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.
It's not meant for long-term use, as it might actually make the skin darker, which is a strange effect. It's recommended to take breaks from using it to prevent overuse and a side effect called exogenous ochronosis.
If there has been no benefit after 3 months of treatment, then the hydroquinone should be stopped. Management of the underlying cause of the hyperpigmentation is also recommended. When initiating hydroquinone treatment, it is advisable to: Start with a test area about 1 cm in diameter.
In rare cases, it can cause a condition called ochronosis. This presents as skin darkening or blue-black discolouration and can occur with prolonged use of high strength Hydroquinone. Therefore, it is best not to use it for more than five to six months at a time.
taper the Hydroquinone. Gradual cessation will minimize any rebound increase activity of tyrosinase. o Apply only 3 times per week for 2 weeks. Then 2 times per week for 2 weeks, then stop use.
Hydroquinone is a known carcinogen and can induce exogenous ochronosis in the skin, and this author limits duration of treatment with the prescription strength formulations for 6 months.
Adverse Effects
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.
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. At the three-month mark, you should set it aside.
The lesions may develop gradually over 6 months to 3 years or longer. [8] Two recent case reports from India mention the occurrence of EO with use of 2% hydroquinone preparations for 7–8 years.
The effect of hydroquinone on skin pigmentation is reversible. If you stop, the melanocytes affected by treatment start to resume normal activity, causing the blemishes or spots to gradually reappear.
If you find that your hyperpigmentation is starting to return, your doctor might give you the go-ahead to resume hydroquinone 4% cream after a break of six months. There are also other treatments you can try if you want to address your acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and dark spots.
Alternative lightening agents including mequinol, arbutin, kojic acid, and others have shown comparable efficacy to hydroquinone in treating hyperpigmentation with less concerning side effects.
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.
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.
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.
This disease entity may be first noticed in newborns as their urine may be darker than normal. People are often without symptoms until later in life when the skin, sclera (white part of the eye), ears, and nose may develop pigmentary changes. Ear wax of a person with ochronosis will also be dark in color.
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.
Continue prescribing hydroquinone for no more than four to five months. Allow the skin to rest and restore itself for two to three months after hydroquinone therapy. Resume hydroquinone therapy, if needed, only after such a break.
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.
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.
A diet which is rich in vitamin C (1g/day) may also be beneficial. Vitamin C has been found to slow down the conversion of HGA to the pigmented deposits in connective tissue. There has also been recent research on the use of nitisinone, a potent inhibitor of the second enzyme in the tyrosine catabolic pathway.
Even worse, inappropriate use can cause paradoxical darkening called ochronosis. 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.
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.
Although it was originally believed that only high concentrations of hydroquinone were causal, there have been reports of ochronosis after use of 2% hydroquinone preparations.