The amount of collagen produced is diminished and the type of collagen changes from a more youthful type of collagen to an older type of collagen. It is used to treat the darkened areas of the skin that are present in skin discolorations such as Melasma, age spots, freckles and acne scars. Hydroquinone is a skin lightener used in many whitening creams and dark mark fade treatments. Hydroquinone should be cautiously only in cases where it is required as in severely hyper pigmented cases not responded to other available therapies. You need an evaluation by a board certified dermatologist to determine what the condition of your skin is and how to treat it. http://www.advancedskinwisdom.com/brownspots.htm. Photosensitivity: Hydroquinone makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight and this, in turn, will cause severe sunburn, chapped and irritated skin, and other skin problems. Eczema-damaged skin needs special care. Most skin lighteners work by inhibiting an enzyme, tyrosinase, which is necessarily for pigment (melanin) production within the skin. Finally, other great and non-prescription alternatives are glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid-based products. ©. It really works. It is available in over-the-counter strength of up to 2 percent and higher concentrations by prescription. Dermabrasion – A treatment that deeply exfoliates the upper layer of skin with the help of a metal wire tip or a diamond tip which is carefully and painlessly swept over the damaged areas. The more the product is used, the more it will soak into the skin and continue to burn it. Do not use hydroquinone topical on open wounds or on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin. Stop using the product. This article examines the various uses of hydroquinone, its safety, and whether or not there is any risk to using it. The doctor will physically examine the skin, record the case history and conduct diagnostics tests also if required. Now my face seems to be dark. I agree with the posted comments by the other physicians. Hydroquinone does come with a few side effects, although they are usually mild. Since face is a very important part of the body, all possible care should be taken to maintain the same in fit condition. It is easily treated by using a sterile small gauge needle to unroof the lesion followed by extraction of the contents. The most common side effect is irritation of the skin. Combining prescription-only tretinoin cream with... Read 5 … Use a scrub or loofah to gently exfoliate and remove the top layer of dead skin cells to reveal the soft skin beneath. Hydroquinone is a chemical compound of the phenol group commonly used in skin whitening creams. The efficacy of this treatment can be enhanced by using a retinoid nightly and a mid-potent steroid, which is applied twice daily for 2 weeks, then at weekends only. Sun exposure can not only make hyperpigmentation worse, but also reverse the effects of your hydroquinone treatment. This is a permanent discoloration of the skin that is fortunately very rare but occurs in patients using hydroquinones for a long duration. Hydroquinone is an ingredient found in many skin-lightening products marketed to women for purposes of reducing age spots, melasma, freckles and other types of hyperpigmentation. I am medium fair complexion woman.I need to reduce my hyper pigmentation so I have used "hydroquinone cream". Chemical peels are used for treating hyper-pigmentation, fine lines, age spots, and sun damaged skin. It also looks at alternatives and tips for protecting the skin from damage. After facing this issue I read about hydroquinone. Apply this medicine only to the affected skin areas that need to be lightened. The production of collagen never ends. If you’re experiencing a medical issue, please contact a healthcare professional or dial 911 immediately. Prescription-strength hydroquinone (HQ) is even US FDA approved to treat hyperpigmentation caused by melasma, also known as pregnancy mask. It is applied twice daily to affected areas. In my opinion the author should visit a reputed and experienced dermatologist for finding scientific medical solution. There are lots of side effects and it may also cause cancer. The first step in the formation of melanin involves the transformation of the amino acids tyrosine and L-DOPA into dopaquinone, performed by an enzyme called tyrosinase. A burn may not lead to serious skin damage, but you can prevent further damage from occurring. Hydroquinone: “Bar-none, Hydroquinone combined with tretinoin (Retin-A) is the most effective, aggressive skin care regimen for reversing sun damage,” says Dr. Youn. Hydroquinone has been the most popular skin … Then moisturize with lotion. Hq help limit skin from creating an excess amount of melanin, which is what gives skin its color. Experts: please advice on how to get my natural color. You need an evaluation by a board certified dermatologist to determine what the condition of your skin is and how to treat it. The... As you age the following things take place in your skin: A more rare side effect is ochronosis. i am of fair to dark skintone,but the colour of my buttom is really dark and is filled with stretchmarks.how do i get rid of this darkness nd existing stretch marks and cellulite looking spots? Hydroquinone, a bleaching agent, is most frequently used to treat melasma. "So the intended spot may be lightened, but the surrounding skin will also lighten compared to normal skin, and the area will appear like a light de-pigmented halo around the spot being treated." These will increase the absorption of hydroquinone and stimulate cell turnover. People typically use hydroquinone to lighten areas of skin affected by hyperpigmentation disorders, as well as for freckles and age spots 2 . Digital Marketing by SpiderWorks Technologies, Kochi - India. According to the FDA, nonprescription skin-lightening creams can contain up to two percent hydroquinone. “It’s a … In the Philippines, maxi-peel is popular for women who wants to have a renewed skin. Sunscreens with a SPF of 30 should be used prophylactically. Milia, more commonly know as a whitehead, is a ordinary problem. I got fairer skin in just two months. It reduces the production of melanin in your skin, so it is great for fading hyperpigmentation, acne marks, sun spots, melasma, and other skin discoloration issues.It is one of the active ingredients in the popular Obagi skin care line. Taking healthy diet with essential nutrients for the maintenance of healthy skin, which include fruits rich in Vit-A & C with rich anti-oxidants, green tea for anti-oxidation, plenty of water to remove excess damage causing toxins, protein rich food like soya beans, beans, fish, eggs and mlik, avoid excess intake of oil, salt, sugar, maida and baked foods. This staining can usually be removed with soap and water. Sunscreen is usually the … The product’s purpose is to fasten the peeling process of your skin. Here. Quick fixes are unlikely to restore skin that's been deeply damaged by long-term use of steroid-based and toxic creams with hydroquinone, monobenzone or mercury. WebMD explains how to treat cracks, breaks, and blisters so they heal faster. Using hydroquinones for an extended period of time can cause darkening called exogenous ochronosis, which is difficult to reverse, but it does not cause stretch marks or cellulite. If you have read the instructions the first thing that you have to do is to stop using the product. Hydroquinone 8% is a skin lightening agent that is stronger than what commercial shops and cosmetic outlets have. As with hydroquinone, however, many medical-grade ingredients, such as retinoic acid and other retinoids, if used indefinitely, prove helpful for two or three months but can then cause continuous irritation. Prescription strength 4% hydroquinone is better than any OTC product, including Elure, for lightening dark spots in the skin. Hydroquinone decreases the formation of melanin in the skin. When you used Hydroquinone as skin whitening agent for treatment of your hyper pigmentation, whether have you consulted a skin specialist? Exogenous Ochronosis: Hydroquinone induces serious exogenous ochronosis, this skin condition is a form of dermatitis that is characterized by a brown-grey or bluish-black hyperpigmentation on the surface of your skin. These cells contain melanin – a term you may be more familiar with. A 2% concentration is available over the counter, whereas 4% hydroquinone cream requires a prescription. After I stopped using that cream I suffered from skin rashes and I lost my natural colour. Wash your hands before and after applying this medicine, unless you are using it to treat the skin on your hands. It is commonly available in 2% and 4% creams or pastes in stores. Alternatives to hydroquinone include azelaic acid and retinoids, as well as cosmetic treatments such as laser lightening and chemical peels. Hydroquinone, a tyrosinase inhibitor, in a 4% cream can be used safely twice daily for up to 6 months to treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. "The hydroquinone treats dark spots, but any product in contact with surrounding skin will also lighten those areas as well," says Shafer. Hydroquinones are bleaching agents that should be monitored by a board certified dermatologist. The information on RealSelf is intended for educational purposes only. Hydroquinone works by preventing melanin production in the applied area. Hydroquinone works on a cellular level by interrupting the life cycle of pigment cells in the skin called melanocytes. It is also important to learn about the causes of your discoloration, how to treat it and also how to prevent future discoloration of your skin. 4% creams are usually prescribed by specialists and not be taken without the advice of a specialist. This irritation can lead to inflammation and create more damage as the skin … Being the most popular educational website in India, we believe in providing quality content to our readers. Hydroquinone cream reduces a pigment called melanin in the skin by treating skin problems such as dark spots, sun damage, acne scars, freckles, age spots or discoloration related to hormones. Hydroquinone acts as a bleach or skin lightening agent. Hydroquinone Is Effective Because It Works In Two Different Ways. Though the hydroquinone is effective in the treatment of hyper pigmentation, it is used only in the last line of treatment after repeated failures of the first line of treatments such as chemical peeling, dermabrasion techniques, Vit-A therapy (retinoids therapy), Vit-C therapy, other natural therapies and advanced techniques like laser therapy. Contrary to the beauty industry, there is no single product or treatment that will universally improve pores. If you’re concerned about your skin discolorations, chances are you’ve done some research of your own that has lead you to the discovery of Hydroquinone. No matter your skin type or color, everyone's skin develops an uneven tone and discoloration eventually. It should heal with minimal-to-no scarring. Using hydroquinones for an extended period of time can cause darkening called exogenous ochronosis, which is difficult to reverse, but it does not cause stretch marks or cellulite. “Ironically, many of the methods to treat hyperpigmentation can make it worse. After proper evaluation of the condition, the doctor will prescribe a short term or long term treatment as warranted. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any content published here, feel free to contact us using the Contact link below. Continued and uncontrolled use can lead to adverse effects. It takes approximately 4 weeks of regular use of hydroquinone cream to get visible results. The main way hydroquinone fades pigment patches is by slowing down melanin production by cells called melanocytes in the skin. When made properly, Hydroquinone is not a harmful ingredient. These simple home remedies should work. “Exfoliating products, such as chemical exfoliants and peels, utilize ingredients such as glycolic acid or lactic acid to help improve skin discoloration and brighten the skin,” says Garshick. Hydroquinone is one of the most respected skin lightening ingredients in use today. Instead, try slow and restorative healing from the inside out along with natural healing oils. Hydroquinone is a topical agent for reducing skin pigmentation 2. Hydroquinone is a depigmenting agent used to lighten areas of darkened skin such as freckles, age spots, chloasma, and melisma caused by pregnancy, birth control pills, hormone medicine, or injury to the skin. Whether skin compatibility test done? It’s best used on prescription and under observation to treat severe melasma and sun damage. Whether used 2% or 4% cream? Doctors may prescribe topical medications that contain up to four percent. Some studies have shown that hydroquinone is a carcinogenic (cancer producing) agent and cytotoxic agent. So if you're thinking about whether or not to use it to fade discoloration, get as much information about the product as you can. Things such as lasers, chemical peels, and microinfusion microneedling are powerful treatments for fading darkness on the skin, but if they are too aggressive or not properly calibrated, they can make dark spots worse ,” says New York-based board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr Lara Devgan. While we do connect people with vetted, board-certified doctors, we don’t provide medical consultations, diagnosis, or advice. Looking for ways on how to get back your natural skin color after bleaching? Hydroquinone basically kills melanocytes and prevents regeneration, reducing the amount of melanin in the affected area of your skin. Hydroquinone also works in part by inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase. These dark spots are typically due to chronic sun damage so daily use of sunscreens is essential in your treatment. Hydroquinone products are use as a skin-peeling agent. Look for an exfoliating body or face cleansers that contain these ingredients. Hydroquinone cream lightens skin, dark spots, scars, and treats hyperpigmentation areas within 4 weeks of regular use. Perhaps the most popular solution for skin lightening on a spot-by-spot basis is topical solutions containing hydroquinone. The U.S. Food and Drug … Pores are a reflection of several environmental, physiologic, and genetic factors. What is Hydroquinone. Using hydroquinone topical together with benzoyl peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, or other peroxide products may stain your skin.