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Hydroquinone is a widely-known ingredient in skin care that is used for its ability to lighten brown spots and improve skin tone. This antioxidant, which can be found in many plants including coffee, tea, wheat, beans, and onions, has been used to treat melasma and uneven skin tone since the 1950s. However, as newer ingredients come onto the market for skin brightening, many people find themselves wondering whether hydroquinone treatment is right for them. Here are a few answers to common questions about hydroquinone:
What does hydroquinone do?
Hydroquinone targets overactive pigment-producing cells in the skin. The medicine inhibits their ability to make new pigment, which in turn causes dark spots to lighten over time. It does not bleach out pigment that is already present.
How is hydroquinone used?
Hydroquinone is available in both prescription and non-prescription products. Prescription-strength hydroquinone is applied topically, once a day, directly on dark spots. Your dermatologist can determine the best strength of hydroquinone needed and duration of treatment for your skin.
When is hydroquinone not safe?
Hydroquinone can often cause dryness, redness, and skin irritation. These side effects are more common when the medicine is used at high strength, for multiple months, or over a large area. Rarely, people can have a more serious allergic reaction to lightening creams. This is often caused by other ingredients in the cream, rather than being a true allergy to hydroquinone. Like any topical cream, you should test a small amount of lightening cream on an inconspicuous patch of skin for 24 hours to check for skin irritation before starting treatment.
How do I use hydroquinone safely?
- Only apply the medication as directed by your dermatologist or per the instructions on the package.
- Historically, hydroquinone is not used in patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor about melasma treatments that are safe during pregnancy.
- Take extra precautions against sun exposure (sunscreen, staying indoors, wearing hats) while treating your skin.
- Always wash your hands after applying hydroquinone.
- Do not apply hydroquinone to broken, rashy, or irritated skin.
When used properly with a doctor’s guidance, hydroquinone is a safe and effective tool for treating skin discoloration. Book an appointment with us today to learn more about this and other options for melasma, dark spots, and uneven skin tone.
Sources:
- Ebanks, P.E., Wickett, R.R., Boissy, R.E. “Mechanisms regulating skin pigmentation: The Rise and Fall of Complexion Coloration”. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2009, vol. 10, p. 4066-4087; doi:10.3390/ijms10094066
- Multum, C. “Hydroquinone Topical”. Oct. 24, 2022, Drugs.com, https://www.drugs.com/mtm/hydroquinone-topical.html