What should I apply after hydroquinone?

When you know that your hydroquinone product works well with your skin, add a glycolic cleanser to your skincare routine. “Over the years I have never found a more effective treatment for unwanted pigmentation than glycolic acid and hydroquinone,” says Dr. Bottiglione.

Do you use moisturizer after hydroquinone?

Apply hydroquinone twice a day.

You can apply hydroquinone in the morning and evening. Let it sink into the skin before applying other products, such as moisturizer, and wash your hands after using hydroquinone, so it does not bleach your fingers. 4.

Do you put moisturizer on before or after hydroquinone?

Finally, leave plenty of time in between the application of hydroquinone and the use of any additional skincare products such as sunscreen, hydrating skin lightening cream, or serums. It's best to allow it to fully absorb before applying other products.

How can I make hydroquinone more effective?

A major key to hydroquinone is short-term use. You can slather it on twice daily for at least six weeks (and no more than six months). After one to three months, you should start to see your hyperpigmentation fade away. At the three-month mark, you should set it aside.

Do I apply tretinoin or hydroquinone first?

What Goes First: Retinol or Hydroquinone. Retinol should be applied first, followed by hydroquinone in your nighttime regimen. As both are potent ingredients, you should wait 30 minutes so you give your skin's pH the time to rebalance before following with hydroquinone gel or cream.

Is hydroquinone safe? Q

Why hydroquinone is not working?

However, it's also possible that the 2 percent strength of hydroquinone isn't strong enough for you. Concentrations over 2 percent (up to 4 percent) are available only by prescription. Also, sunlight can reverse the effect of hydroquinone, so you need to stay out of the sun.

Can I put retinol on top of hydroquinone?

Hydroquinone and retinols work well together because retinols help hydroquinone penetrate deeper into the skin to work more effectively. Retinols can also protect hydroquinone from oxidation, which can cause it to degrade.

What products should you not use with hydroquinone?

Turegano and 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.

What goes on first vitamin C or hydroquinone?

This is how you do it right: If you are using all 3 products separately, apply hydroquinone and Vitamin C in the morning and tretinoin at night. So, this is how you start your day: in the am, apply hydroquinone, then Vitamin C, then top it all off with sunscreen if you're going to be exposed to the sun.

How do you cycle hydroquinone?

The “pulsed” approach to hydroquinone is a simple one: limit use of hydroquinone to no longer than 5 months at a time. Then, give your skin a break; allow it to rest and stabilize for 2-3 months as you use NON-hydroquinone pigment control products to prevent rebound pigmentation.

How long does it take for hydroquinone to lighten skin?

Lightening of the skin should be noticed within 4 weeks of initiation, if no change is seen in 3 months, contact your dermatologist for further recommendations. Side Effects: Normally hydroquinone is very well tolerated, however side effects may be seen.

Can I use vitamin C with hydroquinone?

That's why Vitamin C works best when combined with other potent skin lightening agents, like Hydroquinone. Hydroquinone with Vitamin C is especially effective because the vitamin also provides some protection against sun damage, which is a major contributor to skin discolorations.

Should you rub in hydroquinone?

Apply Hydroquinone to a test patch at least 24 hours before using on your facial area. If no redness or itching occurs, it's likely that you'll handle the treatment well. It's equally important to start with clean, dry skin and to apply the solution to just the affected area by rubbing it in gently, but thoroughly.

Can you use hyaluronic acid with hydroquinone?

Conclusion: A cream formula containing 4% hydroquinone + 10% glycolic acid + 0.01% hyaluronic acid was very effective in treatment of melasma with tolerable side effects.

What happens if you use too much hydroquinone?

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.

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.

Why is hydroquinone making me darker?

In fact, the darkening of the skin from using Hydroquinone can occur because this compound can't really get rid of it, it only inhibits the production of melanin pigment in the skin. When melanocytes die, their accumulation on the skin is inevitable (like any other dead skin cells).

How do you layer hydroquinone with tretinoin?

Why do you have to cycle off hydroquinone?

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.

Will dark spots return after stopping hydroquinone?

Although hydroquinone use is undoubtedly effective in lightening melasma, it is possible for the dark spots to return after stopping the treatment, especially with sun exposure. This is one reason why it is so important to wear sunscreen every single day — especially if you're prone to hyperpigmentation.

Does hydroquinone lighten skin permanently?

Hydroquinone does not permanently lighten skin. Still considered the go-to spot lightener in the U.S., many dermatologists recommend hydroquinone to: Treat any type of hyperpigmentation, from the post inflammatory hyperpigmentation left behind after an acne breakout to age and sun spots.

What does hydroquinone interact with?

Hydroquinone topical may make your skin more sensitive to weather extremes such as cold and wind. Protect your skin with clothing and use a moisturizing lotion as needed. Using hydroquinone topical together with benzoyl peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, or other peroxide products may stain your skin.

Is hydroquinone once a day enough?

The lightening effects of prescription strength 4% hydroquinone are achieved with approximately four weeks of consistent, twice daily use. For those with mild hyperpigmentation, using once a day is typically enough to see results.

How many times a week should you 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. The efficacy of this treatment can be enhanced by using a retinoid nightly and a mid-potent steroid, which is applied twice daily for 2 weeks, then at weekends only.