The Effects of Hydroquinone on Skin
Hydroquinone is an ingredient found in many skin-lightening products marketed to women for purposes of reducing age spots, melasma, freckles and other types of hyperpigmentation. In 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed a rule that hydroquinone be considered "generally recognized as safe and effective," or GRASE 1. Depending on the concentration of hydroquinone in your skin lightener, you may get sufficient results; however, there are known side effects you should be aware of when using a hydroquinone-based bleaching cream.
More About Hydroquinone
When used in skin-lightening creams and similar products, hydroquinone inhibits the production of melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its color, states Drugs.com 4. Cosmetic skin-lightening products containing hydroquinone often have a strident scent reminiscent of bleach, and in fact, they are often referred to as "bleaching creams." According to the FDA, nonprescription skin-lightening creams can contain up to two percent hydroquinone. Doctors may prescribe topical medications that contain up to four percent.
- When used in skin-lightening creams and similar products, hydroquinone inhibits the production of melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its color, states Drugs.com 4.
- Cosmetic skin-lightening products containing hydroquinone often have a strident scent reminiscent of bleach, and in fact, they are often referred to as "bleaching creams."
Skin Irritation
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A common effect associated with hydroquinone is skin irritation. Drugs.com indicates that it should not be used on skin that is dry, chapped, sunburned or already irritated, nor should it be applied to an open wound. Avoid using medicated products unless instructed by a physician.
- A common effect associated with hydroquinone is skin irritation.
- Drugs.com indicates that it should not be used on skin that is dry, chapped, sunburned or already irritated, nor should it be applied to an open wound.
Sun Sensitivity
Hydroquinone makes your skin more sensitive to the sun's damaging ultraviolet rays, states Drugs.com 4. Always smooth on a broad-spectrum sunscreen before you go outdoors so you will not undo the benefits of your skin-lightening products.
Other Effects
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Over-the-counter products that contain hydroquinone may not work rapidly, cautions the Mayo Clinic. Although these may successfully remedy minimal discoloration, the product needs to penetrate through the top layer of skin to where it meets the epidermis and the melanin is located. The Mayo Clinic states that it may be several weeks or even months before you notice the product's effects.
Cautions
If purchasing a skin-lightening cream that contains hydroquinone, make sure to read the product's label first, advises the American Academy of Dermatology. As noted, nonprescription products can contain, by law, up to two percent hydroquinone. If the skin lightener that piques your interest does not specify a concentration, it is best to pass it over. If you use a topical cream that contains too much hydroquinone you might end up with discoloration that is almost impossible to treat 4. Only your doctor can tell you if it is safe to use hydroquinone at a concentration of more than two percent.
- If purchasing a skin-lightening cream that contains hydroquinone, make sure to read the product's label first, advises the American Academy of Dermatology.
- If the skin lightener that piques your interest does not specify a concentration, it is best to pass it over.
Further Study
As of July 2010, nonprescription skin lighteners containing two percent hydroquinone were still available on the consumer market. However, in December 2009, the FDA recommended that hydroquinone be studied by the National Toxicology Program to further assess its safety to humans to make sure it poses no risk as a carcinogen or toxic agent 1.
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References
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Hydroquinone Studies Under The National Toxicology Program
- Mayo Clinic: Age Spots (Liver Spots)
- American Academy of Dermatology: Skin Color Changes: Spots May Fade with Right Treatment
- Drugs.com: hydroquinone topical
- American Osteopathic College of Dermatology: Hyperpigmentation
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- Mohamed Ali BM, Gheida SF, El Mahdy NA, Sadek SN. "Evaluation of Salicylic Acid Peeling in Comparison with Topical Tretinoin in the Treatment of Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation." Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2017 Mar;16(1):52-60.
- Sarkar R, Parmar NV, Kapoor S. "Treatment of Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation With a Combination of Glycolic Acid Peels and a Topical Regimen in Dark-Skinned Patients: A Comparative Study." Dermatologic Surgery. 2017 Apr; 43(4):566-573.
- Shokeen D. "Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation in Patients with Skin of Color." Cutis. 2016 Jan;97(1):E9-E11.
Writer Bio
Lisa Sefcik has been writing professionally since 1987. Her subject matter includes pet care, travel, consumer reviews, classical music and entertainment. She's worked as a policy analyst, news reporter and freelance writer/columnist for Cox Publications and numerous national print publications. Sefcik holds a paralegal certification as well as degrees in journalism and piano performance from the University of Texas at Austin.