SUMMARY: I-Max spot reducer takes longer to fade a brown spot or acne scar because it is addressing hyperpigmentation and using stem cells & peptides to assist in the generation of new regular pigment skin cells. This cream is not just bleaching the spot, like some spot correctors. Bleaching works but can give uneven results, particularly on any skin tone is that not fair. The I-Max Spot Reducer does work, but it takes about 2-3 months. This process can be accelerated however when the spot reducer is combined with other treating creams and serums, such as Vitamin C or a whitening cream. I explain my application tricks for getting faster results below.
ABOUT BROWN SPOTS & FADE CREAMS
Brown spots are associated with aging, and often start in one’s forties, but they can also appear in a younger person due to too much sun exposure, pregnancy, or acne scarring.
Some fade creams are overly harsh on the skin, and some do not work at all. I have tried a few spot correctors from a well-known department store cosmetic department with limited results. The problem with age spots, I have noticed, is they are not quite on the surface of the skin, but often slightly deeper. If you do not respond well to dark spot remedies, considering pairing a spot corrector with another product. This I-Max Spot Reducer is excellent for combining with a serum or peel product to penetrate past the surface layer of the skin and reach the layer of skin that holds the discoloration.
HOW IT WORKS
This cream is a different process than just “bleaching” the skin, which is how many fade creams work. A bleaching of the skin will lighten the skin but will not give you even skin; you will likely get overly whitened, pigment-less spots instead. While these areas are easier to conceal, they are still not ideal and may even appear more like a scar depending on your skin tone.
This cream works differently than a lightening cream or a fading cream because it first exfoliates the skin lightly to reach a deeper layer of skin. Then it suppresses “UV-induced melanogenesis” – the continued darkening of already dark spots due to sun exposure. Despite being darker, these spots are extra sensitive and can get even darker. Then the cream uses several natural lightening ingredients to fade the spots and break up the discoloration. The Peptides and Stem cells assist the skin to go into repair mode and generate new skin cells that are not hyperpigmented, meaning normal skin-colored skin replaces your spots. This process takes longer than bleaching, but can happen in about two months.
APPLICATION
The I-Max Spot Corrector has sort of a burnt rubbery smell which dissipates quickly and then it doesn’t have a detectable scent. It absorbs well and leaves no detectable oily or greasy mark. Suitable for daytime use. I dab it on after my Vitamin C serum and let it dry.
HOW I GOT FASTER RESULTS
What works best for me is applying Vitamin C to my entire face, which also works to lighten dark spots, and pairing that with the i-Max topical spot treatment just on the spots. I have three brown spots, one is an age spot, two seem to be from sun damage. I also have two or three areas of an acne scar that has faded to a plum-brown color. These are not raised or bumpy scars, just flat with demarcation discoloration.
I also like to use the spot corrector with some Hyaluronic Acid so that the spot corrector ingredients penetrates deeper into the skin.
The spot corrector can be combined with AHA and TCA peels, as outlined in the instructions. But personally, I prefer to do use this cream with my serums and creams because it is less harsh on the skin, but if you want faster results, this is a good option.
CONCLUSION: Gentle, effect method of actually removing dark spots and replacing the hyperpigmented skin with your own skin color, not a bleached out version of your skin.
Find it at MaxLife
Sandy says
I never thought about that with bleaching agents. I’m olive toned, and I don’t want to trade one discoloration for a too light discloration! And it’s not like a couple of months is so long to wait anyways.
Style Chicks says
Exactly – it’s not like bleaching agents work that much faster anyways. This really does the job well, and I-Max is a great brand.
Lisa says
I need this! I spent too much time in the sun as a teen.
Style Chicks says
Hi Lisa!
It’s never too late to start, even if you have a lot of sun damage to repair. And be sure to wear sunscreen, 365 days a year. 🙂
Courtney