Hydroquinone (HQ) HQ is the agent of choice for skin lightening. Combining HQ with a steroid cream and tretinoin have superior efficacy when compared to HQ alone. Although it's considered safe, there may be side effects and is subject to pre-market approval by Health Sciences Authority (HSA).
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.
Dermatologists may recommend various skin-lightening ingredients such as hydroquinone, niacinamide, kojic acid, arbutin, or vitamin C. Specific recommendations will depend on individual skin types, concerns, and conditions.
Hydroquinone is used in a cream or lotion formulation in a concentration of 1-5%. It is often found in a combination formulation with other skin lightening agents such as topical retinoids (to increase efficiency) and low potency topical steroids (to reduce irritancy).
Some of the most effective skin whitening treatments include laser therapy, chemical peels, and intense pulsed light (IPL). These treatments target melanin production and can provide noticeable results. For topical treatments, products containing hydroquinone, kojic acid, or vitamin C are also effective.
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.
For discrete areas of hyperpigmentation, hydroquinone should only be applied to areas of discolouration and not the entire face. Your doctor will advise whether to use it locally or over a wider area.
Retinol and retinoids increase the rate of skin cell turnover, sloughing away dead and discolored skin cells to reveal healthier, even-toned skin cells. Hydroquinone is another popular active ingredient in skin lightening creams that works by inhibiting the production of melanin by melanocytes in the skin.
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.
Effectiveness on Dark Spots and Pigmentation
For targeting specific dark spots and pigmentation, kojic acid has a stronger track record. Using kojic cream for your face breaks down existing melanin and prevents new pigmentation from forming, making it especially effective for those with hyperpigmentation.
Hydroquinone (HQ)
HQ is the agent of choice for skin lightening. Combining HQ with a steroid cream and tretinoin have superior efficacy when compared to HQ alone. Although it's considered safe, there may be side effects and is subject to pre-market approval by Health Sciences Authority (HSA).
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Pure aloe vera gel can be applied to the hyperpigmented areas at night and washed off in the morning. Milk, buttermilk, and even sour milk can all help lighten skin because they contain lactic acid. A cotton ball may be soaked in plain milk and applied all over the affected areas and washed off after 20 to 30 minutes.
Among the top treatments for skin lightening are Cosmelan Depigmentation Peel, ClearSkin Laser by Harmony XL PRO, Dermamelan Intimate Peel, and Picosure Laser Pro. Each offers unique benefits and targets specific skin concerns.