Hydroquinone – Effective Skin Lightening & Bleaching Cream?

Skin is a deep concern for anyone of any age. Whether it is teenagers trying to hide the signs of acne or adults trying to hide the signs of aging, skin is constantly being cared for and treated. Aging adults are no different from the rest of the population, trying to combat the wrinkles and hyperpigmentation that so often comes with aging. Recently, with a growing portion of the United States population reaching their golden years, there has been a steep jump on the market for skin-lightening products.

Skin-lightening products have been used for centuries to even out skin tones and keep the complexion looking smooth. Skin-lightening can go from gentle, evening products to more extreme measures, like skin bleaching. While the methods of these techniques have changed over the years, skin-lightening has been consistently used throughout history, from the ancient Greeks to the Japanese geisha.

What Is Hydroquinone?

Hydroquinone is undoubtedly one of the most common compounds used in skin-lightning products today in the highly profitable cosmetic industry. It is also known to act as a form of treatment for an array of skin problems and is therefore a popular option for tone evening creams and lotions sold in the market.

Hydroquinone has also been utilized in the treatment of sun-induced hyperpigmentation, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation as well as other kinds of hyper pigmentation. The most common concentration of hydroquinone is about 2% or even less. The 2% concentration is technically what the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies for the drug as being over the counter.

However, it is very possible for Hydroquinone prescriptions to be issued for concentration of up to 10%. These stronger versions of hydroquinone are the ones that require a doctor’s prescription.

How Hydroquinone Works

There are several theories about how Hydroquinone works, though no one seems to be able to come to one conclusion.

Hydroquinone lotions and creams are a simple way by which to gradually bleach the skin through the inhibition of the enzyme tyrosinase. The enzyme tyrosinase is important in the production of melanin.

Some research has found that Hydroquinone takes away from complex formed by melanin and protein. Still, other research has found that Hydroquinone seems to keep the tyrosinase enzyme from working. Most, however, agree that Hydroquinone stops discoloration at the cellular level, making the tone and complexion of the skin even out.

The pigment melanin in the skin plays a crucial role in the determination of skin complexion. Melanin also plays an active role in the absorption of UV radiation which is produced by the sun. When tyrosinase is inhibited by hydroquinone, there is less production of melanin to create a lighter appearance in the treated area of the skin.

Benefits of Hydroquinone

What makes Hydroquinone so effective when it comes to treating skin pigmentation is that it lightens discolorations of the skin, reducing the amount of melanin in all the skin, making it all the same color. This allows those who have dark spots, scars, or other pigmentation problems get the even skin tone they’ve always wanted.

Hydroquinone is also very easy to find. It’s available in almost any pharmacy and can be purchased over the counter or by prescription. Because Hydroquinone is so common and one of the easiest to use options for treating pigmentation, there are several products for sale that include it in their ingredients. These products offer a multitude of benefits and treat several issues, from oily skin to dry skin. Those who want to treat multiple skin issues will find that Hydroquinone is often an ingredient in these skincare products.

Hydroquinone is also extremely easy to apply. Because it comes in cream or lotion form, it can be applied by simply rubbing it onto the areas that are discolored. Once it’s rubbed in thoroughly, it begins to work. Most times, Hydroquinone works best when it is used at least twice a day.

Another benefit of Hydroquinone is that it offers extremely fast results. With so many skin-lightening products, it takes quite a bit of time before proof of their effect can be seen. With Hydroquinone, this is not the case. Most users see quite obvious changes within three weeks of starting to use Hydroquinone. These users also claim that within four months their skin tone was completely evened out. And, unlike so many other skin-lightening techniques, Hydroquinone doesn’t have a healing period, like dermabrasion. It can be applied and forgotten, doing its work gently and without disturbing users lives.

The biggest benefit that Hydroquinone has is that it is actually the only skin whitening agent that has been approved in the United States. While many products will claim the ability to even out skin tone and minimize the effects of hyperpigmentation, unless they have Hydroquinone, it’s unlikely that they are effective. Because Hydroquinone is the only approved product in the country, it has several studies and a lot scientific research behind it.

There are several benefits that are associated with the use of Hydroquinone compound, some of the main ones are listed below:

i. It is effectively used in the treatment of skin pigmentation as it lightens all forms of discolorations present in the skin. This has the effect of reducing melanin concentration on all the skin thus making it appear a uniform color. This allows individuals with scars, dark spots as well as other pigmentation problems to get a skin tone that is even.

ii. Hydroquinone is quite easy to find. This is because it is available in almost every pharmacy. It can also be purchased either by prescription or over the counter which makes it very convenient. This is the main reason as to why most products that are used in the treatment of skin pigmentation use it as an ingredient.

iii. It is very easy to apply hydroquinone. This is because it is distributed in either lotion or cream form. This means consumers are only required to gently rub it on the areas of the skin that are discolored. The recommended effective application is twice a day which is also manageable.

iv. Hydroquinone is known for producing fast results which is unlike other skin care products that are currently available in the cosmetic industry. In fact, a majority of hydroquinone users experience positive changes in just three weeks since they commenced usage.

Hydroquinone only takes four months to entirely even out the skin tone. It also lacks a healing period unlike other skin-lightening techniques. This means the normal routine of the users is not interfered with at all.

v. It is the only skin lightening agent that has been approved in the entire United States of America. This means that it is very effective and safe with regard to skin lightening. Furthermore, hydroquinone has several scientific research and studies behind it.

Side Effects

There are a few side effects that are associated with the use of hydroquinone, they include the following:

• It can cause skin to be excessively dry and therefore uncomfortable for the user.

• It might cause redness of the skin.

• Hydroquinone may cause a burning sensation to users.

The above side effects are present because different individuals have varied reactions to hydroquinone. Everybody has a different body chemistry and there is always the possibility of the drug reacting negatively with some people.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are prohibited from using hydroquinone as it may have adverse effects on the baby.

It is also important to test out the use of hydroquinone on a small skin patch and to observe for 24 hours just to see how your body reacts to it before making the decision to use it in your skincare regimen.

Finding Hydroquinone Naturally

Hydroquinone occurs naturally in several fruits and vegetables. The most common of these natural sources are blueberries and cranberries. It’s not just the fruit that has Hydroquinone, either. Teas made from the leaves of blueberries and cranberries have been found to have levels of Hydroquinone in them.

Hydroquinone can also be found in certain types of coffee beans. When the coffee is brewed using these beans, the coffee will contain trace amounts of Hydroquinone.

Products with Hydroquinone

There are hundreds of products that contain Hydroquinone to help lighten and even out skin pigmentation. However, there are a few products that stand out when it comes to treating these skin issues.

Below is a list of a few products that contain Hydroquinone that have been found to be safe and effective.

-Wilma Schumann Skin Bleaching Solution
-Glytone Fading Lotion
-NeoStrata HQ Skin Lightening Gel
-ScarGuard Scarlight MD
-Murad Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum
-Paula’s Choice Resist Triple-Action Dark Spot Eraser
-DermaDoctor Photodynamic Therapy Age Spot Eraser and Skin Brightener
-PCA SKIN Pigment Gel
-SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel
-Obagi Nu Derm Clear FX Skin Brightening Cream
-Tria Super C Brightening Moisturizer
-La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Serum

As mentioned above, there are many products, each treating different aspects of pigmentation. While all contain Hydroquinone, the additional benefits each one offers should be examined by purchasers before the commit to a product.

Top Products

There are several top products that contain hydroquinone and have been found to be very effective and safe, they include the following:

Murad

This is an effective rapid age spot and pigment lightening serum. It functions to soothe the skin with botanicals, allantoin and licorice. It also contains glycolic acid and hydroquinone that lighten and brighten the skin.

PCA Skin

This is a pigment lightening gel that combines 2 lightening ingredients i.e. kojic acid with alpha-hydroxy acids and hydroquinone to prevent hyperpigmentation.

Resist

This is a triple action product that erases dark spots. It is ideal for oily skin and uses acne-fighting salicylic acid and hydroquinone ingredients.

Clinician’s Complex

This is a 6% bleaching cream treatment. It combines kojic acid, hydroquinone as well as bearberry extract. These three active ingredients are what are utilized to lighten hyperpigmentation.

Reviva Brown Spot Night Gel

This skincare product contains glycolic acid which helps to deliver hydroquinone. It maximizes the lightening abilities of hydroquinone. It is suitable for all skin types.

DCL

This skin product is produced by the Dermatologic Cosmetic Laboratories. It is a lightening gel that contains glycolic acid and hydroquinone. Glycolic acid primarily exfoliates while hydroquinone prevents the formation of dark spots on the skin.

Porcelana

This skin product is a dark spot corrector. It has been on the market for over four decades and is inclusive of sunscreen for UV protection.

Vivant Skincare

This is a bleaching serum that is sold in a dropper application which facilitates the delivery of kojic acid and hydroquinone lightening formula to the exact places where it is required.

NeoStrata

This is a high quality skin lightening gel that contains kojic acid and hydroquinone. It functions to brighten and even out skin tone.

The above list of products is not exhaustive as there are many others in the market that contain hydroquinone which can be used to lighten and brighten the skin.

Hydroquinone Review Summary

Hydroquinone is a very effective treatment for pigmentation problems. There are many people in society who suffer from skin discoloration and can successfully use hydroquinone to reduce the problem if not completely eliminate it.

Hydroquinone is also good for freckles, acne scarring, age spots and melasma or chloasma. However, it is advisable to first talk with your doctor before including hydroquinone in your skincare regimen.