Hydroquinone - #1 Ingredient for Age Spots, Melasma and Skin Lightening

Hydroquinone works by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, which is needed to make melanin, the pigment responsible for our skin's coloring. By inhibiting tyrosinase, melanin production is reduced to stop hyperpigmentation that may ensue.

Hydroquinone has been used successfully to treat the following skin conditions:
1. Freckles
2. Melasma - irregular streaks, spots or patches that appear in a symmetrical pattern on your cheeks, nose and upper lip, or on the neck, chin and around the eyes. Melasma is often a result of hormonal changes during the aging process (age spots) or sun exposure, but can also occur during pregnancy or in women taking birth control pills.
3. Solar lentigines are round, brown spots that are caused by the sun. They appear mostly on areas exposed to light, such as the face, back, chest, arms and hands.
4. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation - after certain acute illnesses such as chicken pox, or with chronic skin problems like eczema and acne, the skin sometimes produces excess pigmentation of this type. Also, people with dark skin can develop this hyperpigmentation from sunburn.
5. Medications - such as birth control pills and some antibiotics, can cause hyperpigmentation in combination with sun exposure.
6. Laser surgery treatment, hair transplants and chemical peels may all contibute to hyperpigmentation.
7. Cosmetics and nutrition - certain cosmetics, perfumes and even foods such as celery, carrots, and limes containing bergamot oil, can cause a darkening of your skin when you are exposed to sun.

When used as directed, hydroquinone tends to be well well tolerated by most individuals. Some individuals may some minor and reversible skin irritation such as itching, stinging or reddening of the skin (irritant contact dermatitis).

If the above side effects do not stop, then the cream should be discontinued. Medical advise should be sought immediately if side effects include severe burning, itching, crusting, or swelling of treated areas (possible allergic contact dermatitis) as well as any unusual skin dicoloration.

When used for long periods of time many years) at high doses, a skin condition known as exogenous ochronosis has been observed. This disorder is characterized by black, thickened skin and may be very difficult to treat. For this reason, it's recommended that hydroquinone not be used for longer than 4 to 6 months. It's always wise to work with a medical professional when using hydroquinone.

Because some individuals may be sensitive to hydroquinone, test for skin sensitivity by doing a patch test - apply a small amount of the hydroquinone preparation to a small patch of skin that requires treament. If there is no redness or itching within 24 hours, it's probably safe to start using the cream.

A thin film should be applied and rubbed into clean, dry hyperpigmented skin twice daily. Only enough to just cover the affected areas should be used to avoid applying to normal skin. This may lighten as well, otherwise. Then wash hands carefully.

Hydroquinone preparations should not be applied near the eyes, mouth, and other mucous membranes.
Other medicated topical products (particularly peroxide products) should not be applied to the treated areas at the same time unless directed to do so by your doctor.

When using non-medicated cosmetics, sunscreens, and moisturising lotions, apply hydroquinone first, then wait several minutes before applying them over the top.

In most cases, some skin lightening will be apparent after 4 weeks of treatment. Though it may take longer to see complete results, generally within 8 to 12 weeks. If no skin lightening effect is seen after using a hydroquinone product after 3 months, then treatment should be discontinued.

Maximize the effectiveness of hydroquinone by staying out of the sun, wearing protective clothing or using a broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 30+ sunscreen such as anthelios when outdoors. Sunlamps and tanning salons should be avoided.

Products containing exfoliants enhance the effectiveness of hydroquinone by gradually removing pigmentation at the surface of the skin. Some hydroquinone preparations already contain glycolic acid. However, if your preparation does not, you may wish to add a product like MaMa Lotion (formulated with mandelic acid) or Green Cream (formulated with retinol). Don't use them at the same time as a preparation containing glycolic acid to avoid irritating skin. Use one in the morning and one at night.

Hydroquinone should be used regularly until desired results are achieved. Use after that should be as required to maintain results.

Hydroquinone 4% may be found in the following preparations:

Neostrata HQ and Neostrata HQ SPF 15 - with glycolic acid
Lustra and Lustra AF (with sunblock) - with glycolic acid
Glyquin XM - with glycolic acid
Ultraquin Plain, Ultraquin Gel with Sunblock, Ultraquin Cream with Sunblock. - no exfoliant