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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.
Sunspots are rather common. They are also called liver spots or solar lentigines. Anyone can have sunspots; however, those who are more fair-skinned, or older than 40-years-old are more susceptible to sunspots. Sunspots tend to be pretty harmless, and it is more of a personal preference if you choose to treat them. The most predictable areas for sunspots to appear are on the back of the hands, the face, your shoulders, and forearms. They are easy to identify, as they are flat brown spots that develop to sun exposure. Real sunspots are harmless and are noncancerous. However, if you see change in your spots or new ones appearing, it is always recommended to have your dermatologist examine your skin for good health.
Vitamin E, vitamin C, and ferulic acid work well to not only lighten the sunspots but to help maintain the elasticity of your skin. Vitamin E protects the skin against the damaging affects of the sun, which can make more sunspots or make the ones you already have appear darker. Combining vitamin E and vitamin C can also help lighten existing sunspots.
hydroquinone may be effective for sun spots, 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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