Hydroquinone : Don't Use It This Way

July 23, 2020

Hydroquinone: Don’t use it this way …for best results, follow these 5 PRO TIPS:

First, if you are just beginning to research using hydroquinone for age spots, melasma, and or acne scars, please watch this video to introduce you to hydroquinone.

Hydroquinone for Hyperpigmentation

This blog post is a response to all the DM’s and questions I am receiving on social media regarding the best way to use hydroquinone. There really isn’t a “best way” to use hydroquinone because everyones skin is different and formulations vary.

However, there are definite things to avoid when using hydroquinone so here are the five PRO TIPS:

These pro tips are actually based on treating thousands of clients over 12 years with a wide range of skin conditions with everything from simple age spots to deep red acne scars and heavy duty melasma.

PRO TIP #1 Don’t use it this way to treat acne scars

If you are using hydroquinone to treat acne scars, don’t use hydroquinone with Benzoyl Peroxide and/or with Resorcinol. Instead use other products such salicylic acid.

Use it this way:

If you don’t have sensitive skin, use exfoliants such as glycolic acid based exfoliants, retin a / retinol.

Clinical studies have shown that for some skin types, when used in conjunction with glycolic acid/mandelic acid peels, the results are faster and better.

Mandelic acid is beneficial for exfoliating, anti inflammation and inhibits melanin production.

With the exception of sensitive skin, hydroquinone can work with Kojic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, vitamin A, and antioxidants such as vitamin C and E. Although these should be used at different times of the day so it will not dilute the hydroquinone.

PRO TIP #2 Don’t use hydroquinone if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant soon. There are other options for lightening hyperpigmentation.

PRO TIP #3 Treating Age Spots with Hydroquinone

If you are using hydroquinone to spot treat an age spot, avoid only putting it on the age spot. Apply the entire area so that the lightening will be even for the entire area. Many times, the age spot is just the beginning of the hyperpigmentation patch that has not shown itself up on the surface yet, so by applying to the entire area, you are BOTH addressing the actual age spot AND the area that just below the surface.

PRO TIP #5 How long can I use Hydroquinone?

Generally speaking (always consult your skin care provider) :

-Do not use more than 4-5 months when using on a daily or almost daily use.

-(Depending on the product), After achieving the desired results within that time frame, step away from the hydroquinone for 2-3 months.

What to use during that time away:

After 4-5 months, replace the hydroquinone with more gentle forms of Tyrosinase inhibitors such as :

-Vitamin C

-Kojic Acid

-Daisy extract

-Licorice Root extract

-Reishi/ shitake mushroom extract

-Mulberry extract

-Ellagic Acid (such as Raspbery extract)

After the break, go back to using the hydroquinone and stay consistent.

PRO TIP #5 Limit UV Exposure

Don’t use hydroquinone and spend time in the sun. If you know that you will be spending time in the sun during the summer. Delay using it until Fall or winter because even then, you must STILL limit UV Exposure AND wear sunscreen liberally and consistently.

When using hydroquinone, avoid using chemical based sunscreens, especially with the ingredients: Oxybenzone and Avobenzone which are known to be skin sensitizers.

Instead, use a mineral based sunscreen with preferably zinc oxide as the main mineral sunscreen ingredient. Zinc oxide is a natural anti inflammatory vs the chemical sunscreen ingredients.

Things to look for in a sunscreen:

Zinc Oxide

Sunscreen moisturizer combination

Added anti inflammatory agents

Added Tyrosinase inhibitors to help continually lighten the skin.

After using this sunscreen on oily, acne prone, sensitive skin, and people who are struggling with hyperpigmentation, this sunscreen has been overall the best sunscreen based on many, many skin types.

Lira Clinical Sunscreen – Oil-Free and Hydrating PRODUCT REVIEW

Here are more videos base on my hyperpigmentation video series that you may find helpful:

Hyperpigmentation Treatments for Black Skin (and darker skin types)

Treating Hyperpigmentation Naturally (Look for these ingredients)

My Skin Care Routine for Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation: Understanding How it Affects your Skin Type

PRODUCTS TO HELP HYPERPIGMENTATION BASED ON THOUSANDS OF CLIENTS:

IMAGE AGELESS RESURFACING MASQUE PRODUCT REVIEW

Best Translucent Powder for Oily AND Dry Skin

eBoutique

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