How harmful is hydroquinone to the skin?
Results: Hydroquinone caused structural disruptions of the stratum corneum of the epidermis and the overlying keratin. p65 was also prominently expressed in the treated groups. Hydroquinone reduced skin thickness and caused epidermis disruption.
What are the disadvantages of hydroquinone?
What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Hydroquinone?
- Mild skin irritation and sensitization (burning, stinging)
- Dermatitis.
- Dryness.
- Redness.
- Inflammatory reaction.
Why is hydroquinone harmful?
Excessive hydroquinone concentrations may induce toxic or shocking effects on melanocytes, forcing them to regroup and increase their melanin production (resulting in rebound hyperpigmentation). Additionally, high concentrations of hydroquinone may provoke skin inflammation.
Why is hydroquinone used in cosmetics?
Hydroquinone is used in cosmetics as an antioxidant, fragrance ingredient and oxidizing agent in hair dyes. Hydroquinone may also be used as a stabilizer that inhibits the polymerization of the adhesive in artificial nails.
Is hydroquinone safe for face?
To date, hydroquinone is deemed safe in the United States. There isn’t any clinical evidence currently to suggest that hydroquinone is harmful to humans. However, minor side effects are still possible. It may cause a temporary uptick in redness or dryness at first, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Is Kojic acid better than hydroquinone?
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.
Does hydroquinone lighten skin permanently?
Hydroquinone is a crystalline compound used as a depigmentation or skin-lightening agent in skin care. It helps to lighten areas of darkened skin, such as hyperpigmentation, freckles, age spots and melasma caused by acne, hormonal fluctuations or injury to the skin. Hydroquinone does not permanently lighten skin.
Is hydroquinone safe on face?
The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD) suggest that people avoid getting the product in their eyes and only use small amounts on the face. Long-term use of hydroquinone could give rise to ochronosis. Ochronosis causes a blue-black pigmentation and caviar-like spots to develop on the skin.
Can hydroquinone make skin darker?
“There’s also a phenomenon called ochronosis, or increased pigmentation/darkening of the skin that is caused by hydroquinone in high concentrations and with long-term use,” she explains. “It is safe to use in 2% to 4% formulations twice a day for 12 weeks max.
Why does hydroquinone make skin darker?
How does it work? Hydroquinone bleaches your skin by decreasing the number of melanocytes present. Melanocytes make melanin, which is what produces your skin tone. In cases of hyperpigmentation, more melanin is present due to an increase in melanocyte production.
Does hydroquinone stain clothes?
Hydroquinone is a chemical skin bleach found in creams that are marketed as skin lighteners. When hydroquinone cream comes in contact with clothing, it can cause discoloration of the cloth. Preventing discoloration is possible by they way the clothing is handled before and during the washing of the clothes.
What is the highest level of hydroquinone?
Additionally, the highest strength that is commercially available with a prescription is a hydroquinone 4% cream.
Is Hydroquinone safe to use?
Even though it’s considered successful for skin lightening, the use of hydroquinone continues to remain controversial. In the USA, the FDA confirms that the use of hydroquinone is safe and effective to use in products.
Does hydroquinone work on scars?
Hydroquinone (HQ): Hydroquinone can be very effective in fading dark scars and hyperpigmented skin blemishes. However, hydroquinone can lead to a condition called Ochronosis, even at its over-the-counter strength of 2%.
How do you use hydroquinone?
Use hydroquinone only on the brown spots and the tretinoin cream all over your face. If you are tolerating them, increase treatment to every night. If tolerated, also use the hydroquinone in the morning. You must use SPF 50+ and avoid the sun. Neutrogena or any mild cleanser is a good choice for washing your face.
How long before hydroquinone works?
On average, it takes four to eight weeks for hydroquinone to produce noticeable skin lightening results, meaning you’ll need to apply it consistently before your melasma-affected skin begins to lighten and match the rest of your face.