Skin lightening products containing hydroquinone are not approved for over-the-counter sale. However, you can get a prescription skin product containing hydroquinone from your health care provider.
As a result, since enactment of the CARES Act, OTC skin lightening products containing hydroquinone are deemed to be new drugs and are misbranded. All OTC skin lightening products require an FDA approved new drug application before they can be legally marketed.
Hydroquinone cream is the standard depigmentation or skin lightening agent. Clinically it is used to treat areas of dyschromia, such as in melasma, chloasma, solar lentigines, freckles, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
The results of the study show that 4% Hydroquinone cream is a better topical hypopigmenting agent with rapid rate of clinical improvement when compared to 0.75% Kojic Acid cream.
Research has shown that, hydroquinone has many serious side effects. Hydroquinone works by decreasing the production and increasing the degradation of melanin pigments in the skin. This increases the skin's exposure to UVA and UVB rays, increasing the risk of skin cancer.
With GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status, hexylresorcinol is a great choice for beauty brands seeking to provide skin lightening and even toning benefits in their next skin care formula. Hexylresorcinol was introduced to the skin care market in 2007 under the trade name Synovea® HR.
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.
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.
Hydroquinone is the gold standard ingredient in many skin lightening creams. Currently, only two percent hydroquinone is available without a prescription.
Alternative lightening agents including mequinol, arbutin, kojic acid, and others have shown comparable efficacy to hydroquinone in treating hyperpigmentation with less concerning side effects.
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.
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.
Instructions for using hydroquinone safely and effectively
Apply a thin layer: Take a small amount of hydroquinone and apply it as a thin layer all over the face - if applied to small affected areas it can lead to a halo effect.
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.
Second, the finding that azelaic acid has a better safety profile than hydroquinone suggests that it may be especially suitable for individuals susceptible to skin irritation or concerned about hydroquinone's potential adverse effects.
Most commonly, celebrities resort to chemical peels or laser therapy to get rid of hyperpigmentation fast. Others opt for vitamin C supplements, retinol, or serums to lighten their skin.
A concentration of 12% hydroquinone actually prevents the production of melanin altogether. Over the past several years, information about negative side effects from using hydroquinone products has been released.
1. Lemon Juice and Honey - A Super Powerful Home Remedy for Skin Whitening. Lemon juice is known for its natural bleaching properties, making it a popular choice for skin whitening. When combined with honey, it not only lightens the skin but also nourishes it.
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.
Some studies indicated that kojic acid can be more irritating to the skin compared to hydroquinone. ¹² This means individuals with sensitive skin may find hydroquinone to be a more suitable option. In summary, both hydroquinone and kojic acid can be effective for lightening dark spots.
As a rule, you should stop using hydroquinone after 3-6 months of continuous use. This is because prolonged use of hydroquinone can lead to adverse effects on the skin, such as ochronosis, skin irritation, and sensitivity. There are several signs that it may be time to stop using hydroquinone.
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.
What is this medication? HYDROQUINONE (hahy droh kwi NOHN) is applied to the the skin to lighten areas that have darkened. Some products also contain sunscreens. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.