Why timelines matter
Hyperpigmentation (PIH) improves when you reduce irritation, support gentle turnover, and apply brighteners consistently. Expect gradual change; steady habits beat harsh, daily exfoliation.
The routine that drives results (overview)
✅ Cleanse: non-stripping, lukewarm water.
✅ Actives rotation (3–4×/week total):
⚫ Papaya enzyme cleanse on some days (gentle resurfacing).
⚫ Kojic brightening soap on alternate days (pigment management).
✅ Targeted brightener: daily on clean, dry skin (especially knees, elbows, inner thighs).
✅ Moisturize + low friction: essential for barrier recovery and less PIH.
✅ Sun/heat habits: cover when outdoors; avoid tight friction post hair-removal for 24–48h.
Day 7: Early signs (clarity > tone)
What you may notice:
✅ Texture feels smoother; skin looks a touch clearer/fresher.
✅ Some marks look the same in color but edges can appear softer.
✅ Fewer new bumps if you reduced friction and improved shaving habits.
Keep doing:
✅ Short contact time (60–90s) on active days.
✅ Daily moisturizer.
✅ Photo tracking under the same lighting (see template below).
Day 14: Visible momentum (edges lighten)
What you may notice:
✅ Edges of spots start to fade first; center lightens more slowly.
✅ Overall area looks more even under neutral lighting.
✅ Less re-darkening between showers if you’re consistent.
If irritation shows up:
✅ Add a rest day; reduce contact time to 30–45s.
✅ Avoid stacking gritty scrubs with active soaps on the same day.
Day 30: Meaningful change (tone shift)
What you may notice:
✅ Spots are noticeably lighter in photos; size/contrast reduced.
✅ Texture is smoother; makeup/body tint sits more evenly.
✅ Stubborn areas (knees/elbows/inner thighs) improve but may need 6–8 weeks.
Plateau protocol (if progress stalls):
✅ Keep rotation but add one extra Papaya day (not daily).
✅ For very stubborn spots, add a Target Area Cream daily after cleansing.
✅ Re-check friction triggers (tightwear, workouts right after shaving).
Weekly cadence (example)
1. Mon: Papaya x Vitamin C (enzymatic cleanse, 60–90s) → Rinse → Targeted brightener → Moisturize
2. Tue: Kojic Acid x Vitamin C Soap (60–90s) → Rinse → Brightener → Moisturize
3. Wed: Hydration focus only (no actives)
4. Thu: Papaya rotation (as Mon)
5. Fri: Kojic rotation (as Tue)
6. Sat: Optional spot-focus on stubborn marks or rest if dry
7. Sun: Rest/repair (moisturizer only)
Photo tracking template
✅ Areas: (e.g., bikini line, inner thighs, knees, elbows)
✅ Lighting: daylight near window, same distance each time
✅ Angles: straight-on + 45°
✅ Schedule: Day 1, Day 7, Day 14, Day 30
✅ Notes: contact time used, any irritation, clothing/friction changes
Troubleshooting quick guide
✅ Dry/tight feel: shorten contact time; add a rest day; more moisturizer.
✅ New bumps/ingrowns: pause actives 48–72h; resume with Papaya first, then Kojic.
✅ No change by Day 30: review friction (tightwear), hair-removal timing, consistency, and ensure you’re actually hitting 3–4 active sessions/week (not daily).
Make the timeline work for you
🏆 LEK — Mini Full Body & Face Brightening / Acne Kit (complete system):
https://joliesskincare.com/products/limited-edition-kit
🏆 Target Area Cream (knees, elbows, inner thighs; daily after cleansing):
https://joliesskincare.com/products/target-area-cream
🏆 Exfoliating Soap (controlled turnover, 2–4×/week):
https://joliesskincare.com/products/exfoliating-soap
🏆Helpful add-ons (optional):
🏆 Kojic Acid x Vitamin C Brightening Soap (alternate brightening days):
https://joliesskincare.com/products/kojic-acid-x-vitamin-c-brightening-soap-1
🎀 2-in-1 Papaya x Vitamin C Facial Cleanser (gentle resurfacing days):
https://joliesskincare.com/products/2-in-1-papaya-x-vitamin-c-facial-cleanser