Hydroquinone's lightening effects are generally visible after 4 weeks of treatment, though some conditions may require a longer treatment plan. If no visible changes occur after 3 months of treatment, you should stop using hydroquinone and consult with your dermatologist about alternative treatment options.
Hydroquinone is a skin-bleaching agent that is used to lighten areas of skin. Hydroquinone works by decreasing the production and increasing the breakdown of melanosomes in melanocytes. In most cases, lightening of skin should be seen after four weeks of treatment.
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.
In terms of skin tone, hydroquinone creams are best suited to those people who are fairer. Those with medium to darker skin tones should consult their dermatologist or skin specialist before beginning any treatment involving hydroquinone creams.
Too much sun stimulates your body to produce more melanin, which could cancel out the results of your hydroquinone treatment. To avoid this, we recommend using sun protection every time you'll be outside.
Conclusions. We conclude that azelaic acid may be better than hydroquinone in reducing melasma severity as measured by the MASI. However, no significant difference between both treatments regarding the side effects.
Turegano and Dr. Chan both agree hydroquinone does not play well with benzoyl peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, or other peroxide products. Not only will pairing them cause irritation and dryness, but it can also temporarily stain your skin.
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.
A study testing a hydroquinone monotherapy indicated an 85% satisfaction rate after a 12-week period, with 90% of participants reporting that they no longer made significant efforts to hide skin discoloration (Grimes).
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.
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.
After gradually stopping hydroquinone, you might be transitioned to alpha arbutin and alongside retinol or prescription retinoid.
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.
However, it's also possible that the 2 percent strength of hydroquinone isn't strong enough for you. Concentrations over 2 percent (up to 4 percent) are available only by prescription. Also, sunlight can reverse the effect of hydroquinone, so you need to stay out of the sun.
Does Hyperpigmentation Get Darker Before It Fades? Yes, sometimes, the body speeds up pigment production before the cells break down and fade. But sometimes, the dark spots can also fade without getting darker first.
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.
The hydrogen peroxide decomposes and the hydroquinone reacts to form benzoquinone (C6H4O2). The resultant hydrogen reacts with the oxygen to produce water.
Arbutin has been found to be the most effective active ingredient in our study, even more so than hydroquinone, despite being a naturally occurring derivative.
Most cosmetics, sunscreens, and moisturizing lotions may be worn over this medicine. Wait several minutes after application of this medicine before applying them.
Hydroquinone + Mometasone + Tretinoin is a combination of three medicines: Hydroquinone , Mometasone and Tretinoin, which treats melasma (dark spots on skin). Hydroquinone is a skin lightening medicine. It reduces the amount of a skin pigment (melanin) that causes darkening of skin. This effect is reversible.
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.