How long does it take for hydroquinone to fade dark spots?

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.

Is hydroquinone best for dark spots?

By blocking those enzymes and stopping the production of melanin in the skin, hydroquinone prevents dark spots from getting darker and helps fade those that already exist. “It’s a very effective ingredient for treating dark spots, and it is currently approved for professional use up to 4\%,” says Candrice Heath, MD.

How does hydroquinone lighten dark spots?

Hydroquinone is used to lighten the dark patches of skin (also called hyperpigmentation, melasma, “liver spots,” “age spots,” freckles) caused by pregnancy, birth control pills, hormone medicine, or injury to the skin. This medicine works by blocking the process in the skin that leads to discoloration.

Can I use hydroquinone as a spot treatment?

When treating the skin with hydroquinone products, the whole surrounding area should be treated. It should not be used as a spot treatment. Using it as a spot treatment results in lighter patches and blotchy skin tone. When applying the product, first make sure that the area is clean and dry.

Does hydroquinone lighten skin permanently?

Hydroquinone is a crystalline compound used as a depigmentation or skin-lightening agent in skin care. It helps to lighten areas of darkened skin, such as hyperpigmentation, freckles, age spots and melasma caused by acne, hormonal fluctuations or injury to the skin. Hydroquinone does not permanently lighten skin.

Can I use hydroquinone everyday?

Hydroquinone, a tyrosinase inhibitor, in a 4\% cream can be used safely twice daily for up to 6 months to treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The efficacy of this treatment can be enhanced by using a retinoid nightly and a mid-potent steroid, which is applied twice daily for 2 weeks, then at weekends only.

Does Hydroquinone lighten skin permanently?

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.

How many shades does hydroquinone lighten?

Hydroquinone skin lightening formula can brighten skin by up to 7 shades.

What is the best treatment for dark spots?

Laser offers the most effective way to clear dark spots. Applications are highly targeted to destroy melanocyte cells and the pigmentation so that the remnants can be carried away by the body. Furthermore laser is unlike chemical-based treatments since the energy used will not incur unwanted toxic effects in other parts of the body.

Is using hydroquinone to treat dark spots safe?

Hydroquinone can cause skin irritation, especially when people use higher concentrations of it. It may also lighten the skin surrounding the dark spots if a person does not apply it carefully.

Is Hydroquinone really that bad for your skin?

Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Stop using hydroquinone and tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: blistering, skin cracking, blue-black darkening of the skin. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.

Does hydroquinone have a dark side?

Major side effects of hydroquinone are hyper and hypo pigmentation. If patients do not take necessary precaution they can easily develop skin discolorations such as very dark patches of skin or white patches of skin. Doctors recommend patients limit sun exposure or artificial UV light. Do I need a prescription?