In use since the 1960s, the safety of hydroquinone remains controversial.
This article provides a quick look at how hydroquinone works and the skin conditions it treats.
It also discusses how to use it safely, potential side effects, and potential alternatives.
Guido Mieth / Getty Images
Applied over time, hydroquinone has a twofold effect.
With regular software, hydroquinone lightens the skin to correct this set of issues.
Heres a quick breakdown of the conditions that this treatment can improve.
The discoloration typically affects areas of the face that get regular sun exposure.
This non-life-threatening condition is triggered by hormonal changes or as a side effect of certain medications.
For instance, pregnant people may see them fade after delivery.
Eczema
Also known asdermatitis,eczemarefers to a set of inflammatory responses in the skin.
However, it can affect adults too and is typically a long-lasting or chronic condition.
Psoriasis
Psoriasisis a chronicautoimmune conditionthat affects the skin by speeding up the lifecycle of skin cells.
They can, however, resemble other, more serious skin conditions.
If youre concerned, be sure to seek out a diagnosis from a dermatologist or your health provider.
Is a Skin-Lightening Cream Safe for All Skin Types?
Broadly speaking, hydroquinone creams and gels are well tolerated and safe to use for all skin types.
This treatment may not be effective in every case.
Heres a quick rundown of how to apply hydroquinone:
Critical for successful treatment is protection from the sun.
Youll need to wear strong sunscreen and hats every day and work to avoid directsunlight.
Exposure further damages the skin and can prompt hyperpigmentation to return.
What Happens When You Stop
The effect of hydroquinone on skin pigmentation is reversible.
These may include:
Long-term use, especially when its unsupervised, can lead to ochronosis.
As laid out below, there are several natural alternatives to hydroquinone.
Plant-Based Acids
Plants also produce antioxidants and acids that can help with hyperpigmentation.
Its an ingredient in a number of combined formulas for skin lightening.
Over time, the use of hydroquinone causes blemishes to fade, though prolonged use can cause side effects.
Though there have been concerns about safety, used properly, its been found to be well-tolerated and effective.
Despite some concerns about its toxicity in animals, this treatment has proved safe and well tolerated.
Hydroquinone works by suppressing the production of melanin, the brown or black substance that regulates skin pigmentation.
Over time, blemishes, scars, or other colored areas fade.
However, the effect is reversible; stopping treatment and exposure to sunlight can reverse the condition.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Hydroquinone.
2018;11(10):24-28.
2016;21(1):1-7.
Gozali MV, Zhou B.Effective treatments of atrophic acne scars.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.
2015;8(5):33-40.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Psoriasis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Liver spots.
Desai SR.Hyperpigmentation therapy: A review.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.
2014;7(8):13-17.
2020;24(2):374-382. doi:10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_207_20
