How long does it take to see results from hydroquinone?
It takes about four weeks on average for the ingredient to take effect. It may take several months of consistent use before you see full results. If you don’t see any improvements within three months of OTC use, talk to your dermatologist.
Are results from hydroquinone permanent?
Hydroquinone does not permanently lighten skin. Still considered the go-to spot lightener in the U.S., many dermatologists recommend hydroquinone to: Treat any type of hyperpigmentation, from the post inflammatory hyperpigmentation left behind after an acne breakout to age and sun spots.
Does hydroquinone thin your skin?
Long-term use can even make the skin thin and fragile. They recommended that people look for a product containing one of the following ingredients: azelaic acid. glycolic acid.
Does hyperpigmentation get darker before it fades?
In dark skin tones, the greater concentration of melanin in the skin means hyperpigmentation is more common and takes longer to fade. This increases the concentration of melanin in the epidermis, creating a temporary darkening of the spots. So, the darkening is what you want to see.
Do dark spots come back after hydroquinone?
In my experience, this is particularly common after four to five months of satisfactory response in patients using hydroquinone for melasma. In such cases, the bleaching effects of hydroquinone appear more pronounced in the areas not affected by melasma. Meanwhile, the dark spots of melasma show no further improvement.
When to take a break from hydroquinone treatment?
It’s suggested that you cycle off Hydroquinone treatment after about 3 months of use and take a “holiday” of 1-3 months before resuming treatment.
When do you see the results of hydroquinone?
You may not see the results of Hydroquinone until a couple of weeks after starting. Each body is different, and some may experience better results than others. Hydroquinone’s goal is that the dark grey and brown hyperpigmentation patches that those with Melasma may experience are lessened.
When was hydroquinone pulled out of the market?
In 1982, the US FDA cleared hydroquinone as safe and effective for the treatment of hyperpigmentation. However, several years later, some hydroquinone creams were pulled out of the market after their products were found to contain mercury.
What kind of skin condition does hydroquinone help?
Ochronosis is another skin condition that creates an uneven skin tone. It is usually apparent on the face. Ochronosis occurs when the homogentisic acid builds up inside connective tissue. The result is a blue/black hyperpigmented skin condition. Hydroquinone can work well for Ochronosis in the same way it works for Melasma.