Hydroquinone is a skin bleaching or skin lightening ingredient, which can be used anywhere on the face and body to relieve areas of hyperpigmentation, or darkened skin such as freckles, chloasma (darkening of the skin caused by hormones), melasma (the general darkening of the skin) and pigmentation (sometimes called solar lentigenes).
Products containing hydroquinone are available only in certain countries. In most countries, including the U.S. and New Zealand, 2% of the drug available without a presription. In Canada, however, hydroquinone, available as 2% or 4% cream for topical application without a prescription and can be purchased at most pharmacies.
How does the Hydroquinone 4 % Cream?
Hydroquinone works by decreasing production and increasing the breakdown of melanosomes (melanin pigment granules) in the skin pigment cells (melanocytes). Melanin and melanocytes, responsible for skin coloration. Hydroquinone does this by inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase, an enzyme needed to make melanin.
How effective is Hydroquinone 4 % Cream?
In most cases, some skin lightening will be apparent after 4 weeks of treatment. While it may take more time to see the full results are generally in the range of 8 to 12 weeks. In the absence of the effect of skin lightening is seen after the use of hydroquinone product after 3 months, then treatment should be discontinued.
You can increase the effectiveness of hydroquinone by staying in the sun, wear protective clothing or using a broad spectrum UVA / UVB SPF 15 or higher sunscreen when outdoors. As the sun protection is so important when using hydroquinone preparations, you can consider buying the drug hydroquinone with UVA / UVB protection while working during the day and one free for use at night. In addition, you can buy a product without SPF and combine it with a really good blocker Sun, contains active ingredients such as Mexoryl SX, Mexoryl XL, Titanium dioxide, avobenzone, Tinosorb M or Tinosorb S.
Brands such as Anthelios or Bioderma Photoderm Max block against UVA and UVB rays and provide high protection SPF. Hydraphase UV SPF 30 moisturizer, plus UVA / UVB sunblock in one and is an excellent choice for normal to dry skin types. Sunlamps and tanning should be avoided.
Hydroquinone should be used regularly until the desired result is achieved. Use after that have to be as necessary to maintain results. If no improvement is seen within 4 to 6 months, treatment should be discontinued.
How to use Hydroquinone 4 % Cream
As with most skin preparation makes sense to test for skin sensitivity by applying the cream to a small area of ​​hyperpigmentation of the skin. If redness or irritation does not occur within 24 hours, it’s probably safe to start treatment.
Clean and dry the skin before applying a thin layer of cream twice a day to hyperpigmented area (s) in need of bleaching. Rub into the skin.
Use only enough to cover the affected areas and avoid applying to normal skin, as it is easier as well. So wash your hands after application if the treated area.
Do not apply hydroquinone around the eyes, mouth and other mucous membranes.
Avoid using other medicines topical products (eg peroxides) in the same area at the same time, if directed to do so by your doctor.
When using non-medicated cosmetics, sunscreens and moisturizing lotions, apply hydroquinone, and then wait several minutes before applying them to the top.
Hydroquinone 4 % Cream safety and side effects
Overall side effects when using hydroquinone, usually minimal, and there is a lot of research to support its safety. Preparations are generally very well tolerated in more than 30 years of clinical use. Some women may experience minor and temporary skin irritations including mild itching or burning sensation and redness of the skin (contact dermatitis). If that does not subside cream should be stopped.
Side effects that should guarantee an end to cream and seek medical attention include severe burning, itching, crusting, or swelling of treated areas (possible allergic contact dermatitis), and any unusual changes in skin color.
The most serious side effect associated with the use of hydroquinone is an exogenous ochronosis. This disease is characterized by progressive darkening of the area to which applied hydroquinone. Exogenous ochronosis is usually in black patients who have used hydroquinone at high concentration (ie more than 4%) for many years. The risk increases if users are not diligent about avoiding the sun or use sunscreen on exposure to sunlight.
If melasma does not improve within 4-6 months, hydroquinone should be discontinued. Hydroquinone treatment is best used in conjunction with your physician.
Precautions Hydroquinone 4 % Cream
Do not use benzoyl peroxide, hydrogen peroxide or other peroxide products when using hydroquinone. Temporary dark staining of the skin may occur. If you accidentally used together, wash skin with soap and water to remove stains.
Hydroquinone creams may contain sodium metabisulfite which may cause severe allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis) in certain susceptible people.
Hydroquinone should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
