Paula's Choice • RESIST Remarkable Skin Lightening Lotion with 7% AHA • Treatments

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*TOP REVIEWER* krysownzu on 4/26/2013 8:46:00 PM more reviews by krysownzu

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I've been using this for one week, and I already notice a big difference in my skin. I recently got a little too much sun (and too little sunscreen... Ugh), and developed sun spots underneath my eyes and on my forehead/temples. I've never had sun spots before, and they really made my skin look bad (mainly the ones under my eyes, with makeup, those sections of my face look dirty, like smudged black eyeshadow fall-out... Not good).

This, along with SPF 55, has already brightened my skin significantly. Spots are not gone by any means, but they are lighter already.

The only bad things I will mention is the smell. Whoever mentioned that this reminds them of Windex, you hit the nail on the head. The smell won't keep me from continuing to use this product, though, as the results are worth it. Softer, smoother, brighter, no irritation, no breakouts... Very happy, would recommend anyone give this a try.

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*TOP REVIEWER* bigsvig on 10/7/2011 4:19:00 PM more reviews by bigsvig

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I switched to the RESIST BHA version of PC skin lightening when it came out and really like it. With oily, middle-aged skin prone to serious blackheads, I like any single product that takes the place of two. I used to apply its predecessors only to actual age spots, but now use it all over to combat even more signs of aging and discolorations (time does march on, Y'all). So this product performs at least as well as the previous versions. The clear gel does have a strong, unpleasant smell, and DH says it tastes terrible, but it works and the prices are reasonable compared to what else is out there. It's funny that at 45, women occasionally compliment me on my skin. Ten years ago no one said anything because we took our youth for granted. Now is when all those years of sunscreen and no sunbathing are starting to pay off and other women my age ask me how I do it. I always direct them to PC and tell them that no sunscreen is NOT on option, lol. Having an elegantly formulated OTC hydroquinone product like this one is a real blessing.

(Pssst! Paula, a pump would be reeeally nice... I'm just sayin')

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yorkieluvr on 9/27/2011 5:05:00 PM more reviews by yorkieluvr

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

I am reviewing the RESIST version with 7% AHA. I love this stuff!! It really does lighten brown areas, freckles, spots, etc. It doesnt dry out my face or make me oily. It sinks in beautifully and doesnt feel sticky or leave a greasy feeling. Remember though, skin lightening takes time so give it a chance to work. When this tube is gone Im going to try the RESIST version with 2% BHA. Definitely recommend! :)

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*TOP REVIEWER* LizWords on 9/21/2011 12:34:00 AM more reviews by LizWords

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Brown    

This is a very good skin lightening product, it's ingredients' efficacy is solid, as always w/ PC. I tried the alpha hydrox version first but it was too harsh for my skin and you get very little product for the price compared to PC's. I wanted something with hydroquinone in it to supplement the retin-a i've been using for 6 months now, and I heard really good things about this combination. I did order a couple tubes of the 4% hydroquinone from ADC w/ my last retin-a purchase, but I wanted to start with a milder version and having aha in it means one less separate product i have to apply. Paula's ingredients are great, her anti-irritants really do help, and i always know exactly what I'm putting on my skin when I buy from her. This product does smell pretty gross, but that's cause she didn't add any irritating scents to cover up the natural smell of the chemicals in it. The smell fades w/in the first couple minutes, and it sinks right in and stays matte, so i can wear this during the day under my sunblock and makeup without it sliding off my face. I wouldn't change a thing about this product.

If you don't get the lightening results you're looking for, try the 4% solution. If that doesn't work then you probably need laser treatments for the results you want. Unfortunately hydroquinone and aha is not effective on everyone.


UPDATE: PLEASE NOTE, DO NOT USE THIS IN CONJUNCTION WITH BENZOYL PEROXIDE PRODUCTS. Using hydroquinone with BP can cause skin browning, which is temporary but still unsightly. I honestly don't understand why there aren't warnings on ALL hydroquinone products, it's extremely irresponsible not to let people know. I do still use BP, I just make sure not to put it on my skin within a day of using hydroquinone. You can supposedly wash your face and then apply it but I honestly don't want to take the risk. Since I only use this product a couple times a week and I use BP probably half a dozen times a month, it isn't really an issue for me. But for someone on a regular BP regimen, this could cause problems.

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tonkatoy on 1/8/2011 8:27:00 PM more reviews by tonkatoy

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

I have bought this product over and over and over. Miracle stuff for my acne and leveling out my skin tone. Unbelievable!

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beginning11 on 9/15/2010 8:54:00 AM more reviews by beginning11

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

Been using this for 3 months now and really do see a difference.....! Skin tone is evening and dark spots going away.....Thanks Paula!

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jessgia on 1/16/2010 6:12:00 PM more reviews by jessgia

Age: 30-35   Skin: Dry, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I concur that this product has an unpleasant odor to it. Setting that aside, it was a mediocre performer.

I have hyperpigmentation from pregnancy that is very mild and easy to cover up with makeup. I wanted to see if a skin-lightener would make it so that I wouldn't have to wear makeup at all. (My skin is dry and fair.) I saw very mild results from this and was a little disappointed. When I used it on a nightly basis it would cause irritation so I would stop for a few days before resuming.

Since I am very light skinned I did not have the discoloration side effects that other have experienced. This product may also work better on sun-damaged discolorations rather than hormone-induced ones. I religiously wear SPF45 every day so sun damage isn't really an issue for me. I wouldn't buy it again, I will just find another avenue for my particular desires.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

buge on 12/1/2009 11:09:00 PM more reviews by buge

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

This product did not work. After faithfully using it for more than 3 months, my skin got really sensitive (itchy) and my sunspots got darker. I was very disappointed in this product.

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*TOP REVIEWER* polarpooch on 11/22/2009 9:04:00 PM more reviews by polarpooch

Age: 36-43   Skin: Very Oily, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

This is a GREAT 2% hydroquinone product. I mix it w/.1% Retin A, and it has really kept my hyperpigmentation and freckles at bay. (My damage was mostly caused by the sun, btw) It is NOT as dramatic a result as a 4%, but for women either stepping down from the Rx strength (which is what I did), or for women who want to start to lighten discoloration caused by sun damage, or general hyperpigmentation, it's great. It'll take some weeks to really start seeing results. You will really, REALLY boost the results w/Retin A, however. This stuff has helped keep my "Obagi" skin in good shape, without the upkeep cost of the some of the Obagi 4% products. ALSO, I started rubbing the excess product into my hands and have noticed a HUGE change in the freckling there. Nice! Well done on this product. And as for the scares about hydroquinone, how funny teenagers would feel confident enough to lecture people on dermatological science while knowing absolutely nothing about it. (Next time kids, ask a doctor.) Even funnier, Paula B. is the apex mythbuster when it comes to faux cosmetic claims AND scares. She actually does ask doctors and epidemiologists about this stuff. Indeed, she's addressed the hydroquinone scare on her website...complete with MULTIPLE references and footnotes to the science behind the product.

11 out of 14 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* Kuuipogal on 2/6/2009 5:32:00 PM more reviews by Kuuipogal

Age: 44-55   Skin: Oily, Olive   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I have used the salcylic acid lightener and the glycolic acid lightener. Both have nice amounts of lightening agents and antioxidants. Smells weird but exfoliates and evens the skin out. I have repurchased so many times I have lost track. The same amount of lightener by Peter Thomas Ross is twice the price.
This is a product that delivers really good results that are very noticeable in less than a month.

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Rotarian on 9/30/2008 8:51:00 PM more reviews by Rotarian

Age: 44-55   Skin: Normal, Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

The jury is still out on this one. Well, first off, it smells like Windex, which is a little repulsive. Generous quantity in a light, quick drying formula, then I put something over it quickly to cover up the smell. I noticed some improvement after the first week, and not a whole lot since. It has been about a month and I have been using it on my upper lip and assorted areas on my face where I have melasma. Also on my forearms and chest where I have bad sun damage. I figure for the price and the quantity I might as well test it out on a bad area like my arms. I have to say that it was not brown like reported by some, maybe they re-formulated. *** Limited results after more than a month. I alternate using this product, when I don't feel like using something greasier. Again, the smell is repulsive.

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Nixiefire on 9/24/2008 3:54:00 AM more reviews by Nixiefire

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination   Hair: Red   Eyes: Green    

I have been searching high and low for something to help with the dark marks left post acne. Much to my dismay I have found that the active ingredient in most skin lighteners, including this one has been FLAGGED BY THE FDA.

I am going to avoid hydroquinone like the plague. This skin bleaching chemical can cause a skin disease called ochronosis, with "disfiguring and irreversible" blue-black lesions that in the worst cases become permanent, intensively black bumps the size of caviar all over the skin.
Just look it up on FDA.gov. ='(

I am so glad I haven't used this product yet, the risk is not worth it to me. I am going to stick with my great coverage mineral makeup and explore some more natural options for lightening. I will let you ladies know when I find something that works!

With love,
~ Nix

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bellaby on 2/18/2008 1:51:00 PM more reviews by bellaby

Age: 44-55   Skin: Normal, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

I purchased this because I had a few faint brown patches (sun damage) appearing on my cheeks. After applying it to my face every night, the patches faded away entirely after about 5 weeks, and my skin became uniform in colour. As instructed, I use sunscreen daily to keep the results. Now I use it every second night only for maintenance, although I may have to use it daily in the summer months. The product had a very faint odour (almost like dill) when you put it up to your nose, but it quickly faded away after application. To avoid having the product turn brown, I squeeze the tube after using, so the cream comes up to the top of the application head. This removes air from the tube, and prevents oxidation of the product. My personal preference is for this product over the gel version, because this contains glycolic acid, and I prefer a cream to a gel for my skin. I love this product and would highly recommend it.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

fabfemme on 9/8/2007 1:40:00 AM more reviews by fabfemme

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Red   Eyes: Hazel    

STINKS!!!!!!! I have no idea about the efficacy of this product ... It might be the best lightener out there, but I have no idea because I couldn't stand the smell so I had to stop using it. I know Paula doesn't like fragrance but when something smells this bad, please, please, please give us a little vanilla or something. UGH.

nothing that goes on yr face should smell this bad

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divelovers on 8/21/2007 2:47:00 PM more reviews by divelovers

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Hazel    

After using this product for 2+ months I can honestly say that it actually made my skin WORSE! (And yes, of course I use spf 30+ sunscreen daily.) I have more pigmentation now than ever and my pockets are lighter to boot. After a lot of research, I have found that Hydroquinone (a key ingredient in this formula) can actually cause rebound hyperpigmentation - wtf? It will take several weeks of chemical peels to reverse (if possible) the additional pigmentation that I am now adorned with. Don't waste your money or harm your appearance. Paula - ditch the hydroquinone. As a cosmetics "cop" you should know better.

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helent on 7/5/2007 1:14:00 AM more reviews by helent

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

i am very disappointed in this product! my purpose was to lighten the pigmentation on my skin. it instead stained my skin, leaving it dull and dark where i had applied the lotion (so everywhere except around my mouth and eyes). i was embarrassed to be seen after using this, and it took a weeks exfoliation to get me back to normal.

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*TOP REVIEWER* thinkpink710 on 7/1/2007 12:09:00 PM more reviews by thinkpink710

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

Smelled like rotten eggs. Do I want to put that on my skin again? No thanks.

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*TOP REVIEWER* dakgirl on 2/11/2007 4:03:00 PM more reviews by dakgirl

Age: 36-43   Skin: Oily, Fair, Warm   Hair: Red   Eyes: Brown    

Ah, the 40's, now is when we really need skincare to work! I'm a PPP with oily skin. I've been wearing high SPF since I was 18, and I've been using chemical exfoliators like lotions with AHA or BHA for a long time but in the past couple of years I'm encountering a new enemy: PIGMENTATION. I was using Tazorac and Obagi C-Clarifying Serum, both of which are WAY stronger than this, but they irritated my skin which led to post inflammatory pigmentation, so it was a vicious cycle!

I love AHAs and BHAs but was sick of layering different products on then hoping my sunblock wouldn't react and curdle off like eraser shavings. I have found that using the RSL Lotion at night gives me the anti-aging AHA, and the RSL Gel in the morning gives me the pore-unclogging BHA both with a much gentler lightening effect.

Its funny, I used the 4% hydroquinone because I wanted to lighten the freckles I'm getting, but it was so strong and irritating it CREATED darkness! PC 2% is much better, and it helped me simplify my routine.

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twitches on 1/17/2007 9:32:00 AM more reviews by twitches

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Hazel    

I bought this about two months ago and have been using it faithfully every night and morning (until recently, when my facialist told me only to use it at night from now on). I can say that it takes time to work, but eventually it will fade the hyperpigmentation. It just doesn't happen overnight so the change is not dramatic. Perhaps I bought a different formulation of this than previous reviews, as it never turned brown and I've gone through an entire tube. **My only complaint about Paula's products is that her shipping (at least to where I live) is HORRIBLE. I have always had to wait at least two full weeks to get my stuff; from now on I'll pay extra for expedited shipping!

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ctully on 5/5/2006 7:09:00 PM more reviews by ctully

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I love Paula's Choice products but this stuff is terrible. It turns brown very quickly and I have fair skin so I could only wear it at night. I ended up returning it.

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