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.

Summer is right around the corner and the same skin care products you’ve been using all year might not be the best choices for June. This summer, the best makeup picks are lighter and softer colors. A natural glow will be perfect for those warm summer days no matter where you go. Keep your skin hydrated and clean throughout the day to prevent oil build up and break outs. And always remember, less is more!

Summer or not, you should always make sure to apply sunscreen before you leave your home. A moisturizing sunscreen, or a moisturizer with a good SPF, is your best option for the harsh summer sun. Apply it after you shower or cleanse your face in the morning. Hydrating your skin will keep it looking youthful and firm, and can later help in the prevention of aging symptoms.

If you can’t take your sunscreen or moisturizer with you when you leave, or you don’t want to apply it over makeup, many skin care companies have your solution. They have created great spritzers and misters that you can take with you anywhere you go. Not only will they keep your skin moist and soft during the day, they’re safe to use over makeup. They won’t wear your skin or makeup down and they’re a great alternative to washing your face in the middle of the day. Just apply whenever your skin needs a quick mist of hydration.

When it comes to cosmetics, it might be time to toss out some of the makeup you’ve been using during winter and spring. Read about makeup expiration so you’ll know which products you can keep or which ones you should throw away. Soft colored eye liners and eye shadows will give your eyes a natural pop. Be careful with choosing some of these colors because you don’t want to choose something with too big of a contrast. A subtle, light shade will accent your eyes naturally and enhance their size and beauty.

Don’t neglect your lips when you’re applying sunscreen or moisturizers to your face. Your lips are still skin, too, and need hydration just as much as the rest of your body does. Wear a protective spf lip balm or lip moisturizer before you apply lipstick or gloss. This will keep your lips soft and fresh underneath the color. Pinks and nudes are great color choices for the summer because they’ll bring out your lips natural tones. Darker shades will work great for the evening, but nudes will still keep your lips fabulous, too.

Be careful not to fall asleep with your makeup on. Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser and toner before bed. This will keep your pores unclogged and oil free. If your skin gets dry during the night, a night creme will work great but make sure to choose the right one for your type of skin.  SkinDirect.com carries all of the types of products mentioned above, so browse through the site to choose the best kinds for you and your skin.

Oops – you did it again. You stayed at the beach too long, hung out by the pool without proper sun-screen, or thought you were ready for that extra minute in the tanning booth. What you thought was going to beautify you actually made you look like a lobster. Your skin is red, burns, and it’s hard to move. You don’t have to suffer for long because there are a few treatments you can try to help assuage these symptoms.

One of the most important things to do to sunburned skin is to keep it properly hydrated and moisturized. Applying products that contain Aloe vera and/or vitamin E can really help calm the inflammation in your skin. Creams with Hydrocortisone can also help the inflammation.

Benzocaine and Lidocaine are FDA-approved anesthetic chemicals found in topical creams and gels. You can find them at most drug stores. They numb your skin to help stop the pain associated with sunburns. Be sure to talk to a dermatologist first to know the right amount to apply to your burn.

Emu Oil is a natural substance derived from the fat of an emu. It has been used for thousands of years to alleviate pain, burns, and dry skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties making it a great topical treatment for sunburns.

Last, but definitely not least, is the most important tip for avoiding sunburns – wear proper sun-screen!! Use a stronger SPF if you plan on staying out in the sun longer. Reapply every two hours, no matter what the label says, and make sure to reapply more often if you get into the water. The best way to treat a problem is to prevent it.

Did you know that sunburns don’t only affect humans and animals? Sunburns affect trees and plants, causing a lot of damage to their branches, bark, leaves, and tissue.

Going to the beach to get that ultimate glow is always fun and relaxing. Without sunscreen, though, it can be very dangerous to your skin and body health. 90% of skin cancer cases have been linked to exposure to ultra violet rays. These rays are even stronger at tanning salons.  If you want to stay healthy and avoid the risks, start considering sunless tanning.

Sunless tanning is a great, effective, and safe alternative to exposing yourself to the natural sun or going to a tanning salon. You don’t have to worry about dangerous UV rays, photo-damage, and skin cancer when you use a tanning lotion.

Tanning lotions coat your skin with beautiful, safe pigments that give your body a glow without all the risks. There are multiple types of sunless tanning lotions to choose from depending on your skin tone and the type of tan you want to achieve. Avoid the orange streaks and uneven skin tones with new, innovative formulas like the one found in SkinCeuticals Sans Soleil.

Rosacea affects over 13 million Americans today. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Rosacea but there are many products that are safe enough to be used over your face where Rosacea has affected you. Many products can even help reduce the inflammation and redness that occur during outbreaks.

If you have rosacea, you should avoid using skin care products that contain alcohol, witch hazel, peppermint, menthol, eucalyptus oil, or clove oil. Your products should be fragrance-free and have a non-grainy texture. Mild soaps and cleansers are best for your skin because they do not irritate any problematic area. Using sunscreen and cosmetics with a minimum SPF of 15 will help protect these sensitive areas from sun damage and further redness.

Retinoids, which are Vitamin A derivatives, are useful in the treatment of rosacea. Several skin care products are formulated with Retinoids and can be safe to use on your skin where a breakout has occurred. An oral retinoid called isotretinoin, used for severe cases of acne, reduces the pustules and papules in severe cases of rosacea as well, especially cases that do not respond to antibiotics. Isotretinoin is known to cause birth defects so do not use any product with this ingredient if you are pregnant or may become pregnant. Talk to your dermatologist first to find out which retinoid containing product is right for you or if you should use other treatments for your Rosacea.