Does hydroquinone permanently lighten skin?
Hydroquinone does not permanently lighten skin. Still considered the go-to spot lightener in the U.S., many dermatologists recommend hydroquinone to: Treat any type of hyperpigmentation, from the post inflammatory hyperpigmentation left behind after an acne breakout to age and sun spots.
Is hydroquinone 20% use to bleach skin?
Hydroquinone is an effective lightening agent used by dermatologists and aestheticians. A hydroquinone cream is sometimes referred to as a “bleaching cream” because of its ability to lighten skin tone but there is no bleach in any of these products.
How long does it take for hydroquinone to lighten?
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.
Does hydroquinone really work?
In conclusion, hydroquinone is safe and effective when used as directed by a physician for a wide variety of pigmentation problems. To increase its efficacy and avoid unwanted side effects, dermatologists should consider the following protocol: Prescribe hydroquinone concentrations no higher than 4%.
How do you know if hydroquinone is working?
It takes about four weeks on average for the ingredient to take effect. It may take several months of consistent use before you see full results. If you don’t see any improvements within three months of OTC use, talk to your dermatologist.
Can I use hydroquinone on my whole face?
“Most people don’t need it all over the skin, just in particular areas. You should use it in the areas with hyperpigmentation.” If you tend to be sensitive, he suggests using it on alternating days. When you know that your hydroquinone product works well with your skin, add a glycolic cleanser to your skincare routine.
Can you use hydroquinone in the summer?
To add it to your routine safely, dermatologists like Hooper recommend short-term use: Apply hydroquinone in the summer and stop in the winter when there is less sun.
Does hydroquinone give permanent results?
Monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone, which is a permanent depigmentating agent, should never be used to treat melasma, as it causes irreversible loss of pigment.
What are the dangers of hydroquinone?
Hydroquinone dangers include:
- Hydroquinone is carcinogenic and mutagenic. [1]
- It’s toxic to various organ systems.
- Exposure to Hydroquinone worsens symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Long-term use can result in a skin disorder called exogenous ochronosis.
- Hydroquinone can cause allergic reaction and irritation to skin.
Are there any over the counter hydroquinone creams?
Most over the counter products contain up to 2% hydroquinone, such as Murad Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum. Other serums containing hydroquinone include PCA Skin Pigment gel, Vivier Advanced Skin Lightening Serum, and Genuine Black & White Bleaching Cream.
Is it safe to use 2% hydroquinone on the skin?
Because of its depigmenting properties, it is widely used in the cosmetic industry as skin lightening agents in cream, serum, lotion, etc. clinically it is approved that 2% to 4% concentration of hydroquinone is safe to be applied on the skin directly. In the local drugstore, 2% hydroquinone is sold over the counter.
When to use hydroquinone cream with sunscreen?
It takes approximately 4 weeks of regular use of hydroquinone cream to get visible results. Since hydroquinone shows reversal signs of skin lightening on exposure to the sun, we recommend you use hydroquinone cream with sunscreen on a daily basis to get much better and effective results.
Are there any bleaching creams that contain hydroquinone?
Other serums containing hydroquinone include PCA Skin Pigment gel, Vivier Advanced Skin Lightening Serum, and Genuine Black & White Bleaching Cream. Retail giant Amazon sells a wide variety of bleaching creams containing hydroquinone. By comparison, a prescription hydroquinone contains around 4% of the ingredient.