When it comes to brightening skin tone, there are various treatments that a dermatologist recommends. Many can help fade acne scars and age spots, while some are specifically designed for pigmentation correction.
One popular ingredient used for lightening skin tone is hydroquinone. Although controversial, dermatologists advise using it only at low concentrations.
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How it works
Hydroquinone is one of the most successful skin lightening treatment for conditions such as melasma and other forms of hyperpigmentation. It does this by decreasing melanocytes – cells responsible for producing melanin, which gives your skin its natural colour.
Additionally, it inhibits the excess melatonin that causes dark spots to form in the first place.
This makes melisma and other skin discolorations such as freckles, age spots, sun spots and acne scars so popular for treatment.
Some people experience visible results within two to four weeks after using a skin lightening treatment cream, however more stubborn cases of melasma or other discolorations may take longer.
Creams often contain salicylic acid, azelaic acid, and lactic acid to expedite healing while exfoliating dead skin cells for a lighter-looking complexion. It’s essential to remember that using hydroquinone-containing skin lightening treatments for too long may lead to ochranosis – an uncomfortable skin condition.
Prescription-strength
Hydroquinone is a prescription-strength skin whitening treatment that works by blocking melanin production – the cause of brown skin. It can be used to address various types of hyperpigmentation such as sun spots and age spots.
Hydroquinone can be an effective treatment, but if used too frequently it may have adverse reactions. In particular, long-term usage of hydroquinone may lead to ochronosis – blue-black pigmentation and caviar-like spots on the skin.
Patients should cease using the product immediately upon noticing these side effects and continue to protect their skin from UV rays. Doing so can help keep the skin’s pigment production from returning and prevent ochronosis.
Precautions
Hydroquinone is a commonly used skin lightening treatment to help reduce hyperpigmentation and brown spots on the skin. It does this by inhibiting the production of tyrosine – an enzyme responsible for melanin production – from within your body.
Generally, hydroquinone cream is safe for most users and has no known side effects when used correctly under medical supervision. However, prolonged usage may lead to ochronosis – an inherited disorder that causes blueish-black discoloration of the skin.
It’s best to use a hydroquinone product only temporarily and avoid sun exposure during these times. If you must go outside, be sure to apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing as an added layer of protection, says our dermatologist.
Getting started
Are you searching for a safe and effective solution to sun spots, hyperpigmentation, or melasma? Hydroquinone could be the ideal lightening treatment. This dermatologist-approved ingredient helps reduce dark spots by inhibiting melanin production in the skin.
Many dermatologists recommend it as the go-to treatment when patients have sun-related pigment issues. Furthermore, it can serve as an excellent preventative measure for those who have never experienced pigmentation before, helping reduce its formation in the first place.
According to your individual needs, a dermatologist may prescribe hydroquinone in cycles (on and off) for 8-12 weeks at a time. This will ensure consistent results and minimize the risk of ochronosis from using high concentrations of hydroquinone over an extended period.
Conclusion
Hydroquinone is a popular skin lightening treatment for hyperpigmentation and brown spots. It works by inhibiting the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin coloration. While hydroquinone can be an effective treatment, it’s important to use it at low concentrations and under medical supervision since prolonged usage may cause ochronosis – blue-black discoloration of the skin. To avoid this, patients should only use hydroquinone temporarily and protect their skin from UV rays. Hydroquinone cream is safe for most users, but if you notice any adverse reactions, stop using the product immediately and consult with your dermatologist.
