Hydroquinone is a lightening substance that reduces the production of melanin (a pigment that forms birthmarks, freckles and also determines the color of hair and eyes) in the skin. This substance is used in all brighteners for the face, body, hair.
Although hydroquinone is considered a very toxic element, despite its wide use and effectiveness. Since 1961, it uses great demand: the substance is able to quickly lighten the skin in 4 – 6 weeks.
There are 2 types of hydroquinone: 2% (to remove light spots) and 4% (for complex pigmentation).
Hydroquinone is the best that has been invented in the fight against pigmentation. This substance is actively used in cosmetology and medicine.
This highly effective tool, however, has negative consequences. How to get rid of pigmentation without harming your skin health, this article will reveal.
Composition Of The Substance Formula
Organic compound C6H4 (OH) 2 is a strong reducing agent. It is used as an antioxidant, agent and developer. Using C6H4 (OH) 2 (hydroquinone) show photos, produce some food products, cosmetics and organic dyes.
Hydroquinone Benefits And Harm
The benefits of hydroquinone are guaranteed in anti-aging bleaching. Drugs with this substance are popular, but not all are available for purchase. Creams with hydroquinone – an effective product, because the high price corresponds to the quality.
The substance causes great damage if used thoughtlessly: violation of the instructions, dosage and duration of administration. A minimum amount of hydroquinone is added to the cream – this is enough for a visible result.
With prolonged use of this substance, pigmentation may increase and skin color may change. Bleaching creams cannot be used on hot days due to the interaction of the sun and hydroquinone (it becomes a poison due to ultraviolet radiation).
Hydroquinone: How Does It Work
Hydroquinone ligtens the skin and reduces the number of melanocytes. Melanocytes produce a pigment substance – melanin, which creates age spots.
After some time, the pigmentation returns, it is minus hydroquinone – it does not destroy the pigment itself, but only temporarily blocks the production of melanin and brightens the skin.
Hydroquinone: Side effects
1. Hydroquinone reduces melanin pigments in the skin and makes the skin more sensitive to the sun. This increases the risk of getting more pigmentation than if you did not use sunscreen all year round.
2. Short-term side effects include irritation, redness and contact dermatitis (inflammatory skin lesions).
3. In some cases, the skin acquires an uneven color.
4. Long-term use of the drug is considered toxic and mutagenic to body cells.
5. Hydroquinone causes skin aging.
6. The substance may cause ochronosis (darkening of the skin and destruction of collagen fibers).
Scope In Medicine, Cosmetology
Hydroquinone was used to treat febrile diseases because it has antipyretic, disinfectant and antiseptic effects. In the USSR, sexually transmitted diseases were treated with this element. It is currently not used in therapies. This decision was made in connection with its toxicity.
Hydroquinone (what it is and what its toxicity became, became known after it was used), even before serious studies were performed, cosmetologists prescribed to get rid of pigmentation.
This substance is found in most whitening products: creams, ointments, sprays, paints. In cosmetics, a safe solution of hydroquinone is used – 2%, while 4% is the most dangerous for health.
Bleaching Freckles
Bleaching freckles are most preferably prepared using creams using hydroquinone. High-quality products are recommended to be bought in pharmacies, not in cosmetics stores.
The whitening cream shows successful results in removing freckle within 2-3 weeks. Oil and beneficial ingredients are added to many products, so they smooth and soften the skin, and some can reduce fine lines.
If the instructions for using hydroquinone creams are not followed, the opposite effect can be achieved. With long-term use of whitening agents, the skin becomes so thin that stretch marks can appear.
Rules for using hydroquinone creams:
- A dermatologist must be consulted before use.
- A sensitivity test is required.
- The cream is applied in the evening on clean skin with a thin layer on pigmented parts of the face or body.
- Avoid contact with eyes or mouth.
- The period for the safe use of funds is not longer than 2 months.
- Remember to protect your skin with sunscreen.
- The cream should be suitable for the type of human skin.
- It is not recommended to use a bleaching agent in the presence of wounds or inflammation.
Freckled creams are more expensive than home remedies, but are more effective.
Recipes for freckle whitening at home:
- Cucumber + parsley pulp.
- Kefir.
- Strawberry or redcurrant juice.
- Lemon juice.
- White or blue clay.
From Pigment Manifestations
People use hydroquinone products to rejuvenate, lighten aging blemishes and remove acne.
Clarifying agent is contained in cosmetics in a minimal amount, which has a positive effect on skin color. This is sufficient for a visible result after 2 weeks.
Creams containing 4% hydroquinone cannot be used in them, such an amount of the substance is harmful to health and very toxic.
The rules for using hydroquinone for aging are the same as for freckles:
- A susceptibility test is required before using a dermatologist.
- The product is applied in the evening on clean skin with a thin layer on pigmented parts of the face or body.
- Avoid contact with eyes or mouth.
- The period for safe use of the product is not longer than 2 months.
- Remember to protect your skin with sunscreen.
- The cream should be suitable for the type of human skin.
- Hydroquinone is not recommended in the presence of wounds or inflammation.
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Azelaic Face Peeling
Azelaic (nonandiotic) acid is a substance belonging to the group of carboxylic acids. Characteristic properties – the ability to penetrate deeper into the skin, antibacterial and antifungal effects.
Nonandioic acid eliminates skin color and reduces the production of melatonin in the body (a hormone that promotes pigmentation).
Hydroquinone (what it is and its danger is described above) can be replaced by azelaic acid. Peeling with this substance works gently and effectively without causing inflammation and peeling of the skin. It is a safe drug for pigmentation.
Indications for use:
- Acne is an inflammation of the skin (acne).
- Dermatitis – skin irritation and itching.
- Preparing the face for cosmetic treatment.
- Hyperpigmentation.
- Folliculitis is an infectious disease with purulent inflammation.
- Couperosis – enlarged blood vessels in the face.
- Overgrown hair.
- The rosary is pinkish acne.
Contraindication:
- Allergy.
- Pregnancy.
- Herpes.
- Inflammation and wounds on the skin.
Benefits Of Azelaic Peeling:
- It is not addictive during frequent procedures.
- For all skin types and ages.
- It narrows the pores.
- It brightens and suppresses melanin production.
- Gently cleanses the skin.
- No renewal period is required.
Rules For Using Azelaic Peeling:
- A dermatologist must be consulted.
- A sensitivity test is required.
- One week before the procedure, the skin should be prepared for azelaic acid, specifically: Skin treatment creams with AHA acids (hydroxycarboxylic acids or fruit acids).
- The course of treatment is determined by a doctor (dermatologist). It usually consists of 5-12 procedures, which are performed every 2 weeks.
Method:
1. Cleansing the skin from dirt and makeup.
2. Degreasing the skin for deep peeling. The skin is treated with preparations that contain glycolic acid (AHA acid).
3. The cream is applied by massage movements for 15 minutes (or until the product is completely absorbed). The cream is washed from the face with distilled water.
4. The product should not fall into the area around the eyes or lips.
5. After peeling, the skin should be soothed with a special bioconcentrate.
After the procedure, the skin needs intensive care: use milk to remove makeup and moisturize the skin regularly.
After azelaic peeling, you cannot visit the spa house and sauna for two weeks, it is necessary to use sunscreen.
Azelaic peeling has no side effects, except for possible allergies, drying and skin infections if the procedures are not performed properly.
Hydroquinone Peeling
Hydroquinone (what it is, how it works and how to use it – you can find out from the instructions of the purchased product) in creams can be contained in different proportions.
The products can also differ in composition. The peeling with hydroquinone is popular and gives a guaranteed result.
Another name for the procedure is Jessner’s peeling.
Active substance:
- Lactic acid
- Hydroquinone
- Kojic acid
- Citric acid
- Alcohol
- Salicylic acid
Hydroquinone peeling is an effective tool in the fight against all types of age spots. It deeply cleanses the skin and recovery time does not take long. It is sold in bottles at the pharmacy.
Jessner’s Peeling Can Be Of Two Types:
1. Shallow. 1 layer of peeling is applied. It is used as a preparatory care before deep cleansing. In this type of peeling, the pores are reduced, the skin is smoothed and moisturized.
2. Median exfoliation. More than 1 coat is applied. After the procedure, the skin is renewed for 1 week. Suitable for dealing with scars, wrinkles, pigmentation.
Indications For Use:
- Oily skin.
- Photography.
- Hyperpigmentation.
- Acne and after acne.
- Dark skin.
Method:
1. Dirt and make-up surface cleaning.
2. Degreasing the skin using special products with glycolic acid.
3. Shake the bottle before use.
4. Apply with a brush or cotton pad to the face and neck.
5. The number of layers is 2 to 4. The layers are applied every 3 minutes.
6. The product does not wash the face for 6-10 hours.
Peel Recovery Period:
- After washing, the skin should be moistened with a healing cream, to alleviate irritation.It is better to use products with chamomile, aloe and hyaluronic acid.
- During restoration it is forbidden: to use cosmetics, to visit the solarium and swimming pools, to sweat a lot, to be frost-free for a long time.
- Crisps may form on the skin, which should never be torn off, otherwise you will need to perform a deeper cleansing.
Contraindication:
- Allergy.
- Inflammation and wounds on the skin.
- Exacerbation of herpes.
- Pregnancy.
Side effects of Jessner’s peeling
- Redness.
- Edema.
- Sensitivity.
- Dark skin.
Complications After Use
Hydroquinone is a substance that can cause complications if procedures are performed incorrectly:
- When hydroquinone enters the human body in large quantities, it interacts with the blood to form a strong oxidizing agent – n-benzoquinone.
- Pregnant women should not take drugs with this substance. Hydroquinone negatively affects the development of the fetus.
- Long-term use of hydroquinone cosmetics can lead to ochronosis, a skin disease in which aging spots and skin darken.
- Possible nail coloring and skin transparency.
- Reckless use can have the opposite effect than desired – hyperpigmentation.
Overview Of Popular Drugs, Tablets, Gels, Ointments With Hydroquinone: Price Table
| Remedy | Description And Use |
| Obagi | Light cream with a matte effect. Protects from the sun. Releases freckles. |
| Expigment | |
| PCA shell with hydroquinone and resorcinol | Strong product for deep peeling. Very effective against pigmentation. |
| Achroactive maximum | Eliminates many types of hyperpigmentation. The composition contains ingredients that soothe the skin. |
| Nadinola | Lightens and smoothes the skin. Gently and safely acts on the skin. |
| Hude 3% TM Menarini | Contains 3% hydroquinone. It is a drug. Handle any pigmentation with high efficiency. |
| Hydroquinone cream (4%) DOCTOR FILTER | The cream whitens pigmentation and moisturizes the skin. |
| Christina PEELOSOPHY HYPERPIGMENTATION CORRECTOR | Night cream for sensitive skin. Contains jojoba oil, green tea extract, aloe vera and olive oil. Improves color and whitens the skin. |
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Expigment Whitening Cream With Hydroquinone
Expigment is a whitening cream from Turkey. Available with a hydroquinone content of 2% and 4%. It is a medicine, so it is used in accordance with the instructions. It contains fruit acids and ascorbic acid.
The drug is quickly absorbed and easy to apply. It has no pungent odor and does not cause discomfort (burning is possible for the first time). It is very effective against pigmentation, but it cannot be used for more than 2 months.
Note: After application, the skin must be protected with sunscreen.
Obagi Hydroquinone – Obagi
Obagi is a well-known cosmetic brand that produces products to combat acne, aging and pigmentation. It consists of 4% hydroquinone and 10% L-ascorbic acid.
Obagi has developed 2 series of cosmetics for aging:
1. Obagi: Nu-Derm. Cosmetics in this line smoothes wrinkles, smoothes skin color, removes pigment spots from the ages and whitening, and also moisturizes and mattifies the skin.
2. Obagi: C-RX. The aim of this series is to remove age areas. The results are visible after 6-7 weeks: the skin becomes more elastic, acquires a healthy color and elasticity.
How Obagi Hydroquinone Works
The course is designed for 18-22 weeks. The cream use day and evening, in accordance with the instructions. The first week may be peeling, dryness, redness and burning.
Achroactive Max
Cream made in Bulgaria that has the effect of sun and whitening.
Achroactive max eliminates age spots by penetrating the corner cells, which facilitates easy absorption of whitening and moisturizing ingredients.
The probability of an allergic reaction is very low. Achroactive Max tightens pores and cleanses the skin of impurities, which makes the skin better maintained and smoother.
The active substance is hydroquinone 2%. The cream is easy to apply on the skin and is quickly absorbed. Ideal for prevention and non-complex pigmentation.
Alternative Substances
Many hydroquinone products can cause an allergic reaction or side effect.
But he can find a suitable replacement:
1. Arbutin is a natural plant substance that slows down the production of melanin. Contained in cranberries, mead, mulberry, Caucasian blueberry leaves.
2. Vitamin A, E, C – can reduce the risk of aging and wrinkles.
3. Azelaic acid, which is found in wheat, barley and rye.
4. Licorice extract.
5. White clay.
6. Decoction of chamomile.
7. Rosewood, eucalyptus and lavender essential oils.
8. Citric and lactic acid.
9. Jojoba oil and marigold.
Physician Feedback On Hydroquinone Safety
Hydroquinone (which is what it is and is known to many consumers) continues to be used as a bleaching agent, despite warnings from doctors.
Drugs with a substance above 2% are banned in many countries (Japan, United States).
The reason was the misuse of hydroquinone creams. When carefully used and following the instructions of the drug, hydroquinone is safe and effective.
Hydroquinone is prescribed to people with complex pigmentation and acne scars. The use of drugs with hydroquinone is risky if a person uses them for a long time. In this case, dermatologists change the course of treatment and substance.
Many physicians consider hydroquinone to be dangerous, citing its carcinogenic and mutagenic properties.
Recent studies of the effect of hydroquinone on the human body have shown that hydroquinone does not cause cancer cells. However, carcinogenicity in animals has been confirmed.
Hydroquinone in small doses contained in creams is an excellent tool in the fight against pigmentation, wrinkles and acne scars. None of the known skin whitening agents is capable of such an effective and fast action. To see more post on Beauty & Skin Care click here.
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