Hydroquinone is a depigmenting substance that is used to lighten freckles, age spots, chloasma, and melisma caused by pregnancy, birth control pills, hormone medications, or skin injuries. Hydroquinone suppresses melanin production in the skin. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin its brown color.
Hydroquinone is available under the following different brand names: Lustra, Melquin, Melquin HP 4%, Melquin-3 Topical Solution, Lustra-AF, Lustra-Ultra, Alphaquin, Claripel, Clarite, Eldopaque, Eldoquin, Epiquin Micro, Esoterica, Melanex, Melpaque, Nuquin HP Cream, Nuquin HP Gel, and Solaquin.
Side effects of hydroquinone cream?
Hydroquinone commonly causes the following side effects:
Mild skin irritation and sensitization (burning, stinging)
Dermatitis
Dryness
Redness
Inflammatory reaction
How does hydroquinone cream works?
Skin lightening should be visible after four weeks of treatment in most cases. It may take longer to notice results, but if no bleaching effect is visible after three months of treatment, discontinue use of hydroquinone. To improve the effectiveness of hydroquinone, avoid exposure to sunlight, or wear protective gear and apply an SPF15+ sunscreen when outside. Avoid using sunlamps or tanning salons. It is essential to apply hydroquinone as directed until the desired bleaching is achieved, then use as needed to preserve results.
What Happens When You Stop Using Hydroquinone Cream?
The following side effects of hydroquinone should prompt you to discontinue use and seek medical attention right away: severe burning, itching, crusting, or swelling of treated areas (possible allergic contact dermatitis), and any odd skin pigmentation.
Prolonged hydroquinone use has been linked to the development of exogenous ochronosis (permanent blue-black pigmentation), particularly in Africa, but this is uncommon. Other compounds known to cause ochronosis, such as phenol, resorcinol, and antimalarial medicines, could be to blame.
Generally, hydroquinone cream is well tolerated. Some users may notice modest and brief skin irritations such as mild itching or stinging and skin reddening (irritant contact dermatitis). If these symptoms persist, discontinue use of the cream.
Alternative options
Although hydroquinone is only available by prescription, some skin-lightening solutions are available over the counter.
The American Academy of Dermatology advises patients to use caution while selecting skin-lightening cosmetics. Some, for example, contain steroids, which can cause acne and rashes. Long-term use might potentially shrink and weaken the skin.
They advised customers to look for a product that contains one of the following ingredients:
- azelaic acid
- glycolic acid
- kojic acid
- retinoid, which includes retinol, tretinoin, adapalene gel, and tazarotene
- vitamin C
Although injectable skin whitening solutions are available, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve them. There is insufficient proof that they work, and there may be health hazards linked with them.
Conclusion
Hydroquinone is a bleaching agent for the skin. It may be used by those who have hyperpigmentation skin conditions such as melasma, freckles, or lentigines. Acne scars can also be treated with skin-lightening lotions containing hydroquinone.
Hydroquinone-containing products are only available with a prescription.
Although these products are generally harmless, long-term use can result in complications such as ochronosis.
