Hydroquinone for Dark Spots

Hydroquinone for Dark Spots

by Jason L in News

Hydroquinone: Everything You Need to Know

Before trying out a new product on your skin, it’s best to have some knowledge about what that particular product is and how it’s typically used. Hydroquinone is a cosmetic answer to unwanted dark spots on your skin. 

Hydroquinone can be applied to areas of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation on your face and, over time, will work to target multiple layers of skin tissue to lighten from the inside out. 

What is Hydroquinone Commonly Used For?

In skin care, it is commonly used to provide cosmetic treatment for a number of skin conditions including:

  • Acne scars 

  • Melasma 

  • Age spots 

  • Unwanted freckles  

Things like melasma and freckles can come about due to a change in hormones. For example, women may notice them more during pregnancy or even after trying out a new form of birth control. However, you can take action to prevent age spots and acne scars. Applying SPF regularly or avoiding the urge to pick at pimples may help to stop these conditions before they start. 

Whatever is triggering your hyperpigmentation, hydroquinone could be a viable path towards a clearer, more even complexion. Before diving right in, it’s important to be advised about a few possible side effects. 

In general, hydroquinone is safe to use on a number of different skin types. However, we always recommend consulting with a dermatologist before using it. Besides, you’ll need to see one in order to get a hydroquinone prescription.

For now, here’s a look at what could come along with daily use of hydroquinone:

  • Dryness

  • Mild irritation such as stinging or burning

  • Redness

  • Itchiness due to dry skin 

In rare cases such as in the prolonged overuse of hydroquinone, individuals may develop a condition called ochronosis. This condition is often characterized by gray, blue, or black discoloration on the skin of the face or ears. To avoid serious side effects such as these, be sure to follow the instructions as provided to you by your dermatologist. 

How Effective is Hydroquinone?

Hydroquinone works in different ways for different users but, when used properly, it can be a highly effective, skin lightening treatment. Hydroquinone users often see results after about four to eight weeks from the initial application, so be sure you’re watching for progress along the way. Consider taking weekly pictures of the targeted areas to keep an eye on improvement. If you’re not seeing the results you were hoping for after about three months of use, check in with your dermatologist to see what can be done. 

Hydroquinone is most effective when:

  • Users limit the amount of time they spend in the sun. When using hydroquinone, it’s often advised to apply a minimum of SPF 30 daily and avoid the use of tanning beds. Wide-brimmed hats and shade are other very important sun protective measures. Some hydroquinone products contain SPF already, so be sure to read the label carefully and ask your dermatologist if you have any questions. 

  • Used in combination with tretinoin (derived from Vitamin A) which can sometimes speed up the lightening process.

When Should You Avoid the Use of Hydroquinone? 

Again, hydroquinone has been known to be a safe skincare solution for just about anyone, provided they follow the suggested methods of use. However, hydroquinone should not be used:

  • By anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • In combination with other products containing peroxide such as benzoyl peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. 

  • If you have any known allergies to peroxide or to hydroquinone itself

  • On any open wounds, sunburned skin, or irritated patches of skin

To be sure you’re using hydroquinone properly, follow the application guide below as well as the expert advice provided to you by your doctor. 

Is it Safe to Use Hydroquinone? 

Hydroquinone has been approved by the FDA as a safe treatment for hyperpigmentation. As long as it is prescribed and used according to a dermatologist’s guidance, there is no concern about the safety of incorporating it into a daily skincare routine.

In September of 2020, however, the FDA prohibited the sale of over-the-counter hydroquinone topical treatments. This was mainly due to concerns regarding the overuse of the product, even when sold in lower concentrations. 

Currently, hydroquinone is only available when prescribed by a licensed dermatologist or healthcare provider. 

 

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