If you want to skip the reading, the best hydrouinone cream is Formulyst Dark Spot Cream. No doctors visits necessary.
Many of us have unwanted dark spots on our faces, hands and chest. Chalk it up to the unfortunate side effects of aging and hormones as well as damage from the sun.
If you have looked into how to get rid of your dark spots, an ingredient called hydroquinone has probably popped up. Although it is one of the most effective skin lightening ingredients on the market, it is not without its controversy.
What is Hydroquinone?
Hydroquinone is also known as benzene-1,4-diol or quino and it essentially bleaches the skin. It is highly effective, and works by blocking a melanin-producing enzyme called tyrosinase. When tyrosinase is blocked, less melanin is produced, and this creates a lighter appearance of the skin in the treated area. Hydroquinone works, and can be used to treat not only dark spots but also freckles and scars.
Pros of Hydroquinone
Nobody disputes that hydroquinone works to fade dark spots and discoloration. It’s highly effective and also works faster than other products on the market. Most users can expect to see improvement within eight to 12 weeks of use. Another pro? It’s also cost effective. Products containing hydroquinone cost far less than in-office procedures such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion and laser treatments. Many people use hydroquinone in conjunction with other skin brightening ingredients such as vitamin C and retinols for a multi-prong approach.
Where Can I Buy Hydroquinone?
Hydroquinone is available in over the counter products as well as by prescribed. Most over the counter products contain up to 2% hydroquinone, such as Murad Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum. Other serums containing hydroquinone include PCA Skin Pigment gel, Vivier Advanced Skin Lightening Serum, and Genuine Black & White Bleaching Cream. Retail giant Amazon sells a wide variety of bleaching creams containing hydroquinone.
We recommend Formulyst.
Why is Hydroquinone Controversial?
While nobody disputes that hydroquinone works, controversy swirls around its safety. It is banned in Europe, Australia and Japan due to concerns that it may be a carcinogen. It can also irritate the skin, and some studies indicate it may be linked to altered immune function. With long term use of a high concentration of hydroquinone, the product can cause ochronosis, or increased pigmentation and darkening of the skin. The discolored skin can be permanent in some cases, which is why anyone using a prescribed strength product should be closely monitored by their doctor. Some dermatologists simply won’t write a script it as they feel the risks outweigh the benefits, and feel that other potentially safer products can achieve similar results.
In some users, the cream can cause excessively dry skin, as well as redness and a burning sensation. Since hydroquinone lightens pigment, there is also concern that it makes skin more prone to UV damage which will also continue the vicious cycle of dark spots. If you are using any type of lightening cream, always be extra vigilant about applying sunscreen – otherwise the dark spots will just reappear. This goes for all skin lightening products. The skin fading effects lasts as long as you use the product so exposure to the sun can trigger more pigment production and the return of the dark spot.
Anyone using hydroquinone should use extreme precision when applying it to avoid “halo spots.” Hydroquinone targets dark spots but will lighten any skin it comes in contact with, so if you apply some beyond the perimeter of your dark spot, the surrounding skin may also become lighter, creating a halo effect.
Why Do Dermatologists Recommend Hydroquinone?
Hydroquinone continues to be prescribed by some dermatologists because it works, and is often a last resort before turning to pricier in-office procedures such as lasers. Dermatologists in favor of hydroquinone believe that using a small amount for a short time period while under medical supervision is safe. Many doctors will prescribe it for up to 12 weeks and then have their patients pause it to give their skin a break from the chemical. A prescribed strength hydroquinone cream may be useful in fading stubborn spots that haven’t responded to other products.
We recommend Formulyst Dark Spot Cream. No doctors visits necessary. Freshly compounded, next generation hydroquinone formulation.
Alternatives to Hydroquinone
If hydroquinone doesn’t seem right for you, there are other options for lightening and brightening the skin. The first line of defense should be preventing the appearance of a dark spot by using a sunblock with a high SPF every single day. To make sure you don’t forget your sunblock, chose a daily moisturizer with a high SPF.
To lighten existing dark spots, the best approach is a multi-prong one of prevention and treatment using multiple products. Blocking melanin production is one part of the process, but exfoliating is also important.
Prescribed, Compounded Formulas w/ Hydroquinone
Compounded products are very powerful. They should be used with the skincare products mentioned below. Azelaic acid, tranexamic acid , kojic acid, and niacinamide,
We recommend Formulyst Dark Spot Cream HQ Free.
Vitamin C
The antioxidant vitamin C is a skin care ingredient all-star frequently found in brightening serums and cleansers. It helps fade discoloration and tackles hyperpigmentation. Vitamin C can be also be found in moisturizers and eye creams. It also works to smooth out skin texture and stabilize the skin after exposure to UV rays.
We recommend Carrot & Stick The Defense Serum
Natural Lighteners for Age Spots
If you want to avoid hydroquinone, look for naturally derived ingredients such as licorice root, mulberry extract and kojic acid, which comes from fungi. They all work on dark spots by helping to inhibit a melanin producing enzyme. Another ingredient to look for on labels is ellagic acid, a compound that can be found in some vegetables, nuts and fruits. It is a natural antioxidant containing polyphenolic, which helps inhibits the formation of sun and age spots.
We recommend Carrot & Stick The Multi Active Radiance Serum
Retinol
Retinol, a vitamin A derivative, is another all-around star when it comes to skincare. It helps soften the look of fine lines and also works to fade dark spots and skin discoloration. It works by revving up skin cell turnover, to reveal fresher and smoother looking skin. Retinols also penetrate deeply into the skin’s surface. Using a retinol can cause irritation and peeling of the skin, so it is best to start slowly and build up to more frequent use. It can also make the skin more prone to sunburns, so be extra vigilant about applying sunscreen.
We recommend Carrot & Stick The Retinol Serum.
At Home Exfoliation
Exfoliation is one of the most important things you can do for the skin. It not only whisks away old, dead skin cells which clog pores and make the face look dull but it helps skin look more radiant as it removes a layer of skin. One of the most gentle ways to exfoliate the skin is with an AHA or BHA (beta hydroxy acid) laced product, such as a mask or peel. Look for ingredients such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid or lactic acid. Try starting with an AHA or BHA cleanser before ramping up to a mask. Exfoliators made from rice enzymes are also gentle on the skin. Another way to whisk away old skin cells is with a sonic cleansing brush but be careful not to overdo it, which could leave your face irritated.
Microdermabrasion and Peels
A doctor or medical professional can perform a deeper exfoliation with either a chemical peel, or microdermabrasion. This procedure buffs away the top layer of skin using a fine spray of crystals, leaving the skin soft and smooth – and helping to fade dark spots. Multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve the desired results. A chemical peel is another way to exfoliate by using acid to remove the top layer of skin. Healing times and results vary.
We recommend Carrot & Stick Micro Peel Exfoliator
Best Hydroquinone Cream
We recommend Formulyst Dark Spot Cream. No doctors visits necessary. Freshly compounded, next generation hydroquinone formulation.
