Is 12% hydroquinone too much?

In conclusion, hydroquinone is safe and effective when used as directed by a physician for a wide variety of pigmentation problems. To increase its efficacy and avoid unwanted side effects, dermatologists should consider the following protocol: Prescribe hydroquinone concentrations no higher than 4%.

How long does 8% hydroquinone take to work?

The effects of Hydroquinone treatment can generally be seen after 5-7 weeks, and the treatment itself is for short-term use only. To prevent Melasma from returning be sure to protect your skin from the sun using sunscreen and hats.

Does hydroquinone lighten skin permanently?

Hydroquinone does not permanently lighten skin. Still considered the go-to spot lightener in the U.S., many dermatologists recommend hydroquinone to: Treat any type of hyperpigmentation, from the post inflammatory hyperpigmentation left behind after an acne breakout to age and sun spots.

What strength hydroquinone should I use?

For patients with moderate to severe hyperpigmentation, we suggest using prescription strength 4% hydroquinone twice daily. As a topical melanin suppressor, hydroquinone seems to work best when applied once every 12 hours.

Can I use hydroquinone everyday?

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 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.

Does hydroquinone remove dark spots?

Hydroquinone is also effective for evening out the skin tone. It can treat discoloration or dark patches on your forehead or neck, so your skin looks brighter, fairer and blemish-free.

Is 12 hydroquinone safe?

To date, hydroquinone is deemed safe in the United States. There isn’t any clinical evidence currently to suggest that hydroquinone is harmful to humans. However, minor side effects are still possible. It may cause a temporary uptick in redness or dryness at first, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Do you apply hydroquinone to entire face?

While it can be used to treat focal areas, it is often best to apply this agent to the whole face and apply a heavier amount over the darkest regions. This helps prevent a blotchy complexion.

What percentage of hydroquinone is effective?

The results of this study show that 4% Hydroquinone and 0.75% Kojic Acid + vitamin c 2.5% are effective topical hypopigmenting agents in the treatment of facial melasma. However, 4% Hydroquinone is a better topical hypopigmenting agent with rapid rate of clinical improvement when compared to 0.75% Kojic Acid cream.

How many shades can hydroquinone lighten?

7 shades Hydroquinone skin lightening formula can brighten skin by up to 7 shades.

Is hydroquinone a bleaching cream?

Hydroquinone is a topical skin-bleaching agent used in the cosmetic treatment of hyperpigmented skin conditions. The effect of skin lightening caused by hydroquinone is reversible when exposed to sunlight and therefore requires regular use until desired results are achieved.

Can you use hydroquinone in the sun?

This medication may make the treated areas of skin more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps, and wear protective clothing on the treated areas of skin when outdoors.

Can I apply moisturizer over hydroquinone?

Take care not to apply any hydroquinone cream to non-melasma skin, as it can potentially lighten its color. Wash your hands thoroughly after applying the hydroquinone cream. Wait for the cream to fully dry before applying makeup, moisturizer, sunscreen or any other topical products.

Can hydroquinone make you darker?

“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 order do I apply hydroquinone?

Best used after toner, and before creams. Be sure to apply only in particular areas where hyperpigmentation and dark spots can be seen. Since hydroquinone is a potent ingredient, we recommend starting by using it every other day, and then every day once the skin has built a tolerance to the product.

What are the side effects of hydroquinone?

Common side effects of hydroquinone include:

What goes on first Retin A or hydroquinone?

Apply Hydroquinone in the evening after Retin-A and in the morning for 2 to 6 weeks prior to the procedure. It helps to stop the production of pigment in the skin and will help prevent the skin from hyperpigmentation (darkening of your skin) after the procedure.

Is hydroquinone cream a steroid?

Fluocinolone is a corticosteroid (steroid medicine), hydroquinone is a bleaching agent, and tretinoin is a retinoid (related to vitamin A). This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription. This product is available in the following dosage forms: Cream.

Does hydroquinone give permanent results?

Monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone, which is a permanent depigmentating agent, should never be used to treat melasma, as it causes irreversible loss of pigment.

What is best for dark spots on face?

Dermatologist Erica Stevens of Westlake Dermatology says the best brightening ingredients for dark skin tones are hydroquinone (used sparingly), retinol, and azelaic acid. She explains that hydroquinone is the gold standard that is available over the counter or prescription from your dermatologist.

Does hydroquinone give stretch marks?

But hydroquinone has some serious side effects. The chemical has been linked to permanent skin bleaching and cancer in rodents who ingested it, as well as (ironically) excessive skin-darkening or permanent stretch marks.

When should I stop using hydroquinone?

Hydroquinone is applied topically just to the hyperpigmented skin only, twice daily for 3 months, after which time many patients maintain their improvement by using it twice each week. If there has been no benefit after 3 months of treatment, then the hydroquinone should be stopped.

Can I use hydroquinone and tretinoin together?

While effective usually on its own, hydroquinone is typically more effective when mixed with tretinoin, which is why it’s there is also hydroquinone in Blender, number 5, that you mix with Refissa, Tretinoin with a moisturizing emollient base.

Does hyperpigmentation get darker before it fades?

In dark skin tones, the greater concentration of melanin in the skin means hyperpigmentation is more common and takes longer to fade. … This increases the concentration of melanin in the epidermis, creating a temporary darkening of the spots. So, the darkening is what you want to see.

Can I put hydroquinone under my eyes?

Avoid hydroquinone, a go-to lightener for sun spots and scars, as most dermatologists agree that it’s too heavy-duty for the eye area.

Is tretinoin the same as hydroquinone?

Hydroquinone is a skin bleaching agent. Tretinoin is a form of vitamin A that helps the skin to renew itself more quickly.

How can I reduce my pigmentation?

Pigmentation treatment at home

  1. Combine equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in a container.
  2. Apply to your dark patches and leave on two to three minutes.
  3. Rinse using lukewarm water.
  4. Repeat twice daily you achieve the results you desire.

Is hydroquinone the best for hyperpigmentation?

Hydroquinone remains a workhorse of melasma and hyperpigmentation management and is often considered the topical “gold standard”. The supervised use of prescription topical hydroquinone had no more than a theoretical risk of malignancy, developing ochronosis, or other long-term safety side effects.

How do you reverse hydroquinone damage?

Exposure to sunlight reverses the effects of hydroquinone. Doctors recommend that people who use this product also use a strong sunscreen.

Does melasma come back after hydroquinone?

ANSWER: The skin condition melasma can be challenging to get rid of completely, and as a chronic condition, it can come back after treatment. With the treatment you mention, intense-pulsed light or IPL, melasma often reappears quickly.