. I make sure to put sunscreen on the area, even if I'm going to cover it with clothing. I also use this on my face. Using this gel and sunscreen on stubborn spots has been effective. Make sure not to put on too much or the texture of the gel will get tacky. I only use this product at night.
—Arya
Amazing!
First off, I am 23 and developed acne at 19 and have normal/ dry skin.
I have found that this product works best at night after exfoliating with a face brush (my skin loves to be exfoliated and this makes the product more effective).
I tend to develop whiteheads and red bumps throughout the day but after my evening skincare routine and a good sleep, I wake up with a smooth, clear complexion and even skin after using this.
I still get occasional breakouts, but they are NOTHING like they were before I started a strict daily skincare routine with the help of this product. It's like a replacement for Benzoyl peroxide which I hate for it's drying properties.
I use SPF 50 religiously and this product definitely helps fade red marks from past acne. I noticed a difference after 3-4 weeks and have been using it for 6 months now!
They say to use moisturiser after this, but I have found it more effective when worn alone at night. I used to use it morning and night, but it doesn't make a difference and just uses more product, plus, as it is an exfoliator, I would get flaky skin during the day.
I hope everyone found this useful! It definitely works for me!
—Rachael
It works for me!
I have been using the lightening gel for about a month now and the few bothersome "sun spots" on my cheeks have faded from a dark brown to a light tan color, just a few shades darker than my skin. I don't mind the smell, and the gel texture, although a tiny bit tacky isn't that bad if I use just a tiny bit and follow with the rest of my PC skin care.
—Kathryn
disappointing
I bought this product last summer but never opened it until early January. I've been using it morning and evening for the last three months and I haven't seen any difference whatsoever. I know it can take 8-10 weeks for results to show but it's now been 12 and absolutely nothing. I'd agree with other reviewers that it smells pretty foul. I could live with the smell if I were getting results but...not so much. On the upside this product hasn't caused any breakouts or other irritations. I really like the other PC products I've used (and there have been many) but I found this one to be very disappointing. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. We are sorry to hear this product did not produce more favorable results for you. While our lighteners do work for many consumers, we understand that each person will respond differently. Consulting with a dermatologist would offer a higher concentration of the lightening ingredient. We will credit you for the product. Please check out www.beautypedia.com for other lightening options to see how they work for you and please contact customer care with any questions or concerns.
—GP
Awesome
I have been using it along with other Paula's Choice skincare steps for 3 weeks now. I would say it faded my brown spots and scars by about 50%. I don't expect the product to make my brown spots completely go away but I'm already very pleased with the result. I think it works much better if used with other Paula's Choice products. I just wish it was offered as a complete system instead of having to order everything individually.
—Kerri
good exfoliator
I have been using this for about 2 weeks. This is not long enough to see whether the lightening effects work, so I cannot comment on that, but I am happy with it as an exfoliator. It makes my skin feel smooth, and I get very minor occasional breakouts, and this helps. I use this at night but used it as a spot treatment on a pimple in the morning, and the pimple disappeared within about a day.
—Nicole
Didn't work for me
I love Paula's products but this one did nothing at all and I'm half way through the second tube. Maybe I should try the AHA instead? Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. We are sorry to hear this product did not produce more favorable results for you. While our lighteners do work for many consumers, we understand that each person will respond differently. The lotion form has the same amount of the lightening ingredient so if the gel did not work for you the lotion form would not produce any better results. Consulting with a dermatologist would offer a higher concentration of the lightening ingredient. We will be sure to credit you for the purchase. Please check out www.beautypedia.com for other lightening options to see how they work for you and please contact customer care with any questions or concerns.
—marilyn
This gel didn't work for me
I've been using it for about 6 weeks following application instruction with sunscreen and have seen absolutely no sign of lightening on the dark spots on my face at all. The product probably has different effectiveness on different skin types. I'm in my mid-30's and Asian with medium toned complexion. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. We are sorry to hear this product did not produce more favorable results for you. While our lighteners do work for many consumers, we understand that each person will respond differently. Consulting with a dermatologist would offer a higher concentration of the lightening ingredient. We will be sure to credit you for the purchase but do suggest using it a bit longer to see how your skin will ultimately respond. Please check out www.beautypedia.com for other lightening options to see how they work for you and please contact customer care with any questions or concerns.
—Min
Disapointed
I agree with the previous review. I have also been using this product, along with a daily sunsreen with an SPF of 30, and not seen any improvement. I have considered buying other PC products, but I am hesitant to based on this experience. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. We are sorry to hear this product did not produce more favorable results for you. While our lighteners do work for many consumers, we understand that each person will respond differently. Consulting with a dermatologist would offer a higher concentration of the lightening ingredient. We will be sure to credit you for the purchase. Please check out www.beautypedia.com for other lightening options to see how they work for you and please contact customer care with any questions or concerns.
—Julie J
didn't work unfortunately
I used the older version of this a few years ago, it didn't work. I was hoping that this new Resist version might be better, but alas it didn't work either. Patiently used the whole tube, it didn't hurt anything, just didn't lighten brown or red spots at all. Smells rather dreadful. I do love the rest of Paula's products however. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. We are sorry to hear this product did not produce more favorable results for you. While our lighteners do work for many consumers, we understand that each person will respond differently. We will be sure to credit your account which may be used for a future phone order by calling: 1-800-831-4088 since you used Pay Pal for the purchase. This credit does not expire and may be used at any time. Please check out www.beautypedia.com for other lightening options to see how they work for you and please contact customer care with any questions or concerns.
—Linda
Not worth it
I have been absolutely thrilled with the other Paula products I am using but this one that is not working. I have been using this per instructions for months as well my Paula 45 SPF (as always). I've been very patiently waiting for some improvement. However I have seen no result. I was really hoping this would work for me on a darker area of my forehead that I want to lighten. I am now frustrated with the time I have spent applying this all the time and never seeing a difference. I would have been satisfied with any small improvement. I feel it was a waste of my money to not see even a small amount of lightening. If anything the area I have been trying to lighten looks darker; waste of money and effort. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. We are sorry to hear that this product did not produce more favorable results for you personally. While our lighteners do work for many consumers, we do understand that each person will respond differently to products and ingredients. We will be sure to credit you for your purchase and encourage consulting with your dermatologist for a higher concentration of the lightening ingredient available by prescription or try other options at www.beautypedia.com which Paula rates well. Please contact customer care with any questions.
—Laura L.
Love it!
So for anyone that may be able to relate, I'm 22 & have delt with mild/moderate acne since I was about 14, tried everything under the sun including seeing a derm. I came across this site & I had been looking for a skin lightening gel to fade the hyperpigmentation I have from previous breakouts when I noticed this product also contains 2% BHA which it said to work well for comedonal acne (which is my primary issue). I got a sample packet & loved it! It absorbs well, feels silky when it's dry, my forehead is so much smoother now, I have high hopes that it will help to smooth out the rest of my closed comedones. I ordered the tube & just recently ordered the Reg strength Clear system too. :)
—Logan
Totally far out!!!
I've NEVER taken the time to write a review...so to all, I am just a figment of your hallucination! I'm almost 55. We rescued 2 cute 'little' puppies from the local animal control. In the span of a month, they've turned into horses! My arms are sooo scratched up by razor sharp teeth and claws. My fault...love to play. Anyway, got some pretty hefty scars on my arms. I had ordered this for my face, but didn't work out very well. Hmmm...let's see what it does for the scars on my arms??? This skin lightening gel is truly REMARKABLE!!! One week...1 WEEK and am already seeing a difference!!
As for other products...some have not worked out for me, but have found what I need and the rest have been used in other ways. With all those skin products out there...it just feels darn good to actually have trust in a company. To Paula and all in her employ, I say ooh rah and semper fi, Paula and friends!
—Janet
Clearly wrong
This product has so much going for it - 2% BHA and 2% Hydroquinone? I have personally thought that this would help reduce dark spots, but I feel as though this causes dryness and tightening all over the skin.
Paula sells nothing but great items, but this may not be for you if you have blemish-prone skin. I've tried using this in the evenings and in the mornings but it really just increases irritation.
I'm stuck with two items from the RESIST line that really doesn't work well with my blemish prone skin. I'm 23, and I'm going to stick with the CLEAR Line.
If you want to return anything, you have to pay the shipping to mail back. Not the best feature about Paula - but I've recommended all my friends and they found something they love. I just have no love for the RESIST line. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. We are sorry to hear of your experience with this product. Based on when you purchased the product it is too soon for results to be noticeable. We do suggest using it at least 8-12 weeks to see how your skin will ultimately respond. You also have to make sure to apply it daily as well as apply sunscreen daily for the best results. Since you were not happy with the product we have located your account information and applied a credit for the product. Please contact customer care with any questions.
—Ted
Not for day time
This is kind of disappointing in many ways.First , the packaging has problems because once you open it, a lot of the product comes out without you squeezing it. Second, it's too thick and sticky. And I know you're suppose to use a little but no matter how thin your layer it's still sticky. It's shinny so don't use this under foundation. Third, after it dries it rolls into solid balls, and comes off your face. I don't know how well this product works but I don't know If I can continue using this. Customer Care Response: Thank you for taking the time to write a review. We will definitely send your comments and feedback along to Paula and her Packaging Team for review. We are aware that this product can be hard to control. We suggest opening it with the nozzle pointed up rather than on its side to make it easier to dispense. This particular product is a fluid gel; a small amount goes a long way and is all that is needed per application. If it is over-applied it can feel sticky. The issue you are having with the product balling up can happen as you layer products. There are a couple of solutions. You can try using the product in the evening with less product layered over it or you can consider another lightening product such as our RESIST Remarkable Skin Lightening Lotion. We have sent you samples of the skin lightening lotion to experiment with and we have issued you an in house credit for the product on your account to be used toward a future purchase. We also suggest visiting www.beautypedia.com for other skin lightening options from other companies that have received good reviews by Paula. Please contact customer care with any questions or concerns.
—Jenny
This product is a homerun!
This product, like all of Paula's Choice products that I use is wonderful. It does exactly what its supposed to do, it delivers! It has faded my sun damage, my acne scars/post-acne red spots beautifully. Thank-you Paula and your team for making the best skin care products I've ever used.
—Maggi
Not that great.
I've been using this for 2 months and so far there has been minimal change. This did not cause any break outs, but it did not lighten my dark spots. Only the mild discolorations from past acne scars seemed to fade, if only a little. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. We will make sure to credit you for this product. While our lighteners do work for many users, for some, they don't always produce favorable results. It is also very important to apply a sunscreen every day when using the lightening product and re-apply throughout the day for the best results and to maintain the results. For other lightening options please visit Beautypedia under the Best Products section for the best skin lightening options from other brands. You may also consider consulting with a dermatologist for a higher concentration of the lightening ingredient to see how it works for you. Please contact customer care with any questions.
—Kim
Disappointed
I was hoping to be able to use this for my discoloration but it's awful. The smell is terrible and I hate the way it comes out of the tube. I've not noticed any lightening whatsoever. I usually like Paula's products but not this one. Customer Care Response: Thank you for taking the time to review this product. Based on your account history you just started using this product and it does take 8-12 weeks for results to be noticeable with daily use of the product as well as daily use of sunscreen. Since you were not happy with the product we will make sure that your account is credited right away. While our lighteners do work for many consumers, some find it does just does not work for them after two-three months of daily use. For other lightening options please visit Paula's review web site at: www.beautypedia.com. The "Best Products" section would be the place to search for the skin lighteners. Please contact customer care with any questions.
—Vicky
Excellent Product!!
I have had very troublesome sun damage/hyper-pigmentation around my jawline for eight years now, which originally resulted from vacationing in a sunny place without enough sunblock after a series of glycolic peels. I have tried just about everything that has been marketed for hyper-pigmentation without vitamin C, since I am really allergic. I also have acne. The combination of BHA and hydroquinone is excellent. I alternate nights between this product and the skin-lightening AHA, but when I am breaking out I use this every night, and my results (with high SPF sunblock year-round, of course) have been impressive! Thanks!
—Kathryn
Works!
This stuff works. I have sun related spots at my temples, chin and neck. After one tube they are almost gone. FYI my dark spots are minimal, maybe 3 square inches total. This product lasted less than 2 months. If I needed to cover a much larger area this could get costly. But it works! FYI I also tried the AHA version of this product and prefer this BHA lightener.
—Catherine
just fine
The product is OK to lighten and exfoliate skin. After using the product for a week ,some dark sports on my face seems less appeared ,and pores look smoother as well as smaller. To some extent, it works as it claims. However, the product drawbacks are obviously seen. The package makes it difficult to control the amount of squeezed gel. When I use the product , the gel alway excessively comes out from the tube. Moreover, the product make your face looks very shiny, but not oily, after applying it. As it will form a thin layer over your face,and it can be balled up very easily when applying other products afterwards. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your comments. We will certainly pass them along to our Product Development Team. You may try applying just a very thin layer to see if this helps with any leftover visible shine or try applying it just in the evening. The packaging will be changing later this year so we hope you like it! Please contact customer care with any questions.
—Kite
Not Working
I took pictures of the brown spots I have on my face. I'm now on my second tube and I don't know if I'm applying it wrong, but I've noticed no change of lightening of the brown spots. Customer Care Response: Thank you for taking the time to review this product. It does have to be applied every day along with sunscreen every day and you do want to re-apply your sunscreen during the day as well. If you have been applying it in this manner and it has not help then it would be best to try something else from a dermatologist. While our lighteners do work for many consumers, some find that it just does not work for them. For other lightening options please visit Paula's review web site at: www.beautypedia.com. The "Best Products" section would be the place to search for the skin lighteners. Please contact customer care with any questions.
—Gerald
Works Well
This does work well. I like that its a light serum and absorbs quickly. I do agree the package needs to be redesigned though. I'm glad I read the reviews below that state not the remove the full seal. I poke a hole with a pin and this works perfectly.
—Debbie
Great Product! Not great under foundation though.
This is a great product. It really does fade dark spots. It moisturizes your skin. It did make me break out on my chin though. I stopped putting it on my chin (which is a shame because I need it there too!) and I stopped having the pimples there. I usually don't put any products on my very oily chin to avoid the redness and pimples that always seemed to follow. I was hoping this would be the winner because I really love Paula's products. I am giving this 4 stars because this is still a great product. Also, this makes a thin film on your skin, It balled off in little shavings when I tried to put Paula's foundation over it. It's great for night time though. My skin always looks better in the morning! Customer Care Response: Thank you for taking the time to review this product! You may try applying a lot less of the gel and letting it absorb a bit longer which will help prevent any balling up of the texture. Please contact customer care with any questions or concerns.
—Anna
Long-term satisfaction
I've been using this product and the 2% BHA liquid for about 5 years. They keep my face free of clogged pores and zits. They are the only products that do that for me without causing irritation. I'm allergic to a lot of common ingredients in cosmetics, such as phenoxyethanol and chammomile. The two BHA products I use have very short ingredient lists, and none of the ingredients bother me. Please don't change the formula, Paula! Some of Paula's other products have things I'm allergic to. It's not a flaw in the products though--I'm just an extreme case of allergies. I use the lightening gel on parts of my body that get sun exposure, and the liquid on my legs and anywhere that doesn't see the sun very often. Sun exposure has caused some mild brown spots and patches on my face and hands. My skin tone is more even from using this gel. I also have used prescription Retin A cream for a few years, and they work well together. Sometimes I use a peroxide gel with the BHA, whenever I get an actual zit. (But I don't use peroxide and Retin A on the same day.) I only get zits now if I run out of the BHA products, from stress or hormones, or if I use another product, like makeup or sunscreen, that causes zits. I use the BHA liquid where I don't need skin lightening, because it's less expensive and it smells better. I agree with other posters that the lightening gel does have an unpleasant smell, but I find that it evaporates in about 2 minutes, so I can put up with it. My boyfriend hasn't ever commented on the smell--and he would comment if it stuck around. One last benefit of these BHA products--per ounce, they are the best deals available. They are less expensive than drugstore brands such as Neutrogena. I look about 10 years younger than my age, partly due to these good products. Thanks, Paula!
—Le Mon
This Gel Does Work!
I used this more on the back of my hand, on the brown spots. The spots and my overall skintone have significantly lightened. It's true that it is kind of difficult to regulate the amount of product that comes out of the tube, but that is only because of the light texture, which is actually a plus as it absorbs really fast and leaves no greasy film on skin.
—Asha
Good
I ordered this a long time ago , before the Hydrator came out, even though most of my marks are not brown, so I knew it probably wouldn't make that much of a difference. Initially my skin tone became brighter and more even, but I stopped using it as my skin started to experience irritation and dryness soon after. I switched to BHA liquid which I also like, but this gel texture feels lighter and seems to absorb or dry more completely. So recently, I have added a more moisturizing wash and a hydralight moisturizer and reintroduced this lightening gel as my nighttime exfoilator (I use 1% lotion during the day). And the results are great. I don't think this gel caused my dryness months before (although it's hard to tell when one uses so many products), it was probably a combination of a few other factors because I've been using it now for several weeks and no irritation in sight
—L
Can't live without it!
As a fair-skinned, 50-something living in Australia's harsh climate, I really value this product.
After using it for about two weeks, my freckles and age spots lightened dramatically. I have had age spots removed through intense pulsed laser treatment, but they always return. The Skin Lightening Gel is more effective over time - and far less expensive and painful!
—Susan
OK
This product didn't lighten the areas I wanted to. I am Black and a cocoa brown. However, it did lighten some acne spots. I wish it would've worked better. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. We wish this product would have worked better for you. We will credit you for this product and suggest visiting a dermatologist whom has experience with darker skin tones and lightening to see if a higher concentration will offer you better results. We hope you find something that works! Please contact us with any questions.
—aaliyah
Good product
I have used the fading gel for over a year and it has faded dark spots on my face. One larger area over my eye is significantly faded now. I had laser done on it previously and it didn't do anything. As for the packaging, just poke a small hole in the seal - don't take the entire seal off - you'll have more control of the product.
—Meg Bearce
Excellent!
I bought this gel for some minor discolorations on my face, but decided to try it on a scar from a breast biopsy (fortunately benign) from last year. This scar was about an inch in length and dark purple/red in color. After a month of daily use it is almost completely gone! I'd tried other products the doctor had recommended, but no luck. I can't believe these results! Thank you Paula!
—Marcia
does half the job
I bought this exfoliator because I have some discoloration from acne and still occationally get acne, so I needed something that would take care of both problems. While this does do a great job at keeping my skin clear I don't see any change in the discoloraion. It could be because I don't use it everyday. I found that exfoliating once a day was too much for my sensative/combination skin. I started to break out more and get red dry patches. I'm now exfoliating just once a week and it's working out great. I would not suggest this for someone who can't exfoliate everyday if they want to see the lightening action actually work. I'll switch to a regular 2% BHA exfoliant when this runs out to save on cost. Customer Care Response: Thank you for taking the time to review this product. We are happy to hear the product has well for you and encourage you to keep using it to prevent blemishes and clogged pores and prevent any future brown discoloration. Most post acne marks fade on their own as long as you protect your skin from the sun and use well formulated skin care products. It can take a year or longer for them to fade. If after this time they have not faded then you would need to consult with a cosmetic dermatologist to see which cosmetic lasers would offer more noticeable results. In the meantime we have left the purchase price of this product on your account to be used on a future phone order by calling: 1-800-831-4088. We will send you samples of our new Resist Anti-aging Clear Skin Hydrator which helps to speed up the process of clearing post acne marks and is good for sensitive skin types as well. Please contact us with any questions.
—Sarah
So far, so good
I'm in week 4 of using this product, and believe I am seeing fading of the light freckling across my cheekbones. The texture is a gel, and I hold it upright when I take off the cap in order to dispense a tiny amount. The packaging has not been a problem for me, and I imagine the tube will last quite a while, as it only takes a very small amount to spread easily across my skin.
—Laura
Did not work for me
I am 20. very oily acne prone skin. this formula was greasy. i would put it on only at night and wake up feeling extremely itchy the rest of the day and my skin remained red for about a week. WOULD NOT RECOMMEND FOR SENSITIVE SKIN.
Customer Care Response: Thank you for taking time to review this product. We can understand how frustrating this experience must be. While the response you have indicated is not typical, we understand that each consumer is distinctly different which means they may respond differently to our products (whether used alone or combined with other products). This along with everyday environmental factors can sometimes play a part in how someone will ultimately respond to a product or combination of products. For that reason, we will apply a credit for the product for you if you contact customer care in order to locate your account. Please contact our customer care team if we can be of further assistance.
—Briana
good ingredients and texture, terrible packaging
I'm a hardcore fan of the Resist line. I *love* most of the products. I ordered this to exfoliate my pores and of course for the lightening benefits. I use it once a day and it's sister (7% aha - which I love) once a day. I understand that a typical bha customer probably likes a light, gel texture rather than a cream. But unfortunately the tube packaging and size of the dispensing hole make this a big mess to use. The lightweight gel comes running out and makes a huge mess. I end up dispensing WAY more than I need. Wouldn't buy again. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your feedback, we will pass them along to Paula and her Packaging Team! I do believe the lightening lotion worked best for you so feel free to return this product for a full refund or exchange of another product. Please contact customer care with any questions, we are happy to help.
—Rachel
Very happy with my results
I've been using this on the backs of my hands and I'm very happy with the results. My brown spots are age-related (heightened by sun exposure) and they have distinctly faded. My hands feel soft, too. Great stuff.
—Ellen
Great product!
This producct works! It has made such a difference in the brown spots on my cheeks. In less that a week I can see a difference. It is lightweight, not greasy, not tacky, makes my skin look so smooth. I will order this again, and will recommend it to my friends.
—Myra
Works okay, but not the best
The good: I've used 2x/day and after a month am starting to see lightening of some dark patches on my cheeks. The bad: as others have mentioned, the packaging sucks. Tons of wasted product. What's worse to me is the it seems to take FOREVER to absorb, using a small amount, and if I want to apply something after it, it can be a real problem. In particular, mineral-based higher SPF sunscreens (which I need living at a high elevation and being outdoors several hours a day), won't go on properly. Trying to apply Tazorac over it at night is a problem, too. Looking for other options...Customer Care Response: We certainly understand your frustration with this product. We will pass along your comments to Paula and her packaging team. You may consider trying the lotion form which absorbs quicker. We will credit you for this product and please contact customer care if you would like to try the lotion form. Please contact us with any questions.
—Tina
apply twice a day??
I noticed no difference at all on brown spots, but I have other priorities besides applying lotion to my brown spots twice daily :)
With my other sun damage, I've had excellent results with laser treatment (*at a DOCTOR's office*) which is effective and so far permanent. Customer Care Response: Pigmentation can be difficult to treat and does require some time. We are happy to hear laser treatments have worked better for you! Your feedback is helpful and will be shared with our development team promptly. Because you were not 100% satisfied with your purchase we will offer you a full refund for the product. Please contact our customer care team in order to apply a credit on your account for you as we are having trouble locating your account.
—pasmoi
Works!
I am on my second tube of this. It lightens my hormonal brown discolorations, is very lightweight and doesn't cause me to break out at all which is a huge plus on my sensitive, combination skin. I can wear it under makeup without any issues as long as I don't over apply- it can feel tacky if too much is put on. Great stuff!
—Jo
Fantastic
This product is truly unbelievable. I had large areas on my skin that were almost purple in color and after 3 weeks of use is when I really noticed the difference. The area has lightened so much that it is barely noticable anymore! I am waiting to see if it will lighten up more after the recommended 8-12 weeks, but even if it didn't I am so satisfied! For those who have never used AHA or BHA products and complain about breakouts, this is totally normal and should go away after about 3 weeks of use. I haven't had a problem because I have been using them for years, but the same thing happened to me at first. It takes about 3 weeks for the AHA or BHA to purge your skin of the impurities that you may have not noticed before. I would wait at least a month to see if it clears up before you give this product a bad rating.
—Kerri
Disappointed
I first tried the Resist AHA product, but it caused my face to break out. So I ordered the BHA version, and suffered the same result. My skin was a mess until I stopped using it. Very disappointed. Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear that this product did not work out for you. Please contact our Customer Service Team who can further assist you with a refund or exchange.
—Holly
Very satisfied
It works!
It does what it says it does, at least for me, so I am very satisfied.
At first, it lightened up my skin by reducing brown spots caused by acnes. It also helped with reducing acnes themselves.
—Janice
Does what it says it does!
I've been following Paula's advice for years, but haven't been able to justify making a purchase from her line as the international shipping rates are the highest I've ever encountered - so much for affordable skin care. But I finally stumped up as there don't seem to be any good BHA products in any other brands.
All I can say is, I wish I had done it sooner.
I'm only 26, but I live in New Zealand - smack bang under the hole in the ozone layer and home to some of the highest skin cancer rates in the world. While I've been wearing SPF 30+ religiously since I was 19, the damage done before that was plain as the sunspots on my face.
My skin was, simply, a wreck - not only was it patchy and freckled, I had acne scarring and milia across my whole face.
Four days after I started to use the product, I had milia working their way to the surface and literally popping out of my pores. Gross but very satisfying. Just two weeks later, my freckles and sun blotches are already noticeably lighter, and I'm getting comments on how clear my skin looks - I'm even wearing less foundation.
The only reason I don't give this a 5-star is the way the product dries on the skin - it kind of sets so it can be pulled off. But putting it on before I go to bed, I couldn't care less if it was bright green the way my skin has improved!
—Nicola
That ugly brown spot on my face is finally gone!
After 13 years, that ugly brown spot on my left cheek is gone!
My overall skin tone is even again!The freckles and spots on my neck, upper shoulders, and hands are fading away nicely.
This is the first product (and product line) that has ever worked.
I was told by so many people (including plastic surgeons) the oly answer was I needed to have all kinds of chemical peels and laser surgery.
I'm so glad I found this! By the way, I am 53.
—Cynthia
Didn't work for me
Unfortunately, I read about the 60-day money back guarantee a month too late! This product didn't do anything to lighten my skin. It didn't do anything bad to it, it just didn't deliver results.
—Stephanie
Amazing
This is my second review with a 5 score. One year later, I still love it. Smooth, freckle free skin. My 16 year old loves it too - I never heard her say "this is the best thing ever" except for this cream. It keeps her minor teen imperfections in check -blackheads/whiteheads/pimples. Amazingly, it works for her without lightening effect - she's darker complected compared to my fair skin. Her birthday is coming up -time to buy her own tube.
—Georgeta T.
SarahE
I haven't been using the product on my face, but I have had amazing results. I have Hidradenitis suppurativa and have been using the product on affected areas for a few months. I have way less breakouts and the few I do have are minor and clear up right away. Plus, some of the discoloration and scarring has cleared up. I would give this 5, but I'm with everyone else. The packaging is terrible.
—Sarah
Pros and Cons
I use this twice a day, followed by a moisturizer.
Pros: Great results as an exfoliant. My skin is clear and texture has improved. After about a month, I am not noticing any lightening of freckles/spots yet, but I'll continue to use it.
Cons: Smells terrible, but the smell dissipates very quickly after applying. Also, as others have mentioned, the packaging is terrible. Product is too thin for this sqeeze tube. It's almost impossible to dispense a small amount - it pours out.
—Marjorie
Finally, the answer!
I happened upon this product when I had reach the breaking point with my skin. I'm 41, so aging skin (dry, dull) is beginning to be a concern. In addition, I am still breaking out, so it's kind of the worst of both worlds. I had tried just about everything when I came to Paula's site, looking for something that would clear up my skin without drying it out. Well, this is the product! Almost immediately, I noticed that my skin looks smoother, and have not seen any new breakouts since I started using it. Only time will tell about the skin-lightening properties, but that is less of an issue for me than dull skin and breakouts.
As others have mentioned, there is a distinct smell when this product comes out of the tube (like cat urine, but not quite as strong). However, the smell seems to subside quickly once the product is applied. I think the smell is from the hydroquinone, and is the price you pay for not having irritating fragrance added to products. For me, it's an easy trade-off.
—Jody
Visible Results! AHA works-
I use this AHA product once a day (not 2X's as packaging suggests) on the neck & face. I have sensitive skin too. My sisters & girlfriends starting asking me if I finally had special facials. Who can afford those? 4 weeks of daily use showed smoother skin! Worth a try ladies.
—Christina
Best product yet
I love this product including the container; it's perfect for travel & I can squeeze the air out before reclosing. Please do not change a thing.
—Lynne
Works but doesn't...
I used this product for a few months and I could see my red marks (caused by previous acne) disappearing! I was excited but at the same time I noticed that I was starting to get really bad blackheads...a problem I had never had before. After experimenting I found it was a result of this product. I stopped using it. I wish I could find something that worked like this without the blackhead side effect. Customer Service Response: We are sorry this didn't work for you, but any of our BHA exfoliants will fade red marks from previous blemishes! Contact us at 1-800-831-4088 for help choosing an alternative BHA formula!
—Beth
Not bad for a non-prescription Hydroquinone
With melasma, only the prescription 4% hydroquinone products have helped, but this gel is at least keeping the dark spots from getting worse, which I'm happy with for now. It's a little thin, so don't turn the tube upside down or it will run out all over your hand. I do not apply it to my T-zone for fear of the BHA irritating it, but in the other areas, it goes on very well. This is a permanent addition to my system, but don't expect miracles if you have melasma.
—Andrea P.
Nauseating side effect
I really wanted it to work but it left me nauseated. I stopped and tried again with same result. Customer service gave me refund. I am disappointed at the side effect and hope Paula's Choice will have alternative to this product soon. Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear about your experience this product and will share your feedback with our Product Development Team.
—Janet
Excellent Multi Purpose Product
I cannot live without this product, it helps control my melasma and acne better then any other product I have tried. I love the packaging and have not had any issues with it. I get compliments on my skin all the time since I started using this, great work Paula!! Don't ever stop making this!!
—Liz
Just Right
I've appreciated everything about this product - texture, packaging, effectiveness. For me, it served the dual purpose of keeping my skin clear of annoying blackheads and lightening of some of my sun damage. Two things people should be aware of: 1)It doesn't smell yummy. Paula is true to her mission of keeping her products free of irritating fragrance, so all the benefits of that approach makes its slightly-metallic smell tolerable. 2) A little tricky to wear under foundation since it tends to roll off into little pieces if you rub your make into your skin too much. Otherwise, this product is just perfect as is!
—Yvonne
Totally Impressed!
There are not too many products that really deliver stated results but surprisingly, this one does. Results are being achieved even after a month of faithful use. The most stubborn discolorations may take 3 months or more but I am extremely satisfied. Using much less and sheerer foundation now and almost no concealer.
—Pamela
How to control the flow
Thanks to a previous poster who suggested leaving the foil on the tube and just making a pin-sized hole in it. You can really control the amount that flows out - no more wasted product. I can see some fading of my brown spots after only 1 month.
—Joan
Couldn't Get Past the Smell
I tried the skin lightening gel with BHA and it works, but I don't feel good putting it on my face. It smells like cat urine to me. Please go back to the old lotion formulation! I don't know if it was because it didn't have BHA in it or what, but it didn't smell off-putting like the new does. Also, the texture is runny and hard to get used to. The lotion is much easier to apply. I hate to do this, but I am going to have to go outside of Paula's line of products for a skin lightener...the search is on. Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear that you are unsatisfied with this product. Please contact Customer Service for assistance with processing a refund or exchange.
—Cara
Some improvment. Don't expect miracles.
I'm at the 8 week mark after using this 1x a day @ night. I see noticable fading of the dark spot on the tip of my nose (of all places arg!) & large 1 on my left cheek amongst the multitude of others that seem to appear on a daily basis. I don't expect them to completely go away. They are less conspicuous. I followed a previous post and used a needle to pierce the foil at the tip and easily control the amount dispensed. I use the least amount possible to cover my face. New packaging a must, thus the 4 stars.
—Caroline
Skin couldn't RESIST breaking out!
I honestly can't say whether or not this product works because not long after I used it my face broke out. I've never tried a lightening product before so I'm not sure if other brands will have the same effect, not sure I want to find out. I will say I have acne prone skin but..breakouts only occured where I applied the product. Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear about your experience. Please contact Customer Service for assistance selecting an alternate item or processing a refund.
—Christy
Didn't work too well for me.
I tried this product for about a week and I broke out pretty bad. This one is not for me. I think that the texture of this formula may have been too greasy for my blemish prone skin. Probably would work better for someone without oily skin. Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear about your experience. Please contact Customer Service for assistance selecting an alternate item or processing a refund.
—Amanda
Very good success
I tried Paula's Choice Resist w/2% BHA and found that it really works for melasma age spots. I have tried other products and like other reviewers agree in wishing I had found this products before the chemical peels and other expensive products. I will continue to purchase again at this great price w/free holiday delivery is the bomb!
—Ro
Works but takes time
This does work but it takes time. After about 3 months of am/pm use, I found the area around my hair line and down the sides of my face are significantly lighter! A great product.
—Ann
resist clearly remarkable skin lightening gell wit
I haven't noticed any change in my skin with this product. I use it twice a day but still have light (they were always light) spots on my face.
—Carolyn
Helps with Discolorations
I developed a skin discoloration (dark spot) on my cheek and have been applying this product to it with a cotton swab. Over the past 6 weeks I have noticed a significant improvement. The spot has drastically faded and hopefully will disappear altogether. Even my girlfriends have commented on it. I whole-heartedly recommend this product for spot treatment.
—Cari
Incredible!
I started using the Resist Skin Lightening Gel with 2% BHA, along with the Resist serum and within 3 weeks I could see results! 8 weeks later my husband actually commented on how soft and youthful my skin looked! Together with my Beauticontrol products (recommended by Paula!), at the age of 41, I have better looking skin than I had 20 years ago! Bravo Paula! I'm a fan for life!!
—Catherine
Awesome Stuff
After battling for years with freckles, I've finally found a product that works! It's so gentle, I can use it on my young children, it makes them feel special. I love this product. Wearing a strapless top or dress is no longer an issue. It's made my sensitive skin less red, I breakout less, and my pores are smaller. I've already got friends using it who love it as much as I do. Try it. You'll love it too.
—Lyndell
It Really, Really Works
Very happy, noticed results in a few weeks. Use sunscreen religiously, even by a sunny window. Wear a hat. Splotches did not completely disappear, but are MUCH easier to cover. Sun avoidance and protection are key.
—Carolyn
Works with packaging problems
This definitely worked on the sunspots on my hands, but I also had problems with the packaging. The tube separated from the top making it difficult to store and use.
Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear about your experience with this item's packaging. Please contact our Customer Service Team for further assistance in this matter.
—Laura Stewart
High Hopes
I was so looking forward to using this product after realizing Paula's Choice 2% Beta Hydroxy gel was accepted by my sensitive oily skin! But after a week of using RESIST Lightening Gel I broke out...took a break...used it again and broke out with herendous acne again. Will I ever be able to have even skin tone? :(
Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear about your experience with this item. Please contact Customer Service for further assistance in selecting an alternate product.
—JO
Great for this Gran!
Although this product is not especially for dry skin, I love it! I have trouble using AHA's, so this has been the answer for my 62-yr-old skin.
—bwdgran
The Best
To say this dramatically transformed my skin would be an understatement. After my 3rd pregnancy I got some discoloration patches on my face. Not only have they been lightened significantly, but my pores look smaller, too. Thank you for making a product that actually does what it says it will.
—Marta
Excellent
I've taken someones advice on this board and poked a hole with a needle instead of removing the seal/foil when opening , and it doesn't overflow when you use. I ordered this cream for the hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores and blackhead on my nose and chin. I have been using this for twic a day almost 6 weeks now and it's given my face a smooth, almost poreless complexion. The blackhead are gone and the hyperpigmentation as well. I have sensitive skin that's irritated by almost anything I put on but this is very soothing and I use it morning and night without problems.
I have frecked skin that are very pronounced in summer months but with this gel, I have been able to control the hyperpigmentation in spite of moving to Tampa where the sun shines most of the time. While I can't use any AHA on my face without turning beet red, this one is extremely gentle. My teenage daughter has some whiteheads/blackheads on her nose and had her try it for the BHA and it helped. I'm going to order her the BHA plain formula since she's darker completion and don't want the hydroquinone effect.
—Georgeta T.
caused a reaction for my skin
I liked the product but after a few days i started getting a lot of acne as a reaction to the product. I've never had that much acne and wasn't using any other product at all. Too bad it didn't work for me but I thought the texture was great and it absorbed just fine after a few minutes.
Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear about your experience. Please contact Customer Service for information about returning this item and selecting an alternate one.
—Angie
Caused breakouts for me
After a few days of using this product I start to break out. I have tried to go back to it a few times in case this was a fluke, but it happens every time. This is the only hydroquinine product that I have tried so I don't know if I react to that ingredient or something else. I haven't had this problem with any other Paula's Choice product.
—Beth
So far, so good
I've only had this for a couple of days, so I can't comment on the lightening properties. I'll post a follow-up review in a few months. Like others have said, this product is very runny, but I tried one reviewer's suggestion to just prick the foil with a pin instead of pulling the foil cover off, and that does keep the product from going crazy. I also squeeze with the tube facing up. The product does take a while to absorb and can look a little shiny, but if you apply at night, who cares. I bought this product because some reviewers noted that it helped them clear up the hyper-pigmentation of bad acne (which can last for years), and so I am hopeful it will help me out. Will post more after a few months of use!
—Sally
No results
After MONTHS of use, there was no change in my skin. No one can say I didn't try!
Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear about your experience. Please contact our Customer Service Team for further assistance and selecting an alternate product.
—Jen
Very Disappointed
This product is almost exactly the opposite of what your review states! Smells awful, texture like salad dressing, not a gel at all, packaging is hard to use, feels greasy and sticky, Gross, Paula!
Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear about your experience with this item. Please contact our Customer Service team for further assistance with returning or selecting alternate products.
—Mary Gilligan
Well.....
I apply this product all over my face. In just a month, my complexion is noticeably lighter and brighter. It would gain 5 stars if it is not the poor packing. The mouth of rim is far far too large!! too much of the content flows out each time i use it... well... fine! I put the excess on my neck.
—Y.K.
Even reduces fine lines and wrinkles!
Although I didnt'notice much difference in my skin in terms of lightening, I gave 5 stars to this product because it's extremely moisturizing although light weight and it even reduces fine lines and wrinkles. It's really one of the best products I have ever used, and the best product Paula made. Also, I gave one to my mother and 2 people made comments on her skin.
—Kenia Faria
Superb Product!
Superb!
Hint : Do not peel back the tag, I just puncture it with a PIN and get just the right amount of Flow! Perfect Product!
—Christie
Review of Packaging Only
I am about to place a new order and seeing alot of new products. The packaging for this product seems the same as that for the blemish fighting solution. I just want to remind reviewers that pumps are nice, but the current packing is also beneficial because you can turn it upside down to get more of the product out (especially at the end), or you can leave it on its side if you don't want the product to pour out. I prefer this packaging. Thanks, Paula.
—kristin rebholz
A Pump Bottle would be so much better
This is the best product I have ever used - other 2% Hydroquinone products available in Australia (where it's incredibly difficult to avoid the sun!) through pharmacies are without exception unsuitable for my oily/prone to clogging skin...ONLY drawback is the tube. Like other reviewers I find it difficult to control the amount, and really like the controlled dose of a pump - Paula, please consider! (Also, as I'm using the product on my arms, chest and back I'd definitely go for a larger size if you ever put one out.)
Customer Care Response: Thank you for your comments regarding this product. We will forward your feedback to our Product Development/Packaging team for future consideration.
—Rebecca
Terrible Packaging - Fantastic Product
I love this product, but the packaging is awful......too much oozes out without even applying any pressure to the tube. I also use Skin Balancing Mattifying Lotion in the "pump tube". Might this type of packaging work with the Skin Lightening Gel? I would give a higher rating if the packaging was as good as the product.
Customer Care Response: We greatly appreciate your feedback and will be sure to share it with Paula and her Product Development team. In the meantime please contact Customer Service for assistance with this matter.
—Susan Kiss
Excellent product
Excellent for acne-prone, oily skin individuals with skin discoloration (mine happens to be from acne). I've noticed a major difference in my skin tone, as well as how it has lighted up my red marks caused from previous breakouts. A near perfect product with one exception... the packaging!! Paula: Please, please, please reconsider repackaging this in some kind of pump bottle. You can't really control how much comes out, and I always end up wasting. Took one point off for this con.
—Michelle
Good Product--Terrible Packaging
I like this product and have been using it for quite a while now but the current tube packaging is horrible. The product flows out too quickly and you end up wasting a lot of product. Also the last tube I bought had a defect and the plastic top part came separated from the rest of the tube and the product all leaked out. It was better when this product came in a bottle.
Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear about your experience with this item. We will forward your comments along to our packaging and development team. In the meantime please contact Customer Service and they will assist you with this matter further.
—Jolene
Takes Time
I reviewed this earlier. I'm just over the 8 week hump - very happy with results and price. It really works, but it takes time and lots of patience. I really think this works just as well as expensive, RX formulas, but without that yucky, sticky feeling. Paula should formulate for doctors at 4% hydroquinone.
Tip: product tends to flow out of the tube too quickly. If you peel just half the seal off, the flow is much less.
I'm on my second tube and will probably repeat order, so I'd like to see a needle-nose applicator and a cap that's quick and easy to replace. As packaging is now, dispensing is tricky because of the fluidity and the cap is difficult to screw back on.
I'm excited to see more improvements in the next month.
—L
It's working for me!
I am a woman of color with hyperpigmentation as a result of acne. Any pimple I get turns into a red mark that lasts *years* on my face. I have tried Obagi- didn't work at all. This gel with BHA seems to be doing the trick, my hyperpigmentation is finally going away after 5 years!
—Irene
Not working
I didn't see the applied area to be any lighter after many weeks. Maybe it's not strong enough for me.
Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear about your experience with this product. Normally results should show after about 2 months of consistent use provided SPF is applied daily. Please contact Customer Service for further assistance in this matter.
—C. Moody
Good product
I just ordered this product a couple days ago, and amazed how it clears up my pimples. My face also look brighten however the downside is the product is kind of messy when I apply it. It won't blend in. It leaves residuals all over my face. If the gel can blending in or make it absorp to the skin, then this would be perfect product.
—Jodie
Lovely!
Very moisturizing but not greasy. I have been using this once a day for two weeks and I can already see some pigmentation begins to lighten. I am in my 30s but I still breakout and have clogged pores. Most skin lightening products out there tend to be heavy creams that cause breakouts. Not this one! The first time I used it I put too much on and end up with a greasy, heavy film, like putting glycerin straight on my face. Since then I reduced the amount to about pea size and my skin is perfectly moisturized and clear! Recommend to anyone with acne and dryish skin!
—Norma
Near Perfect
I've used Rx level 4% products in the past, which worked, but were greasy and really unpleasant to use for someone with oily skin. I take very good care of my skin and sun exposure for me is next to none, so I had a feeling I'd like Paula's product. After only two days I can tell this is going to work. When I first put it on, I thought, "Ew! This is greasy!", but it just takes time to absorb. Once it dries, I can't even tell it's there. I'm also using it in place of my usual BHA for acne and it works very well in that respect. I don't mind the slight smell. All hydroquinone products smell that way and it fades quickly once it dries. I would like to update this a few weeks from now, but after two days, I'm very pleased!
—L
What makes this product unique?
RESIST Clearly Remarkable Skin Lightening Gel is a unique treatment for those struggling with discolorations and breakouts. 2% hydroquinone lightens sun-damaged areas while 2% salicylic acid exfoliates to reduce blemishes. This anti-aging lightener restores an even skin tone by fading skin discolorations caused by the sun or hormones. The silky, breathable gel texture is ideal for normal to oily skin. The formula glides on easily and absorbs without feeling sticky or greasy. Special packaging keeps key sensitive ingredients stable and prevents product discoloration. You'll see improved skin texture and clarity.
This product is 100% fragrance- and colorant-free with a pH of 3.
Who is this product for?
RESIST Clearly Remarkable Skin Lightening Gel is formulated anyone struggling with skin discolorations, an uneven skin tone from sun damage, and breakouts. It is best suited for normal to oily or combination skin.
How should this product be used?
Apply once or twice daily to cleansed, toned skin. Spread a thin layer over areas where discolorations and breakouts are a concern. During the day, follow with the appropriate Paula's Choice sunscreen (essential to prevent discolorations from recurring). At night, follow with RESIST Barrier Repair Moisturizer and/or RESIST Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum. Results for discolorations should appear after 8–12 weeks of consistent use.
What Makes Paula's Choice Products Unique?
Created by world renowned skin care expert and author Paula Begoun
Proven effectiveness based on hundreds of published scientific studies
Targeted systems for wrinkles, acne, rosacea, sensitive skin, oily skin, dry skin and more
Fragrance-free, color-free, free of harmful skin irritants, and never tested on animals
Sources to support the claims made for RESIST Clearly Remarkable Skin Lightening Gel:
Cutis, April 2008, pages 356–371 and August 2006, pages S6–S19; Journal of Cosmetic Laser Therapy, September 2006, pages 121–127; American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, July 2006, pages 223–230; and Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, May 2006, pages S272–S281; Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, September–October 2005, pages 592–597; Experimental Dermatology, January 2005, pages 34–40; April 2003, Supplemental, pages 57–63; and January 2003, pages S43–S50; Cancer Letters, December 2002, pages 125–135; Journal of Dermatological Science, August, 2001, Supplemental, pages 68–75; Molecular Carcinogenesis, July 2001, pages 152–160; Dermatologic Surgery, May 2001, page 429; and Dermatology, 1999, volume 199, number 1, pages 50–53; and Cosmetic Dermatology Principles and Practice 2nd Edition, McGraw Hill Medical Publishing, Leslie Baumann MD, 2009, pages 150–151 and page 316.
DIRECTIONS: Apply once or twice daily to cleansed, toned skin. Spread a thin layer over areas where discolorations and breakouts are a concern. During the day, follow with the appropriate Paula's Choice sunscreen (essential to prevent discolorations from recurring). At night, follow with RESIST Barrier Repair Moisturizer and/or RESIST Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum. Results for discolorations should appear after 8–12 weeks of consistent use.
For best results, do not use hydroquinone (the active ingredient in our RESIST Skin Lightening Lotion & Gel) and benzoyl peroxide (the active ingredient in our CLEAR Acne Fighting Treatments) at the same time. A temporary dark staining of the skin may occur. If accidentally used together, wash the skin with soap and water to remove the staining.
What is the difference between the RESIST Remarkable Skin Lightening Lotion and RESIST Clearly Remarkable Skin Lightening Gel?
The main differences are texture (gel vs. lotion) and the type of exfoliant included in the formula. RESIST Clearly Remarkable Skin Lightening Gel was designed for those with normal to oily skin. RESIST Remarkable Skin Lightening Lotion contains glycolic acid and is ideal for someone with normal to dry skin.
Can I use an AHA or BHA in combination with either one of the skin lighteners?
Using an additional exfoliant may not be necessary with either skin lightening product, because both already contain them. However, if you prefer, you can alternate use of one of our AHA or BHA products with either skin lightener.
I have heard/read from sources that hydroquinone is carcinogenic (cancer-causing) and the FDA wants to ban it. What does Paula think of that?
Paula has written about this topic on her Web site and in her books, but the summation is that the negative research about hydroquinone and the frightening assertions being levied in the media are not related to how this effective ingredient is used in skin-care products sold in the United States. It has been, and still is, the most effective topical agent for fading and/or eliminating sun- or hormone-induced brown skin discolorations and there is copious research to support this conclusion (Sources: Cutis, August 2006, Supplemental pages 6–19; Journal of Cosmetic Laser Therapy, September 2006, pages 121–127; American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, July 2006, pages 223–230; and Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, May 2006, Supplemental, pages 272–281).
