How harmful is hydroquinone to the skin?

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.

How long can you safely use hydroquinone?

Hydroquinone, a tyrosinase inhibitor, in a 4% cream can be used safely twice daily for up to 6 months to treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

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.

What is the long term effect of hydroquinone?

Long-term use of hydroquinone could give rise to ochronosis. Ochronosis causes a blue-black pigmentation and caviar-like spots to develop on the skin.

What are the negative effects of hydroquinone?

Is hydroquinone safe? Q

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).

What is a natural alternative to hydroquinone?

Other safe, natural alternatives to hydroquinone include brightening ingredients like kojic acid, vitamin C, mushroom, licorice/glycyrrhizin, azelaic acid, and niacinamide (vitamin B3).

Is hydroquinone cancerous?

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.

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 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.

What works just as good as 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.

Can I stop hydroquinone abruptly?

It is extremely important to not abruptly stop using hydroquinone. This can cause the melanocytes to react poorly and cause rebound hyperpigmentation. Overuse of hydroquinone (at excessive strengths and/or used indefinitely) can also cause an irreversible condition called ochronosis, a bluish discoloration of the 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.

Can I use hydroquinone on entire face?

The authors instruct patients to apply a 4% hydroquinone topical cream to the entire face twice daily. Patients are cautioned against “spot treatment” to avoid developing a blotchy complexion.

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.

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 topical hydroquinone safe?

No significant toxicity has been found with the topical use of the hydroquinone cream.

Can you lighten skin without hydroquinone?

The Obagi Nu Derm Skin Brightening Cream reduces dark spots, sun damage, hyperpigmentation and even tones the skin. This hydroquinone-free skin lightener helps brighten the skin by minimizing flaws caused by melasma, UV damage, and acne.

How can I lighten my dark skin without hydroquinone?

Which fruit contain hydroquinone?

Well, hydroquinone is also found in certain fruits, such as pears and blueberries. Since hydroquinone, reduces melanin production, taking these fruits could make your white patches even whiter.

When did the FDA ban hydroquinone?

On August 29, 2006, the FDA proposed restrictions on products containing the bleaching agent hydroquinone due to reported concerns about possible carcinogenicity and a link to ochronosis.

What not to mix 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 make you look younger?

Fade Age Spots With Hydroquinone

It interferes with the skin's production of melanin, the pigment that gives age spots their color. Hydroquinone is available over the counter or in stronger concentrations by prescription.