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.
Patients who use creams with hydroquinone without professional medical supervision and advice will find that some side effects can be permanent, even if they stop using the medication.
Hydroquinone, a phenolic compound (1,4 dihydroxybenzene), is commonly used in the United States in the treatment of melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). It is available over the counter in 2% solutions and in 4% to 10% solutions by prescription.
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.
The Role of Primary Care Physicians in Prescribing Hydroquinone. Primary care physicians become more essential in the prescription of hydroquinone for human skin disorders. Hydroquinone no longer has to go through the recommendation of a dermatologist; patients can get it from general practitioners.
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.
Azelaic acid may be better than hydroquinone in reducing melasma severity (measured by MASI).
Hydroquinone. Topical HQ is regarded as the gold standard for the treatment of facial hyperpigmentation. HQ is a bleaching agent that acts by inhibiting tyrosinase to limit melanin production in the skin.
Additionally, hydroquinone rebound hyperpigmentation can occur if treatment is stopped too early (its best to stay on it for at least 3 months) or when there is sudden cessation or reduction of hydroquinone use. This causes the skin to overcompensate and produce an excess of melanin.
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.
What else do I need to know about hydroquinone? It is an out of pocket expense as insurance will not cover this medication. If using it to treat melasma, it should be used in combination with a broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher daily.
Best Drugstore: La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum With Melasyl + Niacinamide. Why We Love It: This hardworking serum “works wonders for brightening skin and reducing the appearance of dark spots,” says Dr. Mitchell.
Hydroquinone and Retin-A (Tretinoin)
When used with Hydroquinone, it can speed up the process of fading hyperpigmentation. These two ingredients can be found together in compound preparations or used as separate products for more control.
Hydroquinone. Hydroquinone is a depigmentation agent that is present in many skin bleaching products. A person can buy a 2% solution over the counter or seek a prescription for a stronger 4% solution.
However, by far the most potent inhibitor of human tyrosinase is 4-n-butylresorcinol with an IC(50) of 21 μmol/L. In artificial skin models, arbutin was least active with an IC(50) for inhibition of melanin production > 5000 μmol/L. Kojic acid inhibited with an IC(50) > 400 μmol/L.
Effectiveness in Brightening:
Vitamin C: Consistent and reliable. Best for gradually reducing hyperpigmentation, offering a bright, subtle glow. Hydroquinone: Aggressive but effective—unforgiving to dark spots but potentially harsh on surrounding skin. It's like choosing a sledgehammer to crack a nut.
The hydrogen peroxide decomposes and the hydroquinone reacts to form benzoquinone (C6H4O2). The resultant hydrogen reacts with the oxygen to produce water.
You may see results faster if you use tretinoin alongside hydroquinone, azelaic acid, tranexamic acid or kojic acid. Remember to consult a dermatologist when combining different ingredients.
For years, 4% Hydroquinone, a prescription drug, has been considered the gold standard for treating hyperpigmentation and is the key ingredient in our Obagi Nu-Derm® Systems.
Start your Apostrophe visit to get hydroquinone for your hyperpigmentation and melasma. All patients must complete a virtual consultation, which will be reviewed by a dermatology provider who will determine if a prescription treatment is right for you.
In summary, both hydroquinone and kojic acid can be effective for lightening dark spots. Donna McIntyre, a nurse practitioner at Curology notes, “Using either hydroquinone or kojic acid can help lighten your hyperpigmentation, but applying them in combination may offer enhanced benefits, too!
Hydroquinone's FAQ. Is Hydroquinone safe to use on my face? Yes, however, specialists recommend its use only in particular areas with hyperpigmentation. Minor side effects are still possible.
If you want to get rid of dark spots fast, a procedure that removes layers of discolored skin may work better than a lightening cream. These techniques include laser treatments, freezing (cryotherapy), dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, microneedling, and chemical peels.