This leads to formation of patches darker than the normal skin complexion. Not only is using Hydroquinone at higher levels dangerous without medical supervision, the ingredients in many of these products are inferior and can even damage the skin. How to use hydroquinone. When formulated with other high-quality ingredients, Hydroquinone accomplishes amazing things for those suffering with hyperpigmentation. 4. Apply a very small amount of the medicine to a small area of healthy skin, and check the area within 24 hours. There has there been a lot of misinformation about Hydroquinone – the ingredient used to lighten dark patches of skin. The more detaching of superficial dead skin you can achieve, the less skin the lightener has to penetrate. Some of you may know this, but continued hydroquinone use is linked to ochronosis, which is a darkening of the skin. Let me make this even more simple – I'll give you all of these answers below! Hydroquinone is a skin-bleaching agent that is used to lighten areas of darkened skin such as freckles, melasma, age spots, and acne scars.. While hydroquinone is effective at lightening spots, the results aren't immediate. The answer is in the fact that Hydroquinone doesn’t actually remove the pigment from the skin, it just halts the production. On the other hand, a darker face could be from dead skin cell build-up, i.e. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) does continue to cite hydroquinone as a way to treat dark spots as well as other skin disorders such as melasma (overproduction of … For darker complexions there are times we pre-treat both before and after with hydroquinones. Now we have a better understanding of skin care, but that doesn’t mean we’ve found a cure for every skin condition. Instructions. And it's not just good for lightening freckles and fading away age spots, acne scars and sun damage - hydroquinone is also capable of lightening your skin by several shades. It lightens the surface cells, but since the body is always sloughing off old cells and pushing new cells to the surface, they will be dark, too. Here. Lentigines are common in areas that receive most exposure like the face, shoulders, arms and legs. Brighten Darker Skin; As also mentioned before, hydroquinone is used on skin care products that were intended for those who have darker skin and wanted brighter look. The pure hydroquinone cream reduces hyperpigmentation and skin redness in as little as two-three weeks using a proven formula to limit melanin production. However, researchers have found that we can use products topically to 'inhibit' melanin production. Hydroquinone-based products were banned temporarily when, in South Africa, high concentrations of those products (in upwards of 20 percent!) Depigmentation occurs after 3-4 weeks of application and may last up to 2 to 6 months after cessation of therapy. Let's face it – for those of us who live in sunny climates, or love to be outside, it's difficult to get away from the sun. While a temporary darkening is normal with typical use, there will be cases where it seems that Hydroquinone can cause hyperpigmentation to become even worse for the long term. Then, use your hands to rub the scrub into your knees. Never take chances with inferior products and choose a Hydroquinone solution that’s been formulated with high quality, complimentary ingredients – you and your skin are worth it. hydroquinone ; corticosteroids (steroid medicine), such as hydrocortisone ; Skin-lightening creams you can buy without a prescription. 1. A hydroquinone cream is excellent for all skin types. This is great, except that not all products are created equal and how they’re used can significantly influence their effectiveness. and you'll get your results so much faster! Prescribe hydroquinone concentrations no higher than 4%. If there is no reaction other than minor redness, begin using the full prescribed amount of the medicine. If you have lighter skin you can most likely have the Fraxel laser treatment without pretreatment with hydroquinone. Wear protective hats, sunglasses, and lip balm. I am a 51yr old black african american. Melanin is produced naturally in the body so it's unrealistic to say we can 'cure' pigmentation. Treatment should be continued for at least 3 months. Is Hydroquinone Safe For Lightening Dark Spots? not exfoliating enough. 2. But don't be afraid to ask the questions. Some of these topical products include: Hydroquinone, Kojic Acid, and licorice root. Hence, it is advisable to heal the skin before starting with the treatment. Part of HuffPost News. Hydroquinone has made quite a name for itself around the world in skin lightening creams and scar treatment products. Considering that many hyperpigmentation conditions – such as Melasma, age spots and freckles – are made worse by sun exposure, it’s easy to see how without proper SPF protection, Hydroquinone use can cause darkening. In Singapore, hydroquinone can only be obtained with a doctor’s prescription. After rubbing for about 30 seconds, let the scrub sit on your knees for 5 minutes before rinsing it off with water. But if you research a little further, you will also find that there were high amounts of illegal contaminants – including mercury – in those Hydroquinone products. Retin-A by prescription would speed up the skin-sloughing process even further. In fact, Shafer says it’s quite the opposite. However, it is important to realize that you may need to use the hydroquinone medication for up to 6 months before clearing of the dark marks is seen. “The hydroquinone treats dark spots, but any product in contact with surrounding skin will also lighten those areas as well. If you need to flag this entry as abusive. If no redness or itching occurs within 24 hours, begin treatment. When used in skin care products, Hydroquinone is often regarded as a magic eraser. It's just not possible. Doing the latter could burn you, potentially hyperpigmenting (darkening) you further. Instead of lightening my face, hydroquinine has made my skin darker on my face and neck. Speak to the person selling the product you are interested in. "If you have dark areas from melasma, age spots, or brown spots left from acne, hydroquinone helps by decreasing the formation of melanin in the skin (the pigment in the skin that gives it a dark color)," says Buttiglione. Allow the skin to rest and restore itself for two to three months after hydroquinone therapy. Hydroquinone is a skin whitening product used by those who have hyperpigmentation, a condition in which the skin produces dark patches.People with dark skin, such as those from India and the Middle East, are more prone to hyperpigmentation. Despite its efficacy, hydroquinone is not without its problems. Before & After Pictures of Hydroquinone on Melasma Admittedly I understand that my patches of melasma are lighter than most…so for that reason alone I feel fortunate. 1. Answered by Dr. Chiquitha Cornelius: Hydroquinone is: found at local beauty supply store under names such a... "i have black dots as shaving scars on my penis for few month and heard hydroquinone can help me get rid of them but can't find it, any similar cream?" Many people also try 4 percent hydroquinone to lighten dark pigment. However, this happens only for darker-skinned patients. As always, knowledge is power. Occasionally, this can happen, however, it almost always happens because of how the Hydroquinone application was used and not the ingredient itself. Two applications are not sufficient. Hydroquinone was founded in 1843 by Friedrich Wöhler. Niiiice. Some of us may admit that we grew up baby oil tanning before we knew better! Hydroquinone products have been proven to be very effective and consequently have become considerably popular for their skin whitening perks; therefore, many people who want lighter skin will choose hydroquinone creams and serums to achieve their desired results. Retin-A by prescription would speed up the skin-sloughing process even further. Apply to clean dry skin one to two times daily or as directed by your doctor. Hyroquinone is commonly available in combination with a steroid and tretinoin as a medication called Tri-luma. As Hydroquinone gets to work, it decreases melanocyte production, while speeding up cellular breakdown. As always, knowledge is power. Onchronosis generally requires higher concentrations of hydroquinone and is more prevalent in darker skin. As Hydroquinone’s reputation has built in recent years, more people have started to consider it as a treatment option for their own hyperpigmentation. For example, committing to a regular, gentle skin care routine. I was willing to give that a try before spending money on laser treatments. This means that as melanocytes die off, they’re going to accumulate on your skin, just like any other type of dead skin cell. When made properly, Hydroquinone is not a harmful ingredient. Honestly, there’s nothing magical about Hydroquinone. "Patients need to understand that the treatment is working at the cellular level to reduce the production of pigment," Shafer explains. Clean and dry the skin before applying a thin film of cream twice daily to the area(s) in need of bleaching. Using an exfoliating mixture on your skin helps to remove dead skin cells, which can make the skin appear lighter and brighter. Those of us who aren't using marketing tactics to make a quick dollar are never afraid to answer questions or give you insight from our personal experience to help you make your own informed decision. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Admire My Skin Dark Spot Corrector Remover for Face 2% Hydroquinone Melasma Treatment Fade Cream with Kojic Acid Vitamin C, Salicylic Acid, Azelaic Acid, Lactic Acid Peel (1oz) at Amazon.com. Darker skin tones are more susceptible to hyperpigmentation. Hydroquinone has been used for over 50 years and was, for a short time, banned by the FDA. Do go for the Skin Lightening/Anti-Aging TRIFECTA: Use Hydroquinone with Tretinoin and Vitamin C serum. One sign of oxidized cream is turning brown. All rights reserved. Copyright © 2019, Admire My Skin. Gentle exfoliation can also be used to help slough off the dead skin. They give the skin an older look and mostly affect people who are 40 years and above. The idea that Hydroquinone is a skin bleaching agent is a fallacy. What Is Hydroquinone? Why? Hydroquinone is a chemical that inhibits melanin, which is what gives your skin its color. Ideally, the cream should be contained in a dark and airtight tube or bottle to protect it from light and air. Mechanism: Hydroquinone produces reversible lightening of the skin by interfering with melanin production by the melanocytes. Commonly used to lighten dark spots, acne scars and other forms of sun damage, this powerful skin agent can lighten your … The secret to great results in found in the quality of the product used, and the level of respect for your skin. Hydroquinone is a chemical that a person can use to lighten their skin tone. Admittedly I understand that my patches of melasma are lighter than most…so for that reason alone I feel fortunate. Tap here to turn on desktop notifications to get the news sent straight to you. Lightens dark spots (hyperpigmentation): Hydroquinone is one of the most effective ingredients to lighten hyperpigmentation. The melanin-inhibiting capabilities of hydroquinone have made it a favorite for those looking to get lighter skin. Hydroquinone is considered one of the best treatments for this condition. Many of us have unwanted dark spots on our faces, hands and chest. However, both the hydroquinone and the retinoid can be irritating to the skin, and the irritated area can be darker than the rest of the skin. 20 - 25o C (68o – 77oF). Common sense generally rules in my book. While the cause of discoloration is mainly genetic (the amount of melanin in your pigment is 100 percent determined by good ol' mom and pop) – hormones, sun exposure, heat, excessive and/or constant rubbing, injury, thyroid disease, and even stress can play a role in discoloration and melasma. Products containing Kojic generally have a much longer shelf life because it resists oxidation and spoilage. Although it is one of the most effective skin lightening ingredients on the market, it is not without its controversy. not exfoliating enough. The reason is, Hydroquinone contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite which can cause allergic-type reactions including anaphylactic symptoms and asthmatic episodes in certain vulnerable individuals. I am a firm believer that less product used more consistently over the long term will always be better than using products aggressively and/or intermittently. Today is National Voter Registration Day! Hydroquinone is an ingredient that works on a cellular level to impede in the life cycle of melanocytes, which are the skin’s pigment cells. In a nut shell, it is a skin bleaching agent that lightens unwanted dark patches or blemishes.. However, both the hydroquinone and the retinoid can be irritating to the skin, and the irritated area can be darker than the rest of the skin. But because it’s all relative, the blotches on my face still affect the way I feel about myself when I look in the mirror. Daily cleansing helps to remove dead skin cells and the excess oils and dirt that bind them to the skin surface. ©2020 Verizon Media. Hydroquinone is safe it is been used for over 35 years by dermatologists. Wearing sunscreen helps a lot to keep the sun from undoing the lightening of the hydroquinone. Unfortunately, ochronosis in persons with darker skin is a well-documented phenomenon for those who combine use of resorcinol and hydroquinone. We added Kojic Acid to our Hydroquinone as a preservative so this means it must be refrigerated. It is available as a cream, gel, lotion, or emulsion. We have had experience with this before and after the skin sloughed off the dark spots were much lighter. In New Zealand, hydroquinone is registered as a Pharmacy Only medicine in creams containing hydroquinone in concentrations up to 2%. Honestly, there’s nothing magical about Hydroquinone. All Rights Reserved. Depending on the skin type you can pre-treat patients with a hydroquinone. Specifically, inhibition of the enzymatic conversion of tyrosine to DOPA (dihydroxyphenylalanine) results in the desired chemical reduction of pigment. Hydroquinone cream is probably the most well-known name in skin lightening and it’s no wonder why – it is a highly effective bleaching agent proven to be effective in whitening the skin and fading hyper-pigmentation caused by freckles, melasma, age spots and acne scars. It also requires storage in room temperatures i.e. Most of the times lower percentage like hydroquinone cream 2 percent is a good option for skin lightening. Paula’s Choice Triple-Action Dark Spot Eraser. Given that many of us tend to have a “more is better” philosophy, some unscrupulous people have attempted to make higher concentrations available on the dark market. This enzyme is the one responsible for skim melanin development. It turned the skin an bluish shade. It goes without saying, but we'll type it anyway: Stop picking at your skin and don't just apply sunscreen—remember to reapply every two hours. Google the side effects and you'll find them. No problem! Similar to hydroquinone, Arbutin will slow down the production of melanin in the body – making your skin lighter and lighter the more often and consistently you use it. Darker skin types would need at least a month of pretreatment with hydroquinone. 5. Betamethasone 0.07% Hydroquinone 4% Kojic Acid 4% Tretinoin 0.05% in Antioxidant Cream 50g. Answered by : Dr. Kakkar S. ( Dermatologist) Will my face lighten after discontinuing hydroquinone? and you'll get your results so much faster! My products at Corrective Skincare are made by a in-house chemist. As with all hydroquinone creams and lotions, the dark spots will get darker before they peel away to reveal brighter skin. Kojic acid is derived from fungi and fermented rice, so it's a completely natural compound. 2% Hydroquinone Serum - Melasma Treatment & Dark Spot Corrector, Anti Wrinkle, Anti Aging Collagen Cream With Hyaluronic Acid & Sea Kelp Bioferment. You must reapply SPF 30+ every two hours if in the sun. Tretinoin, also known by the brand name Retin-A, preps the skin for better absorption of hydroquinone, and VItamin C brightens your skin throughout the day. #5. Treatment of pigmentation requires the use of sunscreen. Introduction. Treatment regimens include using hydroquinone 4% (and other hydroquinone-containing combinations) once to twice daily for 1-2 weeks prior to the laser procedure. WE SHIP FREE ON ALL DOMESTIC ORDERS - WE HONOR A 30-DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE. To explain hydroquinone a little further, hydroquinone works by inhibiting tyrosinase, which is necessary for melanin production. Prevention. If you’ve been spending some time researching skin lightening products to treat your hyperpigmentation, you’ve no doubt come across Hydroquinone. it does seem so much lighter ... View answer. The hydroquinone free formula is gentle enough for most sensitive skin. So here are the real facts behind Hydroquinone. You didn't get melasma overnight and it won't go away that quickly, either. Maintaining a regular routine will facilitate the shedding of this dead skin. This double-sided approach not only works to lighten the skin but can also provide some protection against future occurrences. However, Hydroquinone can make the skin more sensitive, so it’s best to only use a very gentle, natural enzymatic exfoliator. Chalk it up to the unfortunate side effects of aging and hormones as well as damage from the sun. Vitamin C. Think beyond orange juice: Vitamin C can be used as a topical antioxidant that helps to … 3. When thinking about hyperpigmentation, it's best to break it down into two categories: prevention and treatment. My once adorable freckles turned into dark splotchy patches and I was very self conscious of my skin. This creates a much more efficient (and effective!) It is available as a cream, gel, lotion, or emulsion. Not cool. Azelaic At concentrations of 20%, Azelaic acid is considered most effective and comparable to 4% hydroquinone. If your skin is normal and calm, you could try introducing an exfoliating step into your routine. An overproduction of melanocytes is what’s behind hyperpigmentation conditions. Several dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons suggested the use of a hydroquinone based cream. Since it contains no hydroquinone, it's the perfect fade cream for dark skin (as well as light skin). Jan Marini Skin Research saw this challenge and took it as an opportunity to develop and test a new non-hydroquinone solution to brighten skin and reduce the appearance of discoloration. People with larger melanin cells tend to have darker skin while those with smaller cells have lighter skin. This is why doctors tend not to prescribe hydroquinone for more than 4 months. Wearing sunscreen helps a lot to keep the sun from undoing the lightening of the hydroquinone. Because really, at the end of the day, that's all that matters. Contributors control their own work and posted freely to our site. On the other hand, a darker face could be from dead skin cell build-up, i.e. The more melanin you have in your body, the darker your skin. Rub into the skin well. Don't have the time or energy? created a skin disorder called Ochronosis. It lightens the surface cells, but since the body is always sloughing off old cells and pushing new cells to the surface, they will be dark, too. Require patients using hydroquinone to use proper sun protection. The ingredient works by decreasing the formation of melanin in the skin. The use of this bleaching agent has not been found good for people who have sensitivity to sulfite. Our website use cookies. MD. Hydroquinone works best when used in cycles, with at least 4-8 weeks in between to give your skin cells a chance to recover, adjust and not become resistant to the therapeutic properties of Hydroquinone. Hydroquinone has long been considered the “gold standard” when it comes to combating pigmentation challenges, but concerns of long-term usage and availability in … It is also important to learn about the causes of your discoloration, how to treat it and also how to prevent future discoloration of your skin. If you have looked into how to get rid of your dark spots, an ingredient called hydroquinone has probably popped up. Meladerm's potency is due to … Read all information given to you. Some customers found the hydroquinone far too potent, and said it irritated their skin. No. a micordermabrasion done 2 weeks ago and since then it seems more obvious than before. It can lighten everything from freckles and acne scars to post-inflammatory marks caused by conditions … Sign up for membership to become a founding member and help shape HuffPost's next chapter. Do you trust him or her? I just had three treatments of IPL and my aesthetician recommended this product and my life has changed. Hydroquinone is a chemical that a person can use to lighten their skin tone. In choosing good male privates whitening cream or lotion, choose the one without hydroquinone. Its ability to lighten skin discolorations is based 100% in science. Do not wash your hands after use if putting this on your hand. Is Hydroquinone a Safe or Harsh Chemical? Depending on the severity of hyperpigmentation, this effect can last for a couple weeks before you really start to see improvements in your skin. This is how Hydroquinone can make conditions like Melasma worse instead of better. The ban was lifted when researchers discovered this. In some users, the cream can cause excess… Ask a skin professional you trust. This post was published on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform. I tell my clients that anything medicated lasts about four months before it starts to lose its potency. But now, years later, there is still a stigma associated with using Hydroquinone. 6. Founded Corrective Skincare in 1996 and with more than 24 years experience, Jennifer Kramer has a specific focus on acne, scarring and discoloration. How to Use Hydroquinone Products Safely: 6 Things You Must Know Before Using Hydroquinone Hydroquinone products are popular for a reason: they work. Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent. Most patients who are fair do not require hydroquinones and I ask patients to stop all of these before Fraxel. Hydroquinone works by decreasing the amount of melanin, which also means that the skin is going to be more sensitive to the sun. Products containing Hydroquinone basically turn down the volume on overzealous melanocytes. So the intended spot may be lightened, but the surrounding skin will also lighten compared to normal skin, and the area will appear like a light depigmented halo around the spot being treated.” Hydroquinone is a medical drug based compound that is commonly used to treat cases of hyperpigmentation.. By blocking the formation of melanin, the dark area will lighten. Top 2 Hydroquinone 2 & 4 Cream for Skin Lightening Zenmed Skin Correct+ In order to make every woman look beautiful, we present you with an ace quality of a product that is made from quality ingredients that are skin-friendly and helps the skin in overcoming the dark patches, melanin from the skin to make your skin flawless and beautiful like ever before. When thinking about hyperpigmentation, it's best to break it down into two categories: prevention and treatment. I would rather use a product that is stronger and more pure but has a shorter shelf life. Use hydroquinone as ordered by your doctor. Click here. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our … If someone claims something is 'all organic' but has a shelf life of a year, or doesn't need refrigeration – I would be suspicious. Pair your topical lightening product with a chemical peel using a natural acid for home use or a deeper one at your favorite skin clinic or dermatology office (Glycol, Salicylic, Lactic, Vitamin A, etc. Pretreatment of skin prior to nonablative or ablative laser resurfacing is common practice, particularly in darker skin types. It has had a rather checkered past, having been first approved by the FDA in 1982, only to be withdrawn several years later because of a growing number … Hundreds of ochronosis cases have been documented from using resorcinol/hydroquinone combination treatments in South Africa before 1984 (Journal of Dermatological Treatment). Skin can darken in response to hydroquinone, but it takes some time using it (for most around a year or so) to develop this darkening, called exogenous ochronosis. Do not take hydroquinone by mouth. Use on your skin only. Make sure you check the ingredients of any product before you buy it. After all, the cream was less than $100. I just did a laser procedure about 3 weeks ago, after the first week the spots on my face seemed to have gotten better, but as time passed, the spot returned... i was instructed after 2 weeks to use a cream with 6% hydroquinone, which I just started to use overnight and each of the past two days it appears the spots have gotten worse, a bit darker more noticeable. If your skin is normal and calm, you could try introducing an exfoliating step into your routine. In African countries, there also tends to be a bigger market for unregulated products which cater to the middle class and low-income segments of the country. “Hydroquinone is a topical skin treatment for melasma, freckles, age and sun spots, and even acne scars,” Shafer says. Hydroquinone works by blocking an enzyme that is responsible for the production of the pigment melanin. all work!) It also causes exfoliation, so that new, lighter skin replaces the outer darker layer of the epidermis. Melanin is the pigment in skin that gives it a brown color. And sometimes it’ll get darker before it gets lighter,” As with the night, it seems. Ultimately, this causes a decrease in the number of melanocytes and decreased transfer of melanin leading to lighter skin. Darker skin is thicker than whiter skin I.e caucasian skin.this is why keloids are mostly found in or on black people. 2. The more additives and preservatives these products have, the longer the shelf life – but this will also render the product less effective. I’ve used it every night for 30 days along with rejuvenate regenerating AlphaRet overnight cream and I couldn’t be happier. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn). Currently, the highest concentration of Hydroquinone that’s available without a prescription is 2%. It can lighten everything from freckles and acne scars to post-inflammatory marks caused by conditions like eczema. The hydroquinone decreases the chance of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The World Health Organisation recorded that by the late 60's over 60% of urban women in Africa reported using skin lightener formulas and it was fourth most commonly used product in an average African household. “Used in combination with other acne products such as Retin-A, hydroquinone can help dramatically improve skin complexion.” That doesn’t mean it has permanent effects, though. Products and chemical peels don't guarantee that discoloration and melasma won't come back. When used properly, Hydroquinone is very effective in treating skin discolorations, but during the course of treatment you may notice that your skin appears darker. all work!) Looking for a Hydroquinone product that is proven to work? We’d like to take this chance to provide information on why this is both normal and temporary. Google the benefits and you'll find those, too. But, because these cells are more pigmented, the accumulation of them at the surface may temporarily make your skin look darker. For example, using Hydroquinone without sunscreen can exaggerate hyperpigmented skin conditions. But because it’s all relative, the blotches on my face still affect the way I feel about myself when I look in the mirror. Once we reach a certain age, almost all of us face some discoloration when we look in the mirror. Those with a melanin deficiency are considered albino. The science behind Hydroquinone explains why it’s so effective in treating various types of hyperpigmentation conditions, but science is also behind a common concern that many people have – that they’ve heard Hydroquinone can cause hyperpigmentation. Melanin is the pigment gives skin its color. The cream lightens skin for a more even skin tone and reduces sun damage results from sun exposure. Some doctors' offices may sell other brands with concentrations up to 4%. Light and air can oxidize it rendering it ineffective. It may take a matter of weeks (or months) before results are discernible to the naked eye. The lack of melanin in the areas treated with Hydroquinone are extremely vulnerable to damage from UV rays. 3. It can be hard to know the truth, or even know the right questions to ask! Nowadays, hq becomes more popular with darker and colored skin people due to its effectiveness to repress melanin production. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with this. Many alternative skin-lightening products are available to buy online or in shops or pharmacies without a prescription. Hydroquinone is an ingredient found in many skin-lightening products marketed to women for purposes of reducing age spots, melasma, freckles and other types of hyperpigmentation. Think about how easily a fair skinned person with low levels of melanin responds to sun exposure compared to someone with darker skin: they burn easily and more severely. In 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed a rule that hydroquinone be considered "generally recognized as safe and effective," or GRASE 1 . Pair your topical lightening product with a chemical peel using a natural acid for home use or a deeper one at your favorite skin clinic or dermatology office (Glycol, Salicylic, Lactic, Vitamin A, etc. While this “shedding” process is completely natural, there are a few steps you can take to make the effect as short lived as possible. However, lower concentrations may also illicit a poor response, too, which has led many dermatologists to a prescriptive cycling of hydroquinone involving using hydroquinone-containing products for four months, stopping for four months and resuming again for four months, and so on. Test for skin sensitivity before using by applying the cream to a small patch of hyperpigmented skin. Its ability to lighten skin discolorations is based 100% in science. Imagine a banana sitting out for a year and not spoiling. Paula's Choice CLINICAL Triple-Action Dark Spot … Gather as many facts as you can and then make your own judgement call. Make sure the products you choose are as pure as possible; this means the less dyes, fragrances, and preservatives, the better. Wash your hands before and after use. Skin can darken in response to hydroquinone, but it takes some time using it (for most around a year or so) to develop this darkening, called exogenous ochronosis. Using too high of a concentration without medical supervision can result in resistance, and as a result, melanocytes overproduce in response to the medication. That means lighter skin, especially in those areas plagued by discoloration. And sometimes it’ll get darker before it gets lighter,” As with the night, it seems. Meladerm's cream is one of the most potent skin lightening creams you'll get without a prescription and it's safe for all skin types. What many people may not realize is that hydroquinone is a harsh chemical that exposes you to many dangers. There is a lot to know. Duration of treatment is also key in preventing resistance, no matter what the strength of the product you’re using. Hydroquinone makes your skin lighter by reducing the amount of melanocytes in your body. This is dead skin which will appear darker on the skin until it is sloughed off. Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent. But prevention is key. … For a long time, hydroquinone cream is the most effective and the best skin bleaching agent for darker skin and that has not changed over the time for potentially fading uneven skin tone, brown or dark spots and reducing the appearance of skin hyperpigmentation. When used in skin care products, Hydroquinone is often regarded as a magic eraser. Before & After Pictures of Hydroquinone on Melasma. I have tried a series of chemical peels, tranexamic acid in both pill and cream and my melasma always came back, seems darker than before. result. This process is tailored for each individual patient. No. Continue prescribing hydroquinone for no more than four to five months. Last Update: July 13th, 2020 Hydroquinone Cream … Based on research report, this substance works well on this case by inhibiting tyrosinase enzyme. Melanocytes produce melanin, which then determines your skin tone. Hydroquinone works by slowing or normalizing the production of melanin and stopping the production of melanocytes. Ask doctors free. We made it easy for you to exercise your right to vote. A high-quality Hydroquinone product will also contain ingredients such as Salicylic Acid, or Azelaic Acid, that will work to gently remove the hyperpigmented cells from the skin’s surface without the need for an additional exfoliant. Before you start using hydroquinone topical, you may choose to apply a "test dose" to see if you have an allergic reaction to this medicine. This may happen because hydroquinone blocks the homogentisic enzyme, causing the dark-colored homogentisic acid to build up within the skin, after prolonged use. This substance has a greater potential for harm and many countries in Europe ban its use. Read the labels and familiarize yourself with your products. So if you're thinking about whether or not to use it to fade discoloration, get as much information about the product as you can. If you’ve been spending some time researching skin lightening products to treat your hyperpigmentation, you’ve no doubt come across Hydroquinone. Follow all instructions closely. Two applications are not sufficient. So since black skin is thicker the hydroquinone oxidizes before it reachers the melanocytes to inhibit melanin this is why people of ethnic decent will always complian of "hydroquinone did nothing for them" 3.