How fast hydroquinone works

These products typically combine hydroquinone with other skin-lightening ingredients. Give your skin time to adjust to the ingredient. Dermatologist Richard Bottiglione also recommends starting with a hydroquinone spot treatment.

You should use it in the areas with hyperpigmentation. When you know that your hydroquinone product works well with your skin, add a glycolic cleanser to your skincare routine. Dermatologists also say that you need to use sunscreen with SPF 30 whenever you use any skin lightening cream. Beware of any over-the-counter product that contains higher dosages, or using a prescription cream without consulting a dermatologist.

You risk irritating your skin, and this will actually cause inflammation that worsens hyperpigmentation. Dermatologists can also check your skin condition to know the best treatment for you: the right concentration of ingredients, and how long you need to use it. They may also combine hydroquinone creams with other treatments, so you achieve faster results. Find the nearest dermatologist or skin clinic with Beauty Insider Guide.

Read the full article. Share Tweet Pin Share. Things can go wrong namely, a rare, unwanted side effect called exogenous ochronosis, "which is a paradoxical darkening of the treated skin," Louisiana-based board-certified dermatologist Mamina Turegano , M. Plus, the ingredient has been banned in Europe since on account of studies finding evidence of carcinogenicity in rodents when hydroquinone was orally administered.

The U. Food and Drug Administration FDA took this into account and still deemed hydroquinone safe for topical application because not enough clear evidence of the risk outweighing the benefits exists.

Dermatologists also are still willing to prescribe it to their patients. Needless to say, we felt compelled to ask board-certified dermatologists to walk us through exactly what you need to do with the melasma remedy for it to be a safe, beneficial part of your skin-care routine. Before implementing hydroquinone into your lineup, ask your dermatologist if it's truly right for your skin tone and complexion concerns. Although it is suitable for all skin types, Dr. Turegano is cautious when recommending the ingredient to those with dry and sensitive skin because of the irritation it can cause.

She's also wary of those with deeper skin tones incorporating hydroquinone into their skin-care routines because the risk of exogenous ochronosis is higher than those with fairer complexions. Hydro isn't off the table in these cases, but caution and close monitoring is needed. A major key to hydroquinone is short-term use.

You can slather it on twice daily for at least six weeks and no more than six months. After one to three months, you should start to see your hyperpigmentation fade away. At the three-month mark, you should set it aside. Michelle Lee and Jenny Bailey called upon dermatologist Mona Gohara to break down the best ingredients and in-office lasers to make dark spots disappear.

Although sun protection is a given no matter what you're putting on your face, it's an essential worth stressing. Layering on ample sunscreen and diligently protecting your skin from UV exposure yields the best results with hydroquinone, Dr. Face acids are the key to clear, youthful skin — but how do you know which one to use?

Dermarolling, aka microneedling, is the art of erasing unwanted acne scars, wrinkles, and stretch marks. See how to do it right, to avoid bad side…. Here are 16 of the best sunscreens on the market in spray, lotion, and solid forms, and for different needs. They're tried and true. Everyone can benefit from a good facial cleanser, and many products are specially formulated for dry, sensitive skin. Blue lips are most often caused when something is preventing you from getting enough oxygen into your body.

Read on to discover some of the causes of…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.

How it works Who should use it? Safe for all skin types? How to use Side effects and risks Products Natural alternatives Takeaway We include products we think are useful for our readers. What is hydroquinone? Read on to learn more about how it works, who might benefit from use, products to try, and more. How does it work? What skin conditions can benefit from it?

Is it safe for all skin types and tones? How to use hydroquinone. Possible side effects and risks. OTC products to consider. The bottom line. Read this next.