Hydroquinone, pronounced hī’drō-kwĭ-nōn’, is a white crystalline substance used in skin care products to decrease the formation of melanin in the skin. Melanin is the pigment within your skin that gives you color and a tan.
It is used topically to lighten darker areas of your skin where there might be uneven skin tones and hyperpigmentation. It can also be used to lighten freckles, age spots, chloasma, and melasma. Over exposure to the sun can create sun spots in your skin, causing certain areas to appear darker than the rest. Hydroquinone can be used to treat such conditions and to help even out the color of your skin.
You should always discuss the types of products you want to use on your skin with your doctor and tell her or him about any allergies or sensitivities you have. Hydroquinone products should not be used on skin that is sunburned, windburned, chapped, dry, or irritated. You must wait until these conditions have healed completely and there are no open wounds or sores before using hydroquinone.
It can also make your skin very sensitive so avoid sun exposure and wear the proper SPF sunscreen when going outside. Hydroquinone is a very powerful bleaching agent so it must be used carefully and as advised by your dermatologist. There are other alternatives to hydroquinone, if your skin is too sensitive to its effects, such as ascorbic acid, a form of vitamin C.
There has been a lot of FDA controversy over the use of hydroquinone in skin care products so discuss this with your doctor and see if it is safe for your skin.
