Multiple studies have shown that maximum results occur when using hydroquinone as a combination therapy with a retinoid and corticosteroid. The most widely used triple combination cream is composed of hydroquinone 4%, tretinoin 0.05%, and fluocinolone acetonide 0.01%.
Conclusion: 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.
Over the counter creams
These products typically combine hydroquinone with other skin-lightening ingredients. To avoid skin reactions, start with 2% concentration.
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.
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.
Hydroquinone. Topical HQ is regarded as the gold standard for the treatment of facial hyperpigmentation. HQ is a bleaching agent that acts by inhibiting tyrosinase to limit melanin production in the skin.
In most cases, lightening of skin should be seen after four weeks of treatment.
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.
However, while The Spot Cream is generally safe, one of the high-strength ingredients in a few of the formulas is hydroquinone, which could rarely lead to some serious health risks. And while Musely's 60-day Result Guarantee sounds generous, it's quite strict and requires a commitment to regular mobile app check-ins.
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.
10 The maximum concentration of hydroquinone alone, or in combination with p-hydroxyanisole, is reported to be 200 ppm (0.02%). After mixing 2 parts liquid to 1 part powder in preparation for use, the final concentration of hydroquinone, or hydroquinone and p-hydroxyanisole combined is approximately 133 ppm (0.0133%).
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.
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.
Hydroquinone is the gold standard ingredient in many skin lightening creams. Currently, only two percent hydroquinone is available without a prescription.
Hydroquinone was available previously in over-the-counter products and is currently available in prescription formulations with common concentration ranges of 0.4 to 5%. Prescription strengths available in the United States include hydroquinone 2% and 4% cream and hydroquinone 2% gel.
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.
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.
The hydrogen peroxide decomposes and the hydroquinone reacts to form benzoquinone (C6H4O2). The resultant hydrogen reacts with the oxygen to produce water.
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.
Using a 4% hydroquinone skin care system plus 1.0% retinol cream to treat mild-to-moderate melasma can significantly reduce melasma severity and pigmentation intensity within four weeks. In addition, this combination treatment can significantly improve all aspects of photodamage, including coarse wrinkling.
Medical treatment options for dark circles under your eyes may include: Topical creams and bleaching agents. Topical creams, like vitamin C, and bleaching agents, such as hydroquinone, can help lighten the appearance of dark circles under your eyes.
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.
Dermal PIH can take years to fade, and spots may be permanent. There is also a chance new spots can show up, or that your PIH will come back again after fading.
Kojic acid
Kojic acid has skin-lightening properties that can help reduce the appearance of dark patches associated with melasma. It inhibits the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color10.