How effective is 2% hydroquinone?
OTC hydroquinone 2% preparations are typically less effective than the prescription 4% preparations. Adolescents are among those affected by acne, and a significant subset of these patients will experience related PIH. However, the majority of hydroquinone prescriptions written in the USA are done so by dermatologists.
What is hydroquinone 2 cream used for?
Hydroquinone is used to lighten the dark patches of skin (also called hyperpigmentation, melasma, « liver spots, » « age spots, » freckles) caused by pregnancy, birth control pills, hormone medicine, or injury to the skin.
How long can I use 2 hydroquinone?
“There’s also a phenomenon called ochronosis, or increased pigmentation/darkening of the skin that is caused by hydroquinone in high concentrations and with long-term use,” she explains. “It is safe to use in 2% to 4% formulations twice a day for 12 weeks max.
What is the difference between hydroquinone 2 and 4?
Therapy. Hydroquinone, a bleaching agent, is most frequently used to treat melasma. A 2% concentration is available over the counter, whereas 4% hydroquinone cream requires a prescription. It is applied twice daily to affected areas.
What happens if I stop using hydroquinone?
If your skin lightens, stop using hydroquinone regularly and only use it if the dark spots reappear. Wait two or three months to use it in the same areas. Prolonged regular use of hydroquinone may lead to exogenous ochronosis, which can cause blue-black pigmentation and papules, red bumps on the skin.
Does hydroquinone lighten skin permanently?
Hydroquinone is a crystalline compound used as a depigmentation or skin-lightening agent in skin care. It helps to lighten areas of darkened skin, such as hyperpigmentation, freckles, age spots and melasma caused by acne, hormonal fluctuations or injury to the skin. … Hydroquinone does not permanently lighten skin.
What are the negative effects of hydroquinone?
What are the side effects of Hydroquinone Topical (Esoterica)?
- severe skin redness, burning, or stinging;
- severe skin dryness, cracking, or bleeding;
- blisters or oozing; or.
- blue or black discoloration of the skin (especially if you are Hispanic or African-American).
Can I mix hydroquinone with vitamin C?
Hydroquinone combination formulations. In this regard, consumers can readily find products that combine hydroquinone with various ingredients such as retinoic acid, glycolic acid, vitamin C, and topical steroids. However, prolonged use of such products can worsen pigmentation and create additional issues.
Does pigmentation come back after hydroquinone?
Excessive hydroquinone concentrations may induce toxic or shocking effects on melanocytes, forcing them to regroup and increase their melanin production (resulting in rebound hyperpigmentation).
What is the highest level of hydroquinone?
Additionally, the highest strength that is commercially available with a prescription is a hydroquinone 4% cream.
Is Hydroquinone bad for You?
- Without a doubt, hydroquinone is very effective for treating hyperpigmentation issues. However, its safety is also highly questionable. The reason hydroquinone gets such a bad reputation is because studies have shown that hydroquinone has some carcinogenic effects when applied to skin. It is considered cytotoxic (toxic to cells) and mutagenic.
What are the dangers of hydroquinone?
- Stop using hydroquinone and tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: blistering, skin cracking, blue-black darkening of the skin. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
What products contain hydroquinone?
- P&G Skin Discoloration Fade Cream. …
- Physicians Complex 6 percent Skin Bleaching Cream. …
- Black and White Bleaching Cream with Hydroquinone. …
- Reviva Brown Spot Night Cream. …
- Nadinola Skin Discoloration Fade Cream for Oily Skin. …
Does Ambi fade cream really work?
- No. The product is not offered on a free trial. AMBI Fade Cream Review – Final Verdict. Generally AMBI Fade Cream looks promising and it is highly effective in minimizing freckles, sunspots, and many other skin spots that are associated with darkening of the skin.
