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.
For those patients who use hydroquinone creams and then expose themselves to the sun, there is a risk that ochronosis can develop. Ochronosis is a condition that causes the skin to darken where the cream was applied instead of becoming lighter.
How to treat hydroquinone-damaged skin? According to doctors, damage caused by the application of hydroquinone can be reversed by exposing the affected area to the sun. Also, you are recommended to use strong sunscreen along with hydroquinone. In case of irritation, apply anti-itch cream to the infected skin.
Hydroquinone's lightening effects are generally visible after 4 weeks of treatment, though some conditions may require a longer treatment plan. If no visible changes occur after 3 months of treatment, you should stop using hydroquinone and consult with your dermatologist about alternative treatment options.
Does Hyperpigmentation Get Darker Before It Fades? Yes, sometimes, the body speeds up pigment production before the cells break down and fade. But sometimes, the dark spots can also fade without getting darker first.
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.
Attempts to change the entire skin tone are often much riskier. It can result in patchy, uneven pigmentation or in hyperpigmentation, making the skin darker in places. For example, hydroquinone can cause ochronosis, which is blue or black discoloration.
Numerous variables, such as sun exposure, hormone changes, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, ageing, skin conditions, and lifestyle choices, can cause skin darkening. Understanding the underlying reasons will help us avoid or cure darker skin tones.
Hyperpigmentation causes patches of skin to become darker than the surrounding skin. It occurs when the skin produces excess melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color.
As a rule, you should stop using hydroquinone after 3-6 months of continuous use.
Ochronosis is an uncommon disorder characterized by a clinical appearance of blue-black or gray-blue pigmentation, which reflects the histological finding of yellow-brown deposits in the dermis. [2] It most commonly affects the skin and sometimes the cartilages of ears and sclera of eyes.
Pigmentation changes such as age spots, liver spots (solar lentigines) and freckles. Loss of skin tone (decreased elasticity) Rough, uneven skin texture. Broken capillaries (spider veins), usually around the nose and chest.
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.
Some people may experience side effects when using tretinoin, especially as their skin adjusts. Also, it's possible for irritation from tretinoin to make skin darker, especially if you have more melanated skin.
Vitamin C has powerful antioxidant properties, neutralising free radicals to help protect the skin from damage caused by the sun's rays and other external aggressors. It's also gained a reputation for its ability to lighten areas of hyperpigmentation, helping visibly fade dark spots to achieve a more even skin tone.
The reversibility of skin discoloration depends on the cause. Dermatologists can recommend treatments such as topical creams, laser therapy, or chemical peels based on the specific condition.
The hyperpigmentation related to vitamin B12 deficiency is more common in darker-skinned patients. Few other cases of skin hyperpigmentation due to vitamin B12 deficiency have been reported in the literature. The mechanism of hyperpigmentation is due to increased melanin synthesis rather than a defect in melanin.
Darkening of Skin (Ochronosis)
Ochronosis is also a common risk when hydroquinone is misused. According to research, ochranonsis is a condition that might occur following long-term application of skin-lightening creams containing hydroquinone.
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.
Most cosmetics, sunscreens, and moisturizing lotions may be worn over this medicine. Wait several minutes after application of this medicine before applying them.
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.
The hydrogen peroxide decomposes and the hydroquinone reacts to form benzoquinone (C6H4O2). The resultant hydrogen reacts with the oxygen to produce water.