Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after acne can be as troublesome as the acne itself. Hydroquinone, a tyrosinase inhibitor, in a 4% cream can be used safely twice daily for up to 6 months to treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
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).
They will use a cream with no more than 4% hydroquinone in conjunction with the frequent application of an SPF 30 sunscreen for the best results. Solutions of 2% are the most readily available, while 4% hydroquinone creams can only be prescribed in the most challenging cases.
Hydroquinone may be used alone, in combination with other skin medications, or in preparation for treatments such as chemical peels, dermabrasion or laser procedures. You may not see significant improvement until 2 to 6 months after starting use. Hydroquinone can be applied morning and night.
Hydroquinone 4%
In most cases, lightening of skin should be seen after four weeks of treatment. Stop using Hydroquinone 2 days prior to any procedure.
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.
Put the sunscreen on the dark areas after using Hydroquinone to prevent the condition from coming back. Dark spots might return if you stop using the cream, but this is less likely if you protect your skin from the sun.
Avoid irritants: Be mindful of other skincare products or ingredients that may potentially irritate your skin. Avoid using harsh cleansers, exfoliants, or other products that can cause irritation or sensitivity while using hydroquinone.
Most cosmetics, sunscreens, and moisturizing lotions may be worn over this medicine. Wait several minutes after application of this medicine before applying them.
What Goes First: Hydroquinone or Vitamin C. Vitamin C goes first, followed by hydroquinone if the former is in serum and the latter in a moisturizer. It's important to let your skin dry after using vitamin C serum and before hydroquinone cream.
The results of this study show that 4% Hydroquinone and 0.75% Kojic Acid + vitamin c 2.5% are effective topical hypopigmenting agents in the treatment of facial melasma. However, 4% Hydroquinone is a better topical hypopigmenting agent with rapid rate of clinical improvement when compared to 0.75% Kojic Acid cream.
Hydroquinone can cause a gradual blue-black darkening of the skin known as exogenous ochronosis. Stop using the product and tell your health care provider if you notice any darkening of the 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.
We do this using 4% Hydroquinone which is a prescription cream that is applied under the eye. This can improve the under eye pigment in about 3-4 months. If the under eye circle is more significant than just pigment we will use a Trichloroacetic Acid Peel (TCA).
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after acne can be as troublesome as the acne itself. Hydroquinone, a tyrosinase inhibitor, in a 4% cream can be used safely twice daily for up to 6 months to treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
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.
Over-the-counter products can contain 0.5% to 2% concentrations. At the pharmacy, 4% concentrations of hydroquinone (and sometimes even higher) are available by prescription only. A concentration of 12% hydroquinone actually prevents the production of melanin altogether.
The current standard prescription therapy of 4% hydroquinone requires at least 3 months to obtain clinical results, but enhanced efficacy can sometimes be achieved by combining the 4% hydroquinone with 0.025% tretinoin.
While oral consumption probably is not related to topical application, hydroquinone remains controversial because it actually is toxic to melanocytes. Hydroquinone, a phenolic compound chemically known as 1,4 dihydroxybenzene, functions by inhibiting the enzymatic oxidation of tyrosine and phenol oxidases.
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.
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.
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.