What is hydroquinone, application in cosmetology: whitening creams, peeling, ointment, tablets. Achroactive Max, reviews

Hydroquinone is the best that was invented to combat pigmentation. This substance is actively used in cosmetology and medicine. But such a highly effective tool has negative consequences. How to get rid of pigmentation without harming health, this article will tell.

Hydroquinone – what is this substance

Hydroquinone is a bleaching substance that reduces the production of melanin (a pigment that forms birthmarks, freckles , and also determines the color of hair and eyes) in the skin. This substance is used in all brightening products for the face, body, hair.

Despite its widespread use and effectiveness, hydroquinone is considered a very toxic element. Since 1961, it has been in great demand: the substance is able to quickly whiten the skin in 4-6 weeks. There are 2 types of hydroquinone: 2% (for removing light spots) and 4% (for complex pigmentation).

The composition of the formula of the substance

Organic compound C6H4 (OH) 2 is a strong reducing agent. Used as an antioxidant, reagent and developer. Using C6H4 (OH) 2 (hydroquinone) they show photos, produce some food products, cosmetics and organic dyes.

Benefit and harm

The benefits of hydroquinone – guaranteed whitening from age spots. Drugs with this substance are popular, but not all are available for purchase. Creams with hydroquinone are an effective product, because the high price corresponds to the quality.

The substance causes great harm in case of its thoughtless use: violation of the instructions, dosage and duration of administration. A minimal amount of hydroquinone is added to the cream – this is enough for a visible result.

With prolonged use of this substance, pigmentation may increase and skin color may change. Whitening creams can not be used on hot days due to the interaction of the sun and hydroquinone (under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, it becomes a poison).

Operating principle

Hydroquinone whitens the skin, reducing the number of melanocytes. Melanocytes produce a pigment substance – melanin, which forms age spots.

After some time, pigmentation will return, this is the minus of hydroquinone – it does not destroy the pigment itself, but only temporarily blocks the production of melanin and brightens the skin.

Adverse reactions

1. Hydroquinone reduces the melanin pigments in the skin, making the skin more sensitive to the sun. This increases the risk of getting more pigmentation than it was if you did not use tanning cream year-round.
2. Short-term side effects of the substance include irritation, redness, and contact dermatitis (inflammatory skin lesions).
3. In some cases, the skin becomes uneven in color.
4. Long-term use of the drug is considered toxic and mutagenic for body cells.
5. Hydroquinone causes skin aging.
6. The substance may cause ochronosis (darkening of the skin and destruction of collagen fibers).

Scope in medicine, cosmetology

Hydroquinone was used to treat febrile illnesses because it has an antipyretic, disinfecting, and antiseptic effect. In the 1980-s, sexually transmitted diseases were treated with this element. Currently not used in therapies. This decision was made in connection with its toxicity.

Hydroquinone (what is it and what is its toxicity, it became known after it began to be used) even before conducting serious studies, cosmetologists prescribed to get rid of pigmentation.

This substance is found in most bleaching agents: in creams, ointments, sprays, paints.  In cosmetics, a safe solution of hydroquinone is used – 2%, while 4% is the most hazardous to health.

Freckle whitening

Freckle whitening is most conveniently prepared with creams using hydroquinone. High-quality products are recommended to be purchased in pharmacies, and not in cosmetics stores.

Whitening cream shows successful results in getting rid of freckles within 2-3 weeks. Many products add oils and useful components, so they make the skin smooth and soft, and some can reduce fine wrinkles.

If you do not follow the instructions for the use of creams with hydroquinone, you can get the opposite effect. With prolonged use of bleaching agents, the skin becomes so thin that stretch marks can appear.

Rules for the use of creams with hydroquinone:

• Before use, a dermatologist consultation is necessary.
• Be sure to check for sensitivity.
• The cream is applied in the evening on clean skin with a thin layer on the pigmented areas of the face or body.
• Avoid contact with eyes or mouth.
• The term for the safe use of funds is no more than 2 months.
• Be sure to protect the skin with a sunscreen spray.
• The cream should be suitable for the type of human skin.
• It is not recommended to use a bleaching agent in the presence of wounds or inflammations.

Freckle creams are more expensive than home remedies, but are more effective.

Freckle whitening recipes at home:

• Pulp of cucumber + parsley.
• Kefir.
• Strawberry or redcurrant juice.
• Lemon juice.
• White or blue clay.

From pigmented manifestations

People use hydroquinone products for rejuvenation, lightening age spots, from traces of acne.

The clarifying substance is contained in cosmetics in minimal quantities, which positively affects the color of the skin. This is enough for a visible result after 2 weeks. You can not use creams with a content of 4% hydroquinone in them , such an amount of substance is dangerous to health and extremely toxic.

The rules for using hydroquinone from age spots are the same as for freckles:

• Before use, a dermatologist consultation and a sensitivity test are necessary.
• The product is applied in the evening on clean skin with a thin layer on the pigmented areas of the face or body.
• Avoid contact with eyes or mouth.
• The period of safe use of the product is no more than 2 months.
• Be sure to protect the skin with a sunscreen spray.
• The cream should be suitable for the type of human skin.
• It is not recommended to use hydroquinone in the presence of wounds or inflammation.

Azelaic face peeling

Azelaic (nonandiotic) acid – a substance belonging to the group of carboxylic acids. Distinctive properties – the ability to penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin, antibacterial and antifungal effects. Nonandiic acid evens out skin co
lor and reduces the production of melatonin in the body (a hormone that promotes pigment production).

Hydroquinone (what it is and its danger described above) can be replaced with azelaic acid . Peeling with this substance acts gently and effectively, without causing inflammation and peeling of the skin. This is a safe remedy for pigmentation.

Indications for use:

• Acne is an inflammation of the skin (acne).
• Dermatitis – irritation and itching of the skin.
• Preparing the face for cosmetic effects.
• Hyperpigmentation.
• Folliculitis is an infectious disease with purulent inflammation.
• Cuperosis – dilated blood vessels on the face.
• Ingrown hair.
• Rosary is a pinkish acne.

Contraindications:

• Allergy.
• Pregnancy.
• Herpes.
• Inflammation and wounds on the skin.

Benefits of azelaic peeling:

1. Not addictive with frequent procedures.
2. For all skin types and ages.
3. Tightens pores.
4. Lightens, suppressing the production of melanin.
5. Gently cleanses the skin.
6. No recovery period required.

Rules for the use of azelaic peeling:

• A consultation with a dermatologist is required.
• A sensitivity test is required.
• A week before the procedure, you should prepare the skin for azelaic acid, namely: treat the skin with creams with AHA acids (hydroxycarboxylic acids or fruit acids).
• The course of treatment is determined by the doctor (dermatologist). Usually it consists of 5-12 procedures that are done every 2 weeks.

The procedure:

1. Cleansing the skin of dirt and makeup.
2. Skin degreasing for deep peeling. The skin is treated with products that include glycolic acid (AHA acid).
3. The cream is applied with massage movements for 15 minutes (or until the product is completely absorbed). The cream is washed off the face with distilled water. The product should not fall into the area around the eyes or on the lips.
4. After peeling, the skin should be soothed with a special bioconcentrate.

After the procedure, the skin needs enhanced care: to remove makeup use milk, regularly moisturize the skin. After azelaic peeling, you can’t visit the bathhouse and sauna for two weeks, it is mandatory to use sunscreen.

Azelaic peeling has no side effects, except for possible allergies, overdrying and infection of the skin with improper procedures.

Hydroquinone Peeling

Hydroquinone (what it is, how it works and how to use it – you can find out from the instructions of the purchased drug) in creams can be contained in different proportions. Means may also differ from each other in composition. Peeling with hydroquinone is popular and gives a guaranteed result.

Another name for the procedure is Jessner peeling.

Active substances:

• Lactic acid
• Hydroquinone
• Kojic acid
• Lemon acid
• Alcohol
• Salicylic acid

Peeling with hydroquinone – an effective tool to combat age spots of all kinds. It deeply cleanses the skin, and the recovery period does not take much time. Sold in bottles at the pharmacy.

Jessner peeling can be of 2 types:

1. Surface. Apply 1 coat of peeling. It is used as preparatory care before deep cleaning. With this type of peeling, the pores are reduced, the skin is smoothed and moisturized.
2. Median exfoliation. The agent is applied more than 1 layer. After the procedure, the skin is restored 1 week. Suitable for dealing with scars, wrinkles, pigmentation.

Indications for use:

• Oily skin.
• Photoaging
• Hyperpigmentation.
• Acne and post-acne.
• Dull skin.

The procedure:

1. Cleansing your face from dirt and makeup.
2. Degreasing the skin using special products with glycolic acids.
3. Shake the bottle before use.
4. It should be applied with a brush or cotton pad to the face and neck.
5. The number of layers is from 2 to 4. Layers are applied every 3 minutes.
6. The product does not wash off the face for 6-10 hours.

Recovery period after peeling:

• After washing, the skin must be moistened with a healing cream to relieve irritation. It is better to use products with chamomile, aloe and hyaluronic acid.
• During recovery, you can’t: use cosmetics, visit the solarium and swimming pools, sweat heavily, be frost-free for a long time.
• On the skin, crusts can form, which in no case can be torn off, otherwise you will have to do a deeper cleaning.

Contraindications:

• Allergy.
• Inflammation and wounds on the skin.
• Exacerbation of herpes.
• Pregnancy.

Side effects:

• Redness.
• Swelling.
• Sensitivity.
• Dark skin.

Complications after use

Hydroquinone is a substance that can cause complications if the procedures are performed incorrectly:

• When hydroquinone in large quantities enters the human body, it interacts with the blood, forming a powerful oxidizing agent – n-benzoquinone.
• Pregnant women are not allowed to use drugs with this substance. Hydroquinone negatively affects the development of the fetus.
• Long-term use of cosmetics with hydroquinone can lead to ochronosis, a skin disease, when age spots become more visible and the skin darker.
• Possible discoloration of the nails and transparency of the skin.
• Mindless use can give the opposite effect to the desired – hyperpigmentation.

Overview of popular drugs, tablets, gels, ointments with hydroquinone: price table

Means	Description and Application	Price, usd.)
Obagi	Light nourishing cream with a matting effect. Protects from the sun. Relieves freckles.	8 300
Expigment	A popular remedy for pigmentation and acne scars.	1500
PCA Peel with Hydroquinone & Resorcinol	A powerful drug for deep peeling. Very effective against pigmentation.	3000
Achroactive max	Eliminates many types of hyperpigmentation. The composition has skin-soothing ingredients.	250-400
Nadinola	Lightens and evens complexion. Gently and safely acts on the skin.	500-2 000
Astramin	Helps to get rid of a strong tan, age spots. Suitable for any skin type. Moisturizes and protects against ultraviolet rays.	200-300
Hude 3% from TM Menarini	Contains 3% hydroquinone. It is a medicine. It copes with any kind of pigmentation with high efficiency.	1700
Hydroquinone Cream (4%) DOCTOR FILLER	The cream bleaches pigmentation and moisturizes the skin.	1000
Amenity pure write cream	The toxicity of hydroquinone is reduced due to other acids in the composition. Safe and soft effect on the skin. The course lasts 2 months.	9000
Christina PEELOSOPHY HYPERPIGMENTATION CORRECTOR	Night cream for sensitive skin. Contains jojoba oil, green tea extract, aloe vera extract and olive oil. Improves color and whitens the skin.	5000

Hydroquinone Whitening Cream Expigment

Expigment is a whitening cream from Turkey. Available with both 2% and 4% hydroquinone content. It is a medicine, therefore it is used in accordance with the instructions. It consists of fruit acids and ascorbic acid.

The drug is quickly absorbed and easy to apply. It does not have a pungent odor and does not cause unpleasant sensations (for the first time burning is possible). It is very effective against pigmentation, but can not be used for more than 2 months.

After application, the skin must be protected with sunscreen.

Hydroquinone Obagi – Obagi

Obagi is a well-known cosmetic brand that produces products to combat acne, aging and pigmentation. Composed of 4% hydroquinone and 10% L-ascorbic acid.

Obagi developed 2 series of cosmetics for age spots:

1. Obagi: Nu-Derm.  The cosmetics of this series smoothes wrinkles, evens out skin color, removing age spots and whitening age pigments, as well as moisturizes and mattifies the skin.
2. Obagi: C-RX.  This series is aimed at removing age spots. The results are visible after 6-7 weeks: the skin becomes more elastic, acquires a healthy color and elasticity.

   

The course is designed for 18-22 weeks. Use the cream should be day and evening, in accordance with the instructions. The first week may peeling, dryness, redness and burning.

Achroactive Max

Cream made in Bulgaria with sunscreen and whitening effect.

Achroactive max eliminates age spots, penetrating the horn cells, which facilitates the easy absorption of bleaching and moisturizing components. The likelihood of an allergic reaction is very low. Achroaktiv Max tightens pores and cleanses the skin of dirt, making the skin more well-groomed and even.

The active substance is hydroquinone 2%. The cream is easily applied to the skin and quickly absorbed. Ideal for prevention and not difficult pigmentation.

Alternative substances

Many hydroquinone products can cause an allergic reaction or side effect.

But he can find a worthy replacement:

1. Arbutin is a natural plant substance that slows down the production of melanin. Contained in cranberry, bearberry, mulberry, Caucasian blueberry leaves.
2. Vitamin A, E, C – can reduce the risk of age spots, as well as wrinkles.
3. Azelaic acid, which is found in wheat, barley and rye.
4. Licorice extract.
5. White clay.
6. Chamomile broth.
7. Essential oils of rosewood, eucalyptus and lavender.
8. Citric and lactic acid.
9. Jojoba oil and calendula.

Doctors’ reviews on the safety of hydroquinone

Hydroquinone (what it is and what its danger is known to many consumers) continues to be used as a bleaching agent, despite the warnings of doctors.

Means with a substance above 2% are prohibited in many countries (Japan, United States). The reason for this was the misuse of hydroquinone creams. With careful use and following the instructions of the drug, hydroquinone is safe and effective.

Hydroquinone is prescribed for people with complex
pigmentation and acne scars. Using a drug with hydroquinone is risky if a person uses it for a long time. In this case, dermatologists change the course of treatment and the substance.

Many doctors consider hydroquinone dangerous, referring to its carcinogenic and mutagenic properties. Recent studies of the effect of hydroquinone on the human body have shown that hydroquinone does not provoke the occurrence of cancer cells. However, carcinogenicity in animals has been confirmed.

Hydroquinone in small doses contained in creams is an excellent assistant in the fight against pigmentation, wrinkles, acne scars. None of the known skin whiteners is capable of such an effective and quick action.

Author: Anastasia Kuzmina

Hydroquinone Video

Should hydroquinone be used for age spots: