Does hydroquinone get into bloodstream?

In humans, HQ is carried throughout the body in the blood stream and transported to the bone marrow where it is converted to benzoquinone in the bone marrow. The conversion of hydroquinone to benzoquione is integral in the development of acute myelogenous leukemia (“AML”).

Is hydroquinone harmful to the body?

FDA has received reports of serious side effects including skin rashes, facial swelling, and ochronosis (discoloration of skin) from the use of skin lightening products containing hydroquinone.

Does hydroquinone cause blood cancer?

Due to conflicting results, hydroquinones are not classified as carcinogens (agents with the capacity to cause cancer in humans). However, evidence is building that connects hydroquinone to possible DNA damage and responses that suppress the immune response.

Does hydroquinone reach the dermis?

Hydroquinone is relatively ineffective against dermal hyperpigmentation because it cannot penetrate the dermal–epidermal junction and dermal melanin that is already present has less means of egress.

Why did the FDA ban hydroquinone?

With continued use, hydroquinone and mercury can build up in your body, which may cause harm. The FDA has received reports of serious side effects from the use of hydroquinone, including rashes, facial swelling, and permanent skin discoloration (ochronosis).

Is hydroquinone safe? Q

Do dermatologists recommend hydroquinone?

“Hydroquinone is considered the topical gold standard in dermatology for reducing hyperpigmentation.” Dermatologists often use hydroquinone to treat melasma, a skin condition where dark patches appear on the forehead, cheeks and upper lip.

Is there anything better than hydroquinone?

There are several safe alternatives to hydroquinone that can be used long-term. You can find them in a variety of skin care products. Other safe, natural alternatives to hydroquinone include brightening ingredients like kojic acid, vitamin C, mushroom, licorice/glycyrrhizin, azelaic acid, and niacinamide (vitamin B3).

How is hydroquinone absorbed?

Hydroquinone is absorbed through the skin and metabolized primarily to sulfate and glucuronide conjugates, which are excreted in the urine. Additional metabolites include benzoquinone, multiple glutathione conjugates, and N-acetyl cysteine conjugates.

What happens if you use hydroquinone cream too much?

Excessive hydroquinone concentrations may induce toxic or shocking effects on melanocytes, forcing them to regroup and increase their melanin production (resulting in rebound hyperpigmentation). Additionally, high concentrations of hydroquinone may provoke skin inflammation.

What type of cancer does hydroquinone cause?

FRIDAY, May 27, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- Hydroquinone use increases the risk for both melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers by more than threefold, according to a study presented at the Society for Investigative Dermatology Annual Meeting, held May 18 to 21 in Portland, Oregon.

Should I stop using hydroquinone?

Stop application after five months.

Prolonged regular use of hydroquinone may lead to exogenous ochronosis, which can cause blue-black pigmentation and papules, red bumps on the skin.

What is the safest skin lightening product?

There is no safe or reliable way to lighten someone's skin tone. Products or DIY recipes that claim to do so carry numerous risks. Even legal and over-the-counter options, such as hydroquinone creams, can sometimes lead to permanent discoloration.

What effects does hydroquinone have on the liver?

The current study demonstrated that benzene and hydroquinone causes toxic effects on liver and pancreatic islets by causing oxidative impairment.

How long should you take a break from hydroquinone?

Usage Recommendations. Hydroquinone can be used twice daily for up to five months consecutively. After five months, melanocytes should be allowed to stabilize during a two to three month break from hydroquinone.

What should I avoid with hydroquinone?

Turegano and Dr. Chan both agree hydroquinone does not play well with benzoyl peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, or other peroxide products. Not only will pairing them cause irritation and dryness, but it can also temporarily stain your skin.

Does hydroquinone cause permanent damage?

Long-term effects are a possibility; cancer being the most likely. Renal adenomas and leukaemia occurred in animal experiments indicating the nephrotoxicity and carcinogenic properties of the substance. It is now known how hydroquinone and its metabolites can cause damage to DNA and inhibit apoptosis of mutated cells.

Why is hydroquinone controversial?

In addition to its potential side effects, hydroquinone has come under scrutiny due to reports of products containing the ingredient also being laced with mercury, making them extremely poisonous and even life-threatening.

What is a natural replacement for hydroquinone?

Arbutin. According to Dr. Green, “Arbutin is a natural form of hydroquinone derived from the bearberry plant. It is a safer and effective alternative to hydroquinone and is less cytotoxic to the melanocytes.” Use it gradually during the first few weeks to make sure your skin doesn't react.

What is a natural substitute for hydroquinone?

What foods have hydroquinone?

A previous study reported that hydroquinone was present not only in coffee, but also in tea, red wine, wheat, and fruits.

What is the truth about hydroquinone?

Hydroquinone, described by the LGA as "the biological equivalent of paint stripper", can remove the top layer of skin, increasing the risk of skin cancer, and cause fatal liver and kidney damage. Mercury can cause similar life-threatening health problems.

Does pigmentation come back after stopping hydroquinone?

Hydroquinone-induced inflammation can cause rebound hyperpigmentation and reduced tolerance to hydroquinone itself. Pulsing hydroquinone use can prevent this, but quitting 'cold turkey' can trigger rebound pigmentation as well.

Does hydroquinone lighten skin permanently?

Does hydroquinone lighten skin permanently? No, the results of any skin lightening that hydroquinone brings about are not permanent. The effects can be seen within a couple of months or a few years at the maximum.

What ingredient permanently lightens skin?