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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.
Fine lines are the delicate lines that form on delicate skin (like the face), as collagen and elastin decrease. These shallow lines can appear when the skin is dehydrated or as a result of sun damage. They can also be among the first signs of skin aging and, if they deepen over time, can be the precursor to wrinkles. Usually found around the eyes, lips, and forehead, fine lines can appear anywhere that expressive facial movement are regularly repeated—such as smiling, squinting and furrowing the brows.
To prevent fine lines and wrinkles, 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 rosehip oil, jojoba oil, red tea extract, retinol/vitamin A, coenzyme Q10, glycolic acid and salicylic acid are all beneficial for preventing and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Peptides and ingredients that boost the production of collagen like vitamin C are good for boosting the plumpness of skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
hydroquinone may be effective for fine lines, 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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