The effect of hydroquinone on skin pigmentation is reversible. If you stop, the melanocytes affected by treatment start to resume normal activity, causing the blemishes or spots to gradually reappear.
Hydroquinone is not for long-term use; strict sun protection maintains the desired effect. Melasma and dark spots can return after stopping hydroquinone, especially if exposed to the sun.
Once the hydroquinone has oxidized, it is no longer active and should be discarded. Prescription hydroquinone formulations have tried to increase the potency of formulations by adding penetration enhancers such as glycolic acid, sunscreens, and tretinoin as a supplemental pigment lightening agent.
Hydroquinone is applied topically just to the hyperpigmented skin only, twice daily for 3 months, after which time many patients maintain their improvement by using it twice each week. If there has been no benefit after 3 months of treatment, then the hydroquinone should be stopped.
A major key to hydroquinone is short-term use. You can slather it on twice daily for at least six weeks (and no more than six months). After one to three months, you should start to see your hyperpigmentation fade away. At the three-month mark, you should set it aside.
Does hydroquinone lighten skin permanently? No, the results of any skin lightening that hydroquinone brings about are not permanent. The effects can be seen within a couple of months or a few years at the maximum.
After gradually stopping hydroquinone, you might be transitioned to alpha arbutin and alongside retinol or prescription retinoid. This will stabilise the melanin producing cells and reduce the chances of rebound hyperpigmentation. Of course, whilst on hydroquinone, it is absolutely vital to use strict sun protection.
You may not see significant improvement until 2 to 6 months after starting use. Hydroquinone can be applied morning and night. excess pigmentation such as the neck and back of hands. Allow product to fully absorb into skin before applying moisturizer or any other skin care products.
Avoid using hydroquinone with peroxide products such as benzoyl peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, which can cause discoloration. 3. Avoid alpha hydroxy acids. The combination of hydroquinone and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) can irritate your skin.
FDA has received reports of serious side effects including skin rashes, facial swelling, and ochronosis (discoloration of skin) from the use of skin lightening products containing hydroquinone.
You need a doctor's prescription to buy hydroquinone cream online or in a physical pharmacy. You can have a online consultation with a dermatologist. After the consultation they will issue a prescription containing for hydroquinone cream if it's safe and medically appropriate for you.
Hydroquinone has a pretty short shelf life. After a couple of months, it can start to break down and lose its potency, meaning it becomes less effective.
Tretinoin is an anti-aging powerhouse, meaning it should have no problem dispatching fine lines and wrinkles. It does not work for deeper wrinkles. Hydroquinone doesn't work at all against fine lines and wrinkles, so stick to the collagen-boosting power of tretinoin.
It's not meant for long-term use, as it might actually make the skin darker, which is a strange effect. It's recommended to take breaks from using it to prevent overuse and a side effect called exogenous ochronosis.
Hydroquinone and retinols work well together because retinols help hydroquinone penetrate deeper into the skin to work more effectively. Retinols can also protect hydroquinone from oxidation, which can cause it to degrade.
Combination Tip: Combining hydroquinone with Vitamin C may improve overall efficacy, but due to potential sensitivities, this combination should only be used under the supervision of a dermatologist. Sunscreen: How It Works: Sunscreen is essential for preventing further hyperpigmentation caused by UV exposure.
According to research, ochranonsis is a condition that might occur following long-term application of skin-lightening creams containing hydroquinone. Ochranosis may cause darkening of the skin, instead of fading a particular spot. Long-term use of Hydroquinone creams may also lead to exogenous ochronotic lesions.
The lesions may develop gradually over 6 months to 3 years or longer. [8] Two recent case reports from India mention the occurrence of EO with use of 2% hydroquinone preparations for 7–8 years.
Rarely ochronosis - ochronosis is a blue-black or gray-blue discoloration; it is rare and more commonly seen in patients that use a high concentration of hydroquinone for a long period on large areas of the body.
You can also apply aloe to a bleach burn as it heals. Aloe may help speed the healing of your burn as long as it is relatively minor. Wash your burn carefully, then apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel to the burn and bandage it again. This will keep your burn safe and keep the aloe in contact with your skin.