Tips For Healthy and Beautiful Hair

Posted on: 13 February 2015

Young skin is usually smooth and free of demarcations. So if your skin is hyperpigmented due to sun exposure, acne scars, freckles, melasma, or age spots, you may look older than you are! A hydroquinone cream is an effective way to lessen the appearance of these discolorations and may eliminate them altogether. A hydroquinone cream that works well with your skin type can take years off of your face.

What is hydroquinone?

Hydroquinone is produced industrially from a chemical derivative of benzene. It is an organic rather than artificial compound. Before being mixed into skin creams, it has a white granular appearance. On the Ph scale it is mildly acidic.

How does hydroquinone work?

Hydroquinone works as a bleaching agent. It keeps the skin from producing melanin by inhibiting the production of the enzyme tyrosinase. It breaks down the dark pigment that is already there by destroying melanosomes, which are the pigment granules in melanin. Over time, a topical application of a hydroquinone cream will lighten the darker spots on your face, giving your skin a more youthful appearance.

How long does it take to work?

Typically it takes about 3 or 4 weeks for the cream to work after being applied topically every day. It should applied in a thin coat after the skin has been cleansed.

Side Effects

Hydroquinone is generally tolerated well by most people. A small percentage of people have an allergic reaction that can result in peeling, crusting, and scabbing due to contact dermatitis. This sort of reaction is rare. If your skin has a reaction to hydroquinone, you should discontinue use of the cream until you can talk to a dermatologist. Typically any reaction the skin has to hydroquinone will disappear after discontinuing use of the cream.

Hydroquinone makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, so a high SPF must be worn when venturing outside, even during incidental sun exposure such as running errands.

Hydroquinone may not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.

How can I purchase skin care products featuring hydroquinone?

Make-up and skin care stores, like Premierlook, carry the best brands of hydroquinone creams; and they also have skincare specialists on hand who can answer any of your questions. Many of the best hydroquinone skin care lines are available online as well.

If a lower dose of hydroquinone does not work on your skin, a dermatologist can prescribe a higher dose. At this time, creams with lower percentages are the only ones available over the counter.