“Hydroquinone is a chemical that functions to lighten skin color. This substance contained in this skincare has many benefits, for example overcoming hyperpigmentation to relieving eczema.”
Hydroquinone or hydroquinone is a skin lightening ingredient contained in skincare products. It works by reducing the number of melanocytes which are responsible for making melanin (skin dye).
Using hydroquinone on darker areas can reduce and control the number of melanocytes. That way, problems like melasma and hyperpigmentation due to aging and scars can disappear.
Historically, in 1982, the U.S. The Food and Drug Administration recognizes the ingredient as safe and effective. Over time, there have been concerns about contaminants such as mercury in hydroquinone.
Benefits of Hydroquinone Contained in Skincare
The results of using hydroquinone are not immediately visible within a few days. For maximum results, it takes several weeks to months. The benefits include:
1. Overcoming hyperpigmentation
Hydroquinone is the most effective skin lightening agent for treating hyperpigmentation. This problem causes discoloration or brown, black, and gray spots on the surface of the skin.
2. Treat melasma
Melasma causes dark patches on facial skin. These stains usually appear on the cheeks, forehead, and chin. The reason is exposure to UV light and hormonal changes when using birth control pills or pregnancy.
3. Even out skin tone
Uneven skin color usually occurs after an injury or inflammation on the skin surface. For example, acne, eczema, or falls. By applying skincare containing hydroquinone, the color difference can be disguised.
4. Reduce acne scars
Acne scars are an inflammatory reaction due to dilation of blood vessels. This is a normal condition and will go away on its own over time. With hydroquinone, the healing process becomes faster.
5. Prevent exposure to uv light
Coating skincare containing hydroquinone with sunscreen can prevent UV rays from entering, which have the potential to damage the skin. This method can prevent hyperpigmentation problems and symptoms of premature aging.
6. Calming irritated skin
Hydroquinone can help soothe inflamed skin due to irritation. Symptoms look like psoriasis and eczema. Before using it, make sure you get a recommendation from a dermatologist.
7. Relieves psoriasis and eczema
Psoriasis is included in the autoimmune disease due to inflammation of the skin. This problem then causes the skin to become scaly, thickened, itchy and hot, and peels easily.
While eczema (dermatitis) is a disorder that causes swelling of the skin. The signs are redness, rash, and excessive itching on the skin.
The Right Way to Use Hydroquinone
First of all, do an allergy test first to minimize the risk of side effects. The trick, oles on the inner arm area. Continue use if no irritation or redness appears within 24 hours.
Then, follow the instructions for use below:
- Apply a thin layer on the surface of the skin.
- Do not apply too close to eyes or mouth.
- Do not use together with topical medications containing benzoyl peroxide.
- Wait for 10 minutes, then apply sunscreen.
You also need to pay attention to the following things when using skincare with hydroquinone content:
Use sunscreen. It can help prevent skin cancer, slow skin aging, and help prevent age spots.
Do not smoke. Because, this bad habit can accelerate skin aging and slow down the healing process.
Wash your face gently. Don't scrub your facial skin because you run the risk of irritating it and causing scarring.
Possible Side Effects
There are several risks of side effects that users may experience. Among them:
1. Pregnancy disorders
Pregnant women should not use skincare containing hydroquinone. This is because the substance has a high absorption rate, which ranges from 35 to 45 percent. As a result, pregnant women are at risk of having a miscarriage.
2. Breakout skin
This problem can occur when using hydroquinone together with products containing peroxide. For example, benzoyl peroxide and hydrogen peroxide. As a result, it causes irritation and dry skin.
3. Affects the quality of breast milk
The high intensity of absorption allows hydroquinone to be absorbed into breast milk. So, it's best to choose safer ingredients to treat hyperpigmentation in nursing mothers. For example, glycolic acid, linoleic acid, and sunscreen.
4. Allergic symptoms appear
Symptoms of an allergic reaction that may occur include rash, severe itching, swelling of the face, shortness of breath, and dizziness or headache. If you don't get immediate treatment, death is the most severe risk for users.
5. Irritated Skin
Skin irritation is an impact that can occur with long-term use. So, it is important to use hydroquinone according to doctor's instructions and directions. Usually, the maximum use ranges from 4 to 5 months.
Pay Attention To This Before Using Hydroquinone
Before using any skin care product, it's best to check if your skin is at risk for side effects. You can test it by applying a small amount of product to a problem area of your skin.
Check for signs of irritation, such as itching or redness. If there is no reaction, then you can use skincare with hydroquinone content regularly.
To use it, make sure the facial area is clean and dry. Apply the product in a thin layer to the problem skin and gently rub it in. Repeat the treatment process as directed, don't overdo it.
Also remember to always protect problem skin areas from sun exposure. Use sunscreen so that the product works more optimally.
In general, hydroquinone ingredients are well tolerated on the skin, but there are some exceptions. If you have dry or sensitive skin, it can cause severe dryness and irritation.
Conversely, people who have normal or oily skin types tend not to experience side effects. The ingredient, hydroquinone tends to work best on fair skin tones.
Hydroquinone Interactions with Other Drugs
Interactions can change how medications work or increase the risk of serious side effects. This problem can occur when taking hydroquinone together with:
Benzoyl peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. Using hydroquinone together with these two ingredients carries the risk of causing spots or blemishes on the skin.
Body care products that contain alcohol. There is an increased risk of irritation characterized by red, sore, rash and itchy skin.