As of today, I've been using the JolieMD Metamorphosis system for three weeks and six days. Unfortunately, the Softening Serum has caused me to have excessively dry skin which turned into more blemishes. However, I'm still hopeful. The outbreaks mainly happened on the right side of my face instead of all over like the Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector. I know now that I may only need to use the Softening Serum every other night or just three times a week. Of course, I'll use only one small pump instead of two small pumps.

On the other hand, I contribute my seriously soft skin to the Softening Serum. I know when you see these pictures, it seems like my skin is only getting worse instead of improving that way we all hope, right? Well, the areas that aren't covered with blemishes are definitely soft, especially at night. I have faith that if I just ease off the Softening Serum and reduce the amount that I use, I'll be fine. Plus, yesterday, an hour before I went to go see Just Wright, I made a trip to Walmart.

I hoped to be approved for the Tidal Labs' Neutrogena UltraSheer Sunblock Campaign but I was denied because I didn't fall into the targeted age group, which is 25-49. The Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunblock seemed like a good product to buy. I wanted to be able to recommend a great drugstore sunblock instead of the ones I'm using by Jan Marini and COOLA. Both on sale for $7, I scooped up the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sun Block SPF 45 along with the Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sun Block SPF 45. I won't elaborate in this post but I will talk more about them in my upcoming haul post.

I tell y'all: that trip to the dermatologist is looking more appealing to me each day I have to endure my skin afflictions. And if you have a success story that you'd like to share, please feel free to share in the comments. I love reading them and they give me hope that one day my true beauty will shine through.

Yesterday night and this morning, I finally started my JolieMD Metamorphosis regimen, which goes a little something like this:

• Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
• JolieMD Metamorphosis Softening Serum
• JolieMD Metamorphosis Enlightening Lotion
• Jan Marini Daily Face Protectant SPF 30 (will use this until I run out)

I've decided to exclude the 100% Natural Botanicals Witch Hazel Daily Facial Toner because the doctors (of JolieMD Metamorphosis) said that even though this toner shouldn't be a problem it could cause dryness. Furthermore, I shouldn't be using it with the products.

Now based on my experiences in the past, this particular toner has not dried my skin out at all. In fact, it did the opposite - it helped my skin stay moisturized. I'm not too pleased that I have to omit using a toner but if it will hinder my results, then I'll skip the witch hazel.

On to first impressions.

April 22th marked six weeks into my Clinique Even Better Clinical regimen. Honestly, I'm considering buying another bottle because Clinique says that in order to see a 53% improvement in my skin tone, I have to use it for twelve weeks.

I've reached the 4 week milestone but I'm curious to see what my skin will look like in another six weeks. I think it's only fair since based on the poll, 56% of you suffer from hyperpigmentation. I'm sure you all are wondering if the Even Better Clinical will be worth it in the end, right?

Based on the recent commercials, when Clinique introduced this clinical version of Even Better, they were only targeting those with mild to moderate hyperpigmentation, not those of us with severe discoloration. I guess the only way to find out for sure is to make it to the 12 week milestone. The Clinique Even Better Clinical broke up some of the pigment in my darkest scars already so I'm quite happy about that.

Since I really want to try the JolieMD Metamorphosis products that I have, I figured I use those immediately after finishing the Clinique Even Better Clinical. I hope that the JolieMD will dramatically improve my hyperpigmenation to the point that it will be moderate, not severe.

Then, based on how well the Jolie MD products worked, I'll come back to the Clinique Even Better Clinical regimen to see if it can further improve the appearance of my skin tone.

A fellow beauty enthusiast spilled an invaluable beauty secret: the "pat/press" method. Finally, there's a way to "get your skin care down pat."

Risi Leanne, one of the editors of the Palacinka beauty blog, revealed, "I learned from the Clarins skin care team to always apply cleanser, eye cream and moisturizer (this is the correct order) with the "pat/press" method. Instead of moving the cream around my face in a circular motion, I warm it up in my hands - then press on. It gives my skin an instant glow and I find the product absorbs much better. My favorite is Clarins Multi-Active Early Wrinkle Correcting Lotion with SPF 15."  (beauty secret #5)

Still interested? Read on!