People who are
conscious about their skin and have used many skin care products probably must
have heard about hydroquinone and its uses.
Hydroquinone is a
skin-bleaching agent and is one of the main ingredients in skin whitening products.
It usually comes in the form of a cream.
Hydroquinone cream is
primarily used to lighten freckles, age spots and other skin
discoloration that are associated with pregnancy, intake of birth control
pills, hormone replacement therapy and skin trauma. It is applied
topically and directly on the affected area.
Hydroquinone contains
antioxidant properties that acts as a “polymerization inhibitor” by preventing
the polymerization of acrylic acid, methyl methacrylate, cyanoacrylate and
other monomers that have been found to be susceptible to radical-initiated
polymerization.
Aside from this,
hydroquinone is also a major component in most black and white photographic developers
for film and paper.
Hydroquinone has been
found to be a very effective lightening agent if used properly. However, dermatologists
warn that improper use can cause sensitivity to skin.
Doctors also recommend
using hydroquinone products that contain the correct concentration to
avoid overdose.
Most products that use
hydroquinone as the main ingredient contain between 0.5% to 2%.
Higher concentrations
of up to 4% already need a prescription from a doctor while those that contain
12% is not recommended as it prevents the production of melanin.
Hydroquinone creams
work to prevent the skin from producing the enzyme that triggers overproduction
of melanin, the pigment that gives the skin its color.
Dermatologists advise
first-time users to apply first a small amount of hydroquinone to an unbroken
skin and watch for any signs of itching, irritation, blistering or redness
within 24 hours after application. If these signs are present, they should
not use the product and see their doctor for advice.If there are no
adverse effects, consumers can use the product after washing and drying
the area. After application, they must wash their hands immediately and
make sure not to ingest the cream or go into their eyes, nose, mouth or
lips.While using hydroquinone, users must avoid excessive sun exposure or at
least use a sunscreen
product. They can also
wear protective clothing to cover the skin that has been treated with hydroquinone.
Dermatologists also
warn users not to apply the cream on irritated or injured skin and avoid using
the product if they are pregnant, are planning to get pregnant or are
breastfeeding.Among the side effects of hydroquinone that users must watch out
for include dryness or cracking of the skin, redness, mild burning
sensation, blistering, stinging feeling, irritation and bluish-black darkening
of the skin.
Users must also watch
severe allergic reactions such as rashes, hives, breathing difficulty,
chest tightness and swelling of the face, lips, mouth and tongue.
Though hydroquinone
has been widely used for over 50 years, it became controversial after it was
banned in South Africa due to reported cases of users who suffered from a skin
disorder called ochronosis, which is characterized by bluish discoloration
of the skin.
But researchers say
these cases are due to long term use of hydroquinone products that contain
high concentrations or those products that have been adulterated with
dangerous ingredients.
Research also show
that hydroquinone products available in South Africa and other African countries
have been found to contain mercury, glucocorticoids and other contaminants.
As a whole,
hydroquinone has been classified as a safe product if used according to
its prescribed dosage.
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