Hydroquinone - What to know about this controversial ingredient

What you need to know about this controversial skincare ingredient

Infact for about 50 years it was established as the most effective ingredient for fading uneven skintone and dark spots.

Hydroquinone is a controversial skincare ingredient, and you should know all about it.

In the last 50 years, hydroquinone has been seen as the most effective ingredient for fading uneven skin tone! Over time, this ingredient has become one of the most controversial in skincare.

Over the years, there have been arguments about whether or not to leave it as part of skincare ingredients, mainly because studies show it came with side effects and, in lesser amounts, an approval for skin bleaching.

Before several warnings to pay attention to hydroquinone – after it was banned in South Africa – it was an active ingredient to treat skin discolorations, lighten dark patches (hyperpigmentation) and clear black spots and acne scars, and it did work.

Though required in small amounts (has always been), it should be administered as directed by a physician, but in topical creams the amount is already decided (usually around 2%), meaning you use the dosage as presented, in which case it might be under or way above what you need.

Before serious warnings and even till date, hydroquinone did a perfect job of correcting uneven skin tone, lightening acne scars and generally helping brighten complexion. It simply works by blocking the process that causes discoloration of the skin.

When properly formulated, studies have revealed hydroquinone is not in any way a harmful ingredient; in fact, some studies called it “extremely effective and safe”. It simply limits the creation of melanin.

However, long-term use of hydroquinone was faintly associated with a skin reaction where darkening occurs where it’s applied, called exogenous ochronosis, where the skin thickens and turns bluish-grey.

Over-the-counter hydroquinone products usually can contain up to 2% (the most effective over-the-counter amount) for more stubborn hyperpigmentation or dark spots; 4% concentrations of hydroquinone are usually prescribed.

However, if you decide to go with hydroquinone, note that minimal air exposure is required, as it degrades the potency. It should also come packaged in an opaque container.

To also get the best out of hydroquinone, reduce sun exposure – as with other skin-lightening ingredients – to the barest minimum and make sure to wear sunscreen.

There are, however, alternatives to hydroquinone, as there are natural extracts you can use instead. Do well to consult a physician or dermatologist for this.

Hydroquinone is a controversial skincare ingredient, and you should know all about it.

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