What is Hydroquinone?
Hydroquinone is a Skin-lightening agent. It bleaches the skin which is helpful in treating a different form of hyperpigmentation. Hydroquinone bleaches the skin and decreases the number of melanocytes present. Melanocytes make melanin that produces the skin tone. Hydroquinone is available in the form of cream, gel, lotion and emulsion.
Hydroquinone Uses
Hydroquinone is used to treat skin conditions which are related to Hyperpigmentation. It includes:
- Acne Scars
- Age Spots
- Freckles
- Melasma
- Post-inflammatory marks from psoriasis and eczema
Hydroquinone also helps to fade red or brown spots which have lingered but it won’t help inactive inflammation. The cream can help to minimize the acne scarring but it won’t have the effect on redness from active breakouts.
Hydroquinone Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of Hydroquinone are:
- Mild burning or stinging of treated skin
- Mild itching, redness and other irritation
Some of the major side effects of Hydroquinone are:
- Skin redness, burning and stinging
- Skin dryness, cracks and bleeding
- Blisters or oozing
- Discoloration of the skin
- Dermatitis
- Dryness
- Erythematic
- Inflammatory reaction
Precautions
Before using Hydroquinone talk to your doctor if you’re allergic to any kind of skin related medications. The product can contain some inactive ingredients which can cause certain allergic reactions or any other serious problems.
Before using Hydroquinone talk to your doctor if you’re having a medical history of:
- Asthma
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
How to use Hydroquinone?
Hydroquinone is applied each morning and at bedtime. Before using Hydroquinone follow the doctor’s advice carefully. It’s very important to do a patch test before going for the full applications. This will allow us in determining how the skin will react and whether it causes any adverse effects.
Follow the trial application method:
- Rub a small amount of Hydroquinone in your forearm
- Cover the area with a bandage
- Wash the hands to prevent the product from staining the clothes and other materials
- Wait for 24 hours
- If you’re facing any severe adverse effects like itching and other irritation then avoid using it and consult with your doctor.
- If you’re not facing any of the side effects continue using it then you’re safe to use it.
- Take a small amount of the product and apply it across the entire area of the skin.
- Wash your hands before and after its use. It will prevent the product from affecting other areas of the skin. You should also use sunscreen while using Hydroquinone because sun exposure can make hyperpigmentation worse and can also show adverse effects of hydroquinone treatment.
Dosage
- Cream: 2%- 4%
- Lotion: 2%
- Emulsion: 4%
- Solution: 2%- 4%
- Gel: 2%- 4%
Usage:
Adults and children over 12 years should apply hydroquinone on the affected area and rub it gently for every 12 hours.
Missed Dose
The skipped dose causes no problem. But with some medication, it won’t work if you don’t take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose some sudden chemical change may affect your body. In some cases, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed hydroquinone tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Hydroquinone Warnings
- Hypersensitivity
- Sunburn
- Use as depilatory drug
Warnings for some health conditions:
Cetrorelix binds to the hormone receptor-releasing gonadotropin and functions as a potent inhibitor of gonadotropin secretion. It competes with natural GnRH for binding to pituitary cell membrane receptors and thus regulates the release of LH and FSH in a dose-dependent manner.
Hydroquinone vs. Retinol
| Hydroquinone | Retinol |
|---|---|
| Hydroquinone is a Skin-lightening agent. It bleaches the skin which is helpful in treating a different form of hyperpigmentation. Hydroquinone bleaches the skin and decreases the number of melanocytes present. | Retinols are the best skincare products in the market. It is used to treat anti-ageing concerns as well as acne. |
Hydroquinone is used to treat skin conditions which are related to Hyperpigmentation. It includes:
|
Retinol is made from Vitamin A. It goes deep beneath the epidermis to your dermis. Retinol helps to neutralize free radicals for boosting the production of elastin and collagen. It treats:
|
Some of the common side effects of Hydroquinone are:
|
Some of the common side effects of Retinol are:
|
Some of the major side effects of Hydroquinone are:
|
Some of the major side effects of Retinolare:
|
