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.
Hydroquinone may prove beneficial for a maximum of five to six months. Once you stop using it, you may experience irritation on the affected parts of your body. This may lead to inflammation.
HQ prefers to be in a lower PH environment. If you apply something acidic to your skin prior to the hydroquinone, it will penetrate deeper and not oxidize so quickly. Sometimes Ill even mix my HQ with my glycolic cream or apply my Vitamin C serum first then immediately apply HQ.
Storage: Store hydroquinone at room temperature (between 15-30° C or 59-86° F) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in its original container. You can refrigerate this medicine (between 36-46° F) but you should not freeze it.
Incorporating antioxidants into your skincare routine can help minimise the effects of oxidative stress. Look for products containing ingredients like vitamin E, vitamin C, and niacinamide, which neutralize free radicals and protect the skin from damage.
Sunscreen should be applied to the affected areas after hydroquinone to avoid relapse of the condition. Dark areas may recur if the cream is discontinued but this is less likely happen if sun protective measures are followed.
Benzoyl Peroxide & Hydroquinone
One of the crucial tips dermatologists share with their patients they prescribe hydroquinone to is avoid merging it with benzoyl peroxide in your skin-care routine. Together, they can do the exact opposite of what you want them to do and end up temporarily staining your skin.
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.
Hydroquinone, a tyrosinase inhibitor, in a 4% cream can be used safely twice daily for up to 6 months to treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The efficacy of this treatment can be enhanced by using a retinoid nightly and a mid-potent steroid, which is applied twice daily for 2 weeks, then at weekends only.
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.
Niacinamide is a top skincare ingredient that effectively fades dark spots and melasma on skin. Compared to hydroquinone, niacinamide is a skincare ingredient with zero cancer risk. Plus, it brings more than just melasma-fading benefits to your skin.
Do not apply to sunburned areas or if you have a skin wound in the area of application. Most cosmetics, sunscreens, and moisturizing lotions may be worn over this medicine.
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.
Immediate Care For Face Burn After Bleaching
Put your face in the ice bowl for a few minutes to reduce the redness and burn. Do not apply any other activated product as it can harm your skin. Apply aloe vera gel to keep your skin hydrated and cool.
We recommend taking a 2 month break after 3 months of application. Since hydroquinone is a photosensitive agent, It is also important to use SPF 30 or higher daily when on hydroquinone.
Hydroquinone and Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
AHAs, like glycolic acid and lactic acid, exfoliate the skin and boost cell turnover. When used with Hydroquinone, these acids can enhance the skin lightening and acne scar fading effect of Hydroquinone.
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.
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.
Hyperpigmentation may be sun damage and sun spots if you have a history of chronic sun exposure and tanning. Melasma often presents as broad patches of discoloration, whereas sun spots and other forms of hyperpigmentation may look like small circles or focused dots.
Vitamin C readily scavenges reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and may thereby prevent oxidative damage to important biological macromolecules such as DNA, lipids, and proteins. Vitamin C also reduces redox active transition metal ions in the active sites of specific biosynthetic enzymes.
The most noticeable changes in the skin are flaccidity, fine lines, deepening of wrinkles and dryness. On the other hand, the so-called extrinsic aging is the result of action of many environmental factors such as chronic sun exposure and pollution.