In the first part of this article we found out about why Hydroquinone is so popular as a skin-bleaching agent. In this part we will find out more about Hydroquinone.
How To Use Hydroquinone?
You should first perform an allergy test with Hydroquinone on a small spot on the skin and watch for the reactions. If you find no reactions, continue using it. For actual use, wash the spot thoroughly and apply small amount of cream and rub it well. Avoid application on the normal skin; otherwise it may lighten that skin too. Wash your hands thoroughly after application. Use any cosmetics over the skin spot once the cream dries out completely. Protect yourself from the sun.
Some people develop skin reactions and allergies known as irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. These may cause redness and itching skin. If that happens, you should consult your doctor immediately and discontinue use of hydroquinone. Avoid using any other topical cream or formulations on the same spot especially any product that contains any peroxides. Don't use this product if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Hydroquinone & Skin Bleaching
Hydroquinone is one of the most popular skin bleaching agents. It is widely used for removing skin spots, melasma, scar colors, etc. Hydroquinone removes the excess skin color in two ways: It stops further production of melanin (the skin color pigment) and
it breaks down the existing excess melanin, on the spot to be treated.
Before you try to understand how hydroquinone or any skin bleach works, you should know about skin color and how excess color is formed. Skin gets its color due to a pigment called melanin. Melanin also gives color to hair. When there is more melanin on a particular part of the skin because of some scar or sun exposure, that part of the skin darkens forming a spot. You will want to remove such a spot by bleaching.
Hydroquinone removes the excess melanin from the spot and stops production of melanin on the spot. Hydroquinone formulations have to be used carefully. Overzealous use may lighten the spot compared to the surrounding skin. If hydroquinone does not give good results within a month, consult your doctor. Kojic acid is another bleaching agent that may be suggested by your doctor.
This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.