Hydroquinone: Safety, Risk, Facts, and Resources

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As baby boomers reach retirement, companies are saturating the market with products aimed to fix and prevent aging issues. Skincare companies are highly focusing on producing quick-fix solutions that reduce and eliminate fine lines and wrinkles, chronic dryness, and age spots. However, not all of these solutions are completely safe.

What is Hydroquinone?

Hydroquinone is an organic compound commonly used for to lighten skin hyperpigmentation, or areas of the skin that have increased melanin production, thus causing dark spots. Many people are finding that as they reach their 50s, 60s, and beyond, hyperpigmentation, frequently known as sun spots, are becoming more apparent. These dark spots are mainly caused by sun damage, but can also be attributed to hormones or skin stress. These spots are often considered aesthetically displeasing.

How is Hydroquinone Used?

Hydroquinone is used over the hyperpigmented area to lighten the spot. However, the ingredient has been found to be carcinogenic in lab animals when used over extended periods of time. Because it lightens skin pigmentation, the skin is more susceptible to harmful cancer-causing sun rays. Occurrences have also been recorded of lab rats growing tumors after frequent and extended use of hyrdoquinone. Additionally, a condition known as ochronosis, a skin thickening, can occur after use of hyrdroquinone. This condition may produce yellow and gray spots on the skin.

In 2006, the FDA attempted to ban hydroquinone when sold in over-the-counter products. Rather, the FDA proposed that the ingredient is only included in products available by prescription. Many European countries have already banned hyrdoquinone for health reasons, including increased levels of mercury found in users.

Other Options for Reducing Skin Hyperpigmentation

There are many other options to reduce skin hyperpigmentation without use of hydroquinone that can be highly effective over time.

Adopting a Skin Care Routine
Try products with kojic acid (a derivative of mushrooms), alpha-hydroxy acids, or vitamins C or E. Apply pure vitamin E oil twice daily to the areas affected by hyperpigmentation, using a cotton swab. Vitamin E has been proven to have several health benefits, including but not limited to, reducing hyperpigmentation, reversing the signs of aging and diminishing fine line and wrinkles. Furthermore, adopting a skin routine that includes regular cleansing, moisturizing, and exfoliation will help reduce hyperpigmentation. Apply an SPF will help prevent further dark spots.

Skin Resurfacing with Peels and Treatments
Skin resurfacing, whether with a laser or a chemical agent, may significantly reduce pigmented lesions. However, these treatments are rarely used to treat hyperpigmentation alone due to cost, inconvenience and side effects, including hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation.

Shea Butter
Unrefined African Shea butter is a great natural alternative to hydroquinone, a chemical used in fade creams. Shea butter is known for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial in improving skin clarity and overall health of the skin. You can also use a nonprescription bleaching cream. Some popular brands are Esotercia, Nadinola and Reviva Labs.

Resources about Hydroquinone

The Truth About Hydroquinone

Campaign for Safe Cosmetics

Harvard.edu’s information about using Hydroquinone as a topical treatment for age spots.

The Beauty Brains

Resource by Paige

Paige is a Licensed Esthetician at Thrive Skin Institute. She obtained a Bachelor of Science from Penn State. She earned her Esthetician degree from The California Academy

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