The M2 skin care line is a group of intensive skin care treatments that address the needs of dark skin.

Why Does African American Skin Need Special Care?
Due to the close distribution of melanocytes in darker skin types, irritation and swelling can cause the melanacytes to react and produce pigment. When this happens, it can cause dark pigmented spots appear. It is commonly known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The largest concern for people of African descent is uneven skin tone--and this is most likely due to an inflammatory reaction in the skin.

This problem can be difficult to treat because most traditional methods of skin lightening will cause further irritation and further hyperpigmentation. Glycolic Acid, Hydroquinone, and Retinol should all be avoided due to their irritation potential (especially since higher concentrations are needed in order to produce significant results).

The M2 Difference
M2 solves the problem by addressing two issues--the need for high potency and hyperpigmentation prevention. M2 combines two Alpha Hydroxy Acids known for their non-irritating nature, Mandelic Acid and Malic Acid, with potent anti-inflammatories. This unique combination ensures maximum results with minimal irritation.

In order to achieve significant results within a reasonable amount of time, higher concentrations of active ingredients have to be used. M2 has a combined strength of 20% AHA, but the main source of its power comes from its low 2.5 pH. The lower the pH, the more active the acids are in the formulation. This low of a pH is usually reserved only for peels performed in a dermatologists office (most at-home products have a pH between 3.5-4.0). Because of its unique formula, M2, even with its high activity, can be used safely and effectively on darker skin tones.

Benefits of Mandelic Acid
Mandelic Acid is naturally anti-bacterial. One of the primary contributing factors to inflammatory acne is bacteria. This natural property of Mandelic Acid aids in preventing the appearance of new, unwanted blemishes. Mandelic Acid also absorbs and controls oil. And its gentle penetration protects against irritation, which can cause more redness and more scarring.

Benefits of Malic Acid
Malic Acid is a natural humectant, which draws water out of the dermis and into the epidermis. This helps keep the skin hydrated, without contributing to oiliness. Its natural antioxidant properties help fight free radicals in the skin, which can contribute to skin damage. Its gentle nature makes it suitable for use on sensitive skin, even in high concentrations.

Benefits of Algae Extract (marine-derived anti-inflammatory)
Inflammation is the direct cause of the scarring. Anti-inflammatories allow the skin to begin to heal itself and prevent new scarring. This particular form of Algae Extract is known for its non-irritating and non-comedogenic moisturization qualities (some forms of Algae Extract are not so beneficial). This Algae Extract also helps provide additional protection from irritation.

Beyond Hyperpigmentation
M2 provides benefits for the skin beyond just evening out skin tone. M2 will also help to increase collagen production in the skin, without the irritation and redness that Retin-A or Renova can cause.

M2 will also help to slow down and prevent breakouts in oily/acne prone skin types. This is due to the increased exfoliation and the natural antibacterial qualities of Mandelic Acid.

What Should I Expect From M2
Within a month of using M2 every other day, you will see a significant improvement in the clarity and color of your skin. Pigmented areas will be greatly improved and the overall texture of your skin will be softer and smoother. Within two months of use, you will also notice a significant decrease in the number of blemishes. If you are still breaking out, you will find that the blemishes will be greatly reduced in size--and the marks they leave behind will vanish even faster than before. Dark pigmented areas on the body will start to peel and will leave behind smooth, flawless skin.

Recommended use depends completely on your individual skin and what it can tolerate. Because of M2's high activity, it is recommended you begin using it only once every other day. This will help determine skin sensitivity and will help minimize peeling. After a few weeks, if there is no excessive peeling or stinging with product application, you can increase the frequency of application. It is always better to take it slow. If you find yourself becoming sensitive, then you should take a break for a week or two, then start again, applying the M2 less frequently than before.

M2 & Mama Lotion Reviews from Customers with Dark Skin

great result Review By: chang-ca 02-08-2009

I'm a long time expensive Obagi user, read the review about this product, try the sample only few days and its really amazing, sun damage acne brown spots was there for years got a lot lighter, more even skin tone, order a full line of the products, hope to see the open pores get smaller. EVERYBODY SHOULD TRY IT..

I'M A BELIEVER Review By: Tonja 02-13-2006

I'm a 38 yrs old african american female. had fairly decent skin throughout my 20s but began to breakout in my 30s and tried the otc products for acne. some worked but still I had to deal with the brown spots. I read the reviews for this product and went out on a limb to try it. Only been a user for less than 30 days and Ive seen fantastic results. no breakouts and the brown spots have almost disappeared. let me say that I used to refuse to go without foundation or some type of cover. well those days are over I have confidently went out without foundation or powder. my skin is clearer and more even toned. I am pleased with the results so far. I thought I would never be able to go without makeup and always wanted to be a natural. NOW I AM it does cause the skin to peel and feel tighter after application but that's no problem. well worth the money.

MY DAY HAS COME Review By: SHEENA 04-17-2006

I AM A 24 YEAR OLD FEMALE WHO HAS THE WORSE OF THE WORST SKIN ALIVE. ON GOOGLE ON DAY, I TYPED IN DARK KNEES AND CAME UPON THIS SITE. I READ TWO REVIEWS THAT GAVE ME SOME HOPE THAT ONE DAY I WOULD FINALLY BE ABLE TO WEAR A SKIRT OR SHORTS AGAIN. I BROUGHT MAMA LOTION BACK IN MARCH AND I HAVE TO SAY, I ALMOST CRIED WHEN I NOTICED THE RESULTS. IMAGINE BLACK KNEES THAT ARE ROUGH,DRY AND HARD. I NEVER THOUGHT THERE WOULD BE A PRODUCT THAT WOULD HELP ME OUT LIKE THIS. WHEN THEY FIRST STARTED TO PEEL, I WAS LIKE OH MY GOD!! I COULD SEE AND FEEL THE ROUGHNESS GO RIGHT AWAY AND THE DARKNESS GO RIGHT BEFORE MY EYES. I RAN AROUND MY HOUSE SO HOPEFUL ABOUT THIS BREAKTHROUGH. ITS BEEN A MONTH NOW, AND MY KNEES ARE TWO SHADES LIGHTER. THEY AREN'T LIGHTENED 100%, BUT I AM CONFIDENT TO SAY I'M HALF WAY THERE. THANK YOU MAMA LOTION. WITHOUT YOU I WOULD STILL BE WEARING HOT A@# JEANS ALL SUMMER LONG. THANK YOU FOR BRINGING ME HOPE WITH THIS MIRACLE PRODUCT AND JOY.

Mama Lotion is INCREDIBLE Review By: RJ 04-11-2006

I am a 39 year old African American woman and have been fighting acne and blemishes for the past two years. Within the last few months, I had really gotten my acne under control. I discovered, after a lot of trial and error, that my acne is almost 100% diet related-if I eat healthy and stay away from refined sugar, flour, caffeine, etc., and drink lots of water, I don't get acne. If you have acne, you might want to check out Dr. Perricone's books. There's great information about the anti-acne diet (his books are great, his skincare products are mediocre). Although I had gotten my acne under control, I still had the dark spots (hyperpigmentation) from old acne on my forehead and nose. I was surfing the internet and found this site and ordered the Mama lotion. I am thrilled to say that IT IS INCREDIBLE!!! I have been using it for only 2 weeks and the scars are fading FAST! I have been using it mostly as a spot treatment. I found it too strong to use all over my face everyday, so I use a Q-tip and apply it once a day to the bad spots only. Then one or two times per week on my whole face. It dries your face a little and makes it flake so use a good moisturizer. I use emu oil and it works great. I cannot believe how much of a difference it made in my complexion. My pores are smaller, the dark spots are fading QUICKLY, and my face is generally just brighter. The product is sticky, but I think that' s good because it's ACID and you don't want it rolling down your face when you put it on. It stays where you put it which is great for spot treatment. The smell is different but I like it. I have no complaints about the product. It worked for me just like the label said it would. Be careful when you are removing the flaking skin. I got too aggressive and had a little scabbing, but even when that peeled off, the dark spots were lighter. Thanks for a great product! Last Comment- the service from Skincarerx is excellent!!!!!!! I got my products in just a few days.

Well Well Well Review By: Tessa 04-08-2006

ok so there are many reviews for this product most of them if not all are complimentary, which left me a little dubious if not curious. There was no option but for me to buy yet another product claiming to help with my embarrassing dark knees and various scars that make me insecure and depressed about the coming summer. So i part with my money and in about 10 days the mama lotion turns up in the UK. I have been using now for nearly two weeks and the results are DRAMATIC! Not least of all because you can peel off the hard dark skin but also because underneath there is a visible improvement! i mean really visible! I am so grateful for this product and will continue to use it's AMAZING. I am throwing out all those other fakers... I am an afro carribean women whose summer will be a lot different in 2006. THANK YOU

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