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Hydroquinone for Dark Spots
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. What Are the Common Side Effects of Using Hydroquinone? 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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Bimatoprost (Latisse) for Eyelashes and Eyebrows
Bimatoprost (Latisse ) is the only FDA approved, prescription strength treatment for growing longer, fuller and darker eyelashes. These lashes are ones you grow yourself – that means no glue, no salon appointments, and no worries about losing them in the pool. Here’s what you need to know. What are the benefits of Bimatoprost (Latisse)? Bimatoprost (Latisse) is an easy-to-use, effective method for improving eyelash appearance. 78% of participants in clinical trials reported a significant improvement in eyelash appearance after using the product for 16 weeks. But what about other methods for enhancing your eyelashes? Mascara: Mascara is an inexpensive option and is easily accessible at your local drug store. But it only provides temporary benefits and is prone to smudging. Because of its many ingredients, some people develop skin irritation or allergic reactions. Over-the-counter, non-mascara options: Several non-prescription products are available and marketed as “eyelash stimulators,” “eyelash enhancement serums,” or “eyelash conditioners.” Like Bimatoprost (Latisse), these products claim to enhance the length, fullness, or darkness of your eyelashes. But since the FDA does not regulate over-the-counter products, their effectiveness and safety often have not been thoroughly studied. Artificial eyelashes: Artificial eyelashes are made from human hair or synthetic material. These products are available as sets of strips that you apply to the eyelid or individual strands professionally applied to existing eyelashes. Individual strands take a considerable amount of time to apply and can be expensive. Some people are sensitive to the glue used to attach the eyelashes and can develop an allergic reaction. Raise your brow game? Bimatoprost (Latisse) could be an effective way to help you regrow your brows in the same way it works for eyelashes. How does Bimatoprost (Latisse) work? Bimatoprost (Latisse) ophthalmic solution 0.03% has been proven to make lashes longer, fuller, and darker. Each hair follicle undergoes a cycle of growth, transition, and rest before falling out to make room for a new hair follicle in its place. The amount of time a hair follicle spends in the growth phase determines how long the hair can grow. Bimatoprost (Latisse) works by extending the growth phase of your eyelashes. Longer growth phase = longer lash! Normal eyelash growth cycle The anagen, or growth phase, of eyelashes typically lasts about 1-2 months. The catagen, or transition phase, lasts about 15 days. The final telogen, or resting phase, lasts about 3-9 months. The hair then falls out and a new hair follicle grows in its place. Hair follicles exist in various phases of this cycle which is why your lashes don’t all fall out at once! Pigmentation also only occurs during the growth phase. This means lashes that remain in the growth phase for an extended period of time are darker as well as longer. Finally, Bimatoprost (Latisse) can stimulate fine vellus hairs to become thicker dark terminal hairs, resulting in a fuller looking lash line. What are the side effects of Bimatoprost (Latisse)? The most frequently reported adverse reactions were: Eye itching, redness, and irritation. Dry eye symptoms. Eyelid skin darkening and redness – this will increase as long as the product is used. This may be reversible after stopping Bimatoprost (Latisse). These reactions occurred in less than 4% of patients. Since Bimatoprost (Latisse) can stimulate hair growth in a nonspecific manner, you should avoid applying the medication onto adjacent skin. Additionally, iris darkening may occur and is likely to be permanent. In a pooled safety analysis of patients using Bimatoprost (Latisse) for eyelash growth, iris pigmentation was noted to occur in 2 of 680 patients (0.3%). In this study, however, the effect appeared to be reversible in 1 of the 2 patients. In glaucoma patients who apply the medication directly onto the eye itself, iris pigmentation occurs in 0.9-1.5% of patients. You should not use Bimatoprost (Latisse) if: You have intraocular inflammation (e.g., uveitis). You have known risk factors for macular edema (such as an absent or torn lens of the eye). If you are allergic to bimatoprost or to benzalkonium. It should be used with caution in pregnant and lactating patients. You should stop Bimatoprost (Latisse) if: You develop a new ocular condition (e.g., trauma or infection). You experience a sudden decrease in visual acuity. You have ocular surgery. You develop any intolerable eye symptoms. Overall, Bimatoprost (Latisse) is a safe and effective medication to use for those looking for thicker and longer natural lashes. You’re armed with the knowledge to make the right decision for you and your lashes! If you think this is the right treatment for you, you can get Bimatoprost (Latisse) from a dermatology provider at Easy Health Rx.
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