Hydroquinone is a commonly used skin lightening treatment by a dermatologist. It can be used to address hyperpigmentation issues like melisma, freckles and lentiginous.
It works by inhibiting an enzyme that causes your skin to produce more melanin. Additionally, it’s an amazing skin lightening treatment for acne scars.
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How to Use
Hydroquinone is an ingredient commonly found in skin-lightening products. It’s safe to use on most skin types and effective at treating hyperpigmentation, dark spots and melisma.
If you are thinking about using hydroquinone, consult your dermatologist first. She can advise you on the safest and most efficient way to use it.
She can also suggest a variety of alternative ingredients that may be more suitable for your particular skin tone and complexion issues.
Kojic and ellagic acids, for instance, can be utilized in skin lightening treatment. These ingredients help illuminate dark areas on your skin. Other natural compounds like antioxidants can further brightening effects while helping prevent pigmentation from arising in the first place.
Precautions
Hydroquinone can help lighten dark spots on the skin when used at a low dose. It does this by inhibiting tyrosine, an enzyme responsible for melanin production.
However, prolonged use may cause irritation or allergic reactions. Therefore, it’s recommended to test the product on a small, inconspicuous area first.
If you experience any of these symptoms during your skin whitening treatment, stop taking hydroquinone and contact your doctor right away. Furthermore, if you notice blue-black discoloration of your skin (exogenous ochronosis), this could be indicative of damage from hydroquinone use and should be discontinued immediately.
Hydroquinone is a safe and effective option for many with hyperpigmentation or age spots, but it may not be suitable for everyone. If you’re uncertain if this medicine is right for your skin type or tone, speak our top dermatologist about your available options. We can customize a solution tailored specifically to your unique skin type and tone!
Dosage
Hydroquinone can be safe for all skin types when used correctly; however, some individuals may experience blue-black discoloration as a side effect of use.
Therefore, it is essential to perform a patch test on an unbroken area of skin before beginning treatment. Check the test area within 24 hours and discontinue usage if it becomes itchy, red, swollen or blistered.
Hydroquinone’s skin-lightening effects last between one and three months. After that, patients should discontinue use for a period of time in order to allow the melanocytes in the skin to stabilize and restore natural melanin production.
Cyclically using hydroquinone products off and on is not advised, as this can lead to ochronosis – a rare but serious side effect where skin darkens further due to prolonged use of the product combined with sun exposure. Thankfully, the risk of this side effect is very low in America and should not be an issue for most patients.
Effective skin lightening product
Hydroquinone is an effective skin lightening product, but it may cause side effects like dryness, redness and irritation.
Patients with sensitive skin are especially susceptible to these side effects. If you experience any of them, discontinue use and consult your dermatologist.
Hydroquinone may cause a serious allergic reaction. Signs include itching, red rash (hives), and shortness of breath and chest tightness.
To reduce the chance of developing an allergic reaction, apply hydroquinone topical only on areas not exposed to sunlight or other types of UV light. When spending time outdoors, make sure you use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher for protection.
Conclusion
Long-term usage of hydroquinone has been linked to an uncommon but serious side effect called exogenous ochronosis. This results in blue-black pigmentation and papules – red bumps on the skin – on affected areas.
