MaMa : Lotion

Brand:
Reviews
4.1
88 Reviews

Water, Mandelic Acid, Malic Acid, Algae Extract, Polyacrylamide, Potassium Hydroxide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Ubiquinone, Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Fragrance, Squalane, Laureth-7, Tetrasodium EDTA, Isopropylparaben, Isobutylparaben And Butylparaben.

The list of ingredients above is provided for informational purposes only. Always check the actual product label in your possession for the most accurate ingredient information due to product changes or upgrades that may not yet be reflected on our web site.

5
42%
4
35.2%
3
13.6%
2
4.5%
1
4.5%

Used MaMa : Lotion? Rate It:

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June 5, 2010

Pros:

very minor irritation for an acid

Cons:

odd odor, doesn't layer well, sticky if you use too much

I used M2 (the modern version of MaMa Lotion) to treat my melasma, which I have had for about two years. I have dry, sensitive, extremely fair skin. I used M2 for 14 weeks, applying twice weekly for two weeks (per instructions), then every other day or every day afterward. Occasionally, I applied in the morning and evening (for bad acne phases), but generally applied once a day in the evening before bed. I observed a lightening of pigmentation and some minor reduction of redness on two small patches of skin on either side of my nose within the first two weeks of use (this did not change beyond the 2nd week of use). At weeks 7 and 8, the melasma appeared to lighten, but this was not observed beyond week 8, and even appeared to return to its previous state. At the end of 14 weeks, I saw no further improvement and stopped use. Irritation with M2 was mild, usually a slight stinging and minor redness until acclimation (within the first 2 weeks). Peeling was very superficial and not bothersome. After over three months of use, M2 did not have an observable effect on my melasma, but it did work well on my acne, and I keep the bottle around to use as a spot treatment.
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August 8, 2008

Pros:

Good exfoliant. Reduces hyperpigmentation from old acne. Helps minorly with scarring other than hyperpigmentation.

Cons:

Will not do the job on true acne scars. Need a more serious treatment. Does not effectively eliminate breakouts. Consistency is thick and can be grainy.

I used this product for a year. I would use it every night. It makes your skin smoother as most hydroxy acids do and does a great job with clearing up red spots from old acne, but it did not stop me from breaking out, just reduced breakouts a bit. And I still have the rolling scars from some bad blemishes. Dan's regimen or BP works better for reducing breakouts, however, BP doesn't do anything for the scars. Only recommended for people who are not breaking out anymore or who have very mild acne and hyperpigmentation problems.
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December 27, 2006

Pros:

Does prevent further breakouts

Cons:

I have a strange condition of ultradryness in spots where I had applied too much MaMa possibly. No acne there, but the skin is dry, scaly and hyperpigmented. You can definitely overdo it, so don't go too crazy with it.

I use this product with caution, as things that are truly effective ALL have should be used carefully. Except for the dry patches on my back, I love this product. It has transformed my skin, and I don't need to use it much at all anymore.
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October 23, 2006
I gave it a good 6 weeks. It slightly improved breakouts, but after week 1 it left me with tiny bumps (purging?) all over my forehead until I stopped using it last week. It did not do anything for my hyperpigmentation marks at all. I peeled and peeled and kept hoping they would fade, but they did not. I think it may work for some skin types but not others (I have sensitive, oily, acne-prone hormonal skin!). I was also nervous about it because I read that polyacrylamide (one of the main ingredients) is carcinogenic.
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November 4, 2014
An OK mandelic acid lotion
I used the M2 Skin Refinish for several months. It made my skin very smooth, helped fade red marks on my cheeks, and kept my skin somewhat clear if I used it every night. However, I discontinued using it for a couple of reasons. One reason is that it is so sticky. This was a huge problem because I'm a side sleeper and I toss and turn a little at night. This made my face stick to my pillowcase and that was incredibly annoying. It makes your face a little shiny and due to the stickiness, I don't think you can cover this with makeup and wear it during the day. Maybe you can, I never actually tried it. Another reason why I stopped using it was the packaging. You cannot take the bottle apart if you are running low to see if you can get the last little bit of it out, and you can't really see how much you have left either. Considering it's about $35 for one ounce, I don't want to risk wasting my money. So to summarize, if it wasn't sticky and came in a better bottle I would use it again.
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July 18, 2007

Pros:

It seems to be working? Not real sure yet, only used a week and I don't want to say for sure yet.

Cons:

Real dry skin and peely.

It has stopped breakouts, makes my face appear smoother, seems to be fading scars. . . I have only used for a week but haven't gotten a bunch of new cystics or anything and my face is SUPER sensitive. Fair olive skin, marks have NOT gotten darker or anything frightening like that. I can now look in the mirror without disgust so it seems to be working. I will give it more time and repost but as of now, why not try it? I got samples on Ebay and they seem like they will last awhile.
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March 8, 2007

Pros:

smoother skin, smaller pores, fading scares (or that is still taking awhile of course)

Cons:

ultra dryness if you overuse it

This product does work but you have to really adjust it to your skin type. If you are feeling really dry or getting little bumps then CUT BACK. It will still remain effective because it's all about deep exfoliation. I overused it, couldn't move my face from the tightness and then cut back to once a week. Now I see the results that it talks about and am very impressed. You MUST wear sunscreen with this or you will hyperpigmentate and it won't be the products fault but yours. If you are breaking out in little bumps it means that your skin is getting aggravated so you need to cut back. Try this but be patient with it and don't go all gung ho on it.
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November 14, 2007

Pros:

If you have a "cyst" or "pustule" and apply this directly as a spot treatment, it effectively weakens it and sends it into a remission taking the pain away usually with overnight use. Good for spot treating bumps that don't "pop."

Cons:

Very drying. "Burns" off your skin and leaves red circles in the used spots. If you apply to your who face be ready for a face of red and dryness. If you have sensitive skin, DO NOT USE THIS. Be honest with yourself because it will saveyoutrouble

Good at turning a painful to touch zit into nothing without having to take care of it by popping. However, it's very damaging to skin, causes more scarring than acne itself because it literally eats your skin off when healing a zit. Drying, causes redness. However, no fragrance or nasty smell. I would say skip this product, you can find cheaper and better working items that do not damage your skin like this does. I have stopped use because I noticed it created a light pink spot where I used it on my face, which will take more time to heal than acne.
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December 7, 2007

Pros:

Many positive reviews

Cons:

A little pricey

I am not a user yet, but I placed my online order for MAMA 3 days ago and await its arrival. I've browsed several review boards for this product, and noticed mostly glowing reviews for MAMA, but most of the positive reviews were left after one week of usage, or mabey two weeks.I have seen the negative reviews as well-the intense peeling, the smell, the stickiness, and worst of all, the fact that MAMA has the potential to make one's hyperpigmentation even worse (i.e. DARKER).I wanted to get some detailed reviews from long-standing users of MAMA. Did anyone experience any of the following: After initial usage, experienced darker hyperpigmentation and/or increased amounts of pimples? After prolonged use, did hyperpigmentation get better? I've also read some comments warning against spot treatments, and others applauding it. Other suggest using it over the entire face, like a lotion? Also, any reviewers who posted initially have any follow-ups???