Many people use hydroquinone(also benzene-1,4-diol or quinol, having the chemical formula C6H6O2) to treat a variety of skin pigmentation issues, specifically hyperpigmentation due to age spots, freckles, acne scars or an uneven skin tone. Depending on the country a person lives in, he or she may have access to both prescription and non-prescription versions. No matter what the prescription status, however, hydroquinone can have some side effects and health-care providers typically recommend against its use in certain people.
Melanin is the brown pigment found in skin. Certain things, such as pregnancy and sun exposure, can cause melanin to be overproduced, leading to freckles, sun spots or large areas of discoloration. While not harmful to a person’s health, some people may find this skin darkening to be cosmetically unappealing and seek medical help. Hydroquinone works by stripping away dark spots on the face to create a more even skin tone overall. This helps the skin develop a solid color. Several treatments are usually required to get the desired results. These creams are available by prescription and may be applied at home or in your dermatologist’s office depending on the strength. It is the only skin bleach that’s been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, though its status is currently on the rocks due to a high incidence of side effects.
Hydroquinone is typically available as both a prescription and non-prescription topical medication. The prescription versions contain higher amounts of the active ingredient, often up to 4 percent . Dermatologists and other skin care experts generally agree these stronger prescription versions help bleach skin more quickly. Over-the-counter versions are required by law to contain 2 percent or less of the active ingredient, and therefore often take longer to work. In some other areas, such as countries in the European union, all strengths of the medication require a prescription.
Using hydroquinone makes your skin extremely sensitive to light. Don’t go outside in the sun or wear clothing over treated areas if you do. Wearing sunscreen with SPF 15 is another way to protect your newly treated skin from the harsh rays of the sun.
Unfortunately, the drug has side effects as well. They may include temporary redness, itching or burning of the skin where the medication is applied. In rare cases, hydroquinone may actually cause further darkening of the skin where it is applied. This may be more likely to happen in people with naturally darker skin tones and those who don’t use sunscreen properly on the treatment areas. An allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling and trouble breathing, may also result in some cases.
Some people should not use hydroquinone, especially those who use peroxide-based facial cleansers such as benzoyl peroxide. When used in conjunction with this medicine, peroxide can cause stains on the treated skin. These stains are temporary, but can still be unsightly and troubling.
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