So Your Derm Prescribed You Hydroquinone. Now What?

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The melanin-inhibiting capabilities of hydroquinone have made it a favorite for those looking to get lighter skin. However, dermatologists agree that it’s best used as a target spot treatment, not an all-over solution.

, hydroquinone is safe — when used correctly. “Hydroquinone has been in use for years for treating various types of skin hyperpigmentation. When used appropriately it can be a safe and effective topical agent for treating hyperpigmentation,” Dr. Charles says. Many medical professionals still consider the ingredient the “gold standard” for treating hyperpigmentation, because it works.Corey L.

. Dr. Charles also says that he prescribes the ingredient in his practice several times a week for things like acne, injury, melasma, and sun damage.With American dermatologists standing behind the ingredient, why is it vilified across the globe? "Hydroquinone should be used for a short period of time with the intended use to lighten hyperpigmentation," Dr. Hartman says,"not to completely change your complexion." However, the reality is that in many cultures the notion that lighter skin is more desirable exists, often leading people to the use of harmful bleaching products in the first place.

"It's not that the chemical itself is bad," Mtero says."It's the concentration that’s available in these unchecked markets that can become dangerous."Shingirai Mtero, lecturer & doctoral candidate at Rhodes University in South AfricaOne of the most common risks of misuse is ochronosis, a skin condition that results in what Dr. Hartman calls a paradoxical reaction.

 

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