Review: PCA Skin Pigment Gel

I ordered a massive quantity of PCA Skincare about 4 months ago and it has dramatically improved my acne and hyperpigmentation. The PCA Skin Pigment Gel is effective but can be irritating as your skin adjusts. This is a aggressive treatment. I suggest starting use 1x a day and maybe every other day. Increase use as your skin adjusts and do not use other strong exoliating products & treatments. 

The gel comes in a glass jar with a pump. Sometimes the pump can become jammed, I would just unscrew the pump and put a few drops on my fingertips. PCA Skin claims, "The penetrating 'triple-action' of hydroquinone, kojic acid and azelaic acid, plus lactic and citric acid helps to exfoliate, lighten and inhibit hyperpigmentation (skin discoloration) and age spots." Hydroquinone, Kojic and Azelaic acid are lighteners. Citric acid and Lactic (also lightens) exfoliates dead skin cells. 

My skin was a bit sensitive to this product as it adjusted but very effective. My skin tone was noticeably more even, but the results did not last. I wore spf 30 everyday and avoided sun exposure, so this was disappointing. Remember that products with hydroquinone should not be used over 3 months, or skin will begin to darken. It is not known why hydroquionone takes this affect. After 3 months, try a lightener or brightener with kojic, arbutin, mulberry, lactic acid, azelaic acid, to maintain results. Wear SPF 30+ everyday (try SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50), it is a must to prevent re-darkening of the treated skin.

I feel like this gel did more for my acne, then my hyperpigmentation.  Great for light uneven skintone or sun damage, but not very heavy hyperpigmentation.  This gel smoothed the texture of my skin and offers great exfoliation. Excellent for stubborn forehead comedones. 

Ingredients: Witch Hazel, Castor Oil Methyl Glycol, Kojic Acid, Hydroquinone, Lactic Acid and Citric Acids (pH adjusters), Cellulose.

$46

1oz.

Available at skinstore.com

4/5

PCA SKIN gel