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Hydroquinone is a medication used in topical skin creams to lighten or bleach dark spots on the skin. It works by suppressing the production of melanin by melanocytes.
Studies have shown that hydroquinone can improve photodamage from 30-70%, including reducing hyperpigmentation, texture, fine lines, dryness, tone, and clarity of the skin. (Gladstone et al)
Hydroquinone is good for giving your face and neck a more even complexion. It helps with lightening dark spots on the skin from hyperpigmentation, melasma, or sun damage. It is used in dark spot correctors and melasma treatment. Hydroquinone can also help smooth rough skin. Lastly, hydroquinone has been shown to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by revealing a more even complexion and an overall bright, more youthful appearance.
There are some drawbacks to using hydroquinone.
Hydroquinone can cause redness, irritation, inflammation, and burning of the skin.
In rare instances, using this medication over years has actually caused the skin of some people to develop bluish-black patches, called ochronosis. This condition seems to occur with people of darker skin tones in general.
There has also been controversy in the past over whether hydroquinone has carcinogenic properties. In recent scientific studies, it has been shown that long-term use of hydroquinone could increase the chance of developing cancer. Therefore, this should be the last resort when other skin-brightening ingredients don't work for you.
Healthy skin is typically described as being bright and glowing. Dull skin, on the other hand, refers to an overall unhealthy pallor – ashy, gray, or very pale yellowish. Overly dry skin can cause damage to the follicles and production of collagen and sebum, which can cause the skin to appear duller or ashy. Also, when dead skin cells don’t naturally shed properly, they clog the pores and can cause a dullness to the skin.
To prevent damage to skin cells that cause your complexion to dull, it’s best to moisturize daily and wear sunscreen. Additionally, antioxidants protect the skin from free radicals that damage cells and speed up aging. Ingredients and nutrients like vitamin C, rosehip oil, jojoba oil, green tea extract, retinol/vitamin A, coenzyme Q10, vitamin B, alpha-hydroxy acid and salicylic acid are all beneficial for preventing and reducing dullness. Hydrolyzed collagen is good for boosting the plumpness of skin and enhancing the appearance of damaged skin by restoring the overall vitality of the skin.
hydroquinone may be effective for dullness, but there are many other factors that may affect whether this ingredient would work on your skin or if there are better ingredients that may work for you. Take this skin quiz to find the best ingredients for your skin and build your skincare routine.
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