Hydroquinone – How Good is it for the Skin?

Hydroquinone is a chemical lightener that is used extensively in skin lightening products and bleaching creams. It is especially useful for lightening skin discolorations like age spots, freckles and melasma.

Skin Lightening with Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone lightens the skin in two ways - It inhibits the production of melanin (the pigment responsible for the darkening of skin and actual skin color) and it breaks down the existing excess melanin on the spots that require treatment.

The skin acquires its color due to the presence of melanin pigment. Melanin also determines the hair color. More melanin means darker skin and less melanin means fairer skin. When excess melanin accumulates in certain parts of the skin due to scarring or sun exposure, the area darkens and forms a spot. Hydroquinone removes the excess melanin from the spot and stops further production of melanin.

Using Hydroquinone

Be very careful while using Hydroquinone containing skin care products, especially spot treatments. If you use too much, it can lighten the spot more than the surrounding skin. Therefore, make sure you apply spot treatments only on the spots and as directed when used.

Apply hydroquinone spot treatments with a cotton swab so as to avoid contact with surrounding skin. Allow it to dry completely before applying moisturizer or foundation on top of it. For larger areas like face, hands and feet, massage the product into the skin to ensure even delivery.

Make sure you don't get hydroquinone on the lips, or mouth. Use the products as directed. Never use more frequently or in larger amounts than recommended.

Product Suggestions:

Obagi Nu-Derm Clear Skin Bleaching and Corrector Cream – It contains 4% Hydroquinone that helps to even out age spots, freckles, liver spots and overall skin tone.

Obagi C-Clarifying Serum – It is an amazing clarifying serum that combines 4% hydroquinone and Vitamin C serum along with L-ascorbic acid. 4% hydroquinone helps to even out pigmentation issues on the skin ansd when paired with Vitamin C, the serum promotes an even skin tone and also provides potent antioxidant protection.

Obagi Nu-derm Clear – This product contains 4% concentration of hydroquinone and it improves uneven skin tone and hides the age spots on the skin.

Obagi C-Cleansing Gel – This is a mild cleansing gel that conditions the skin gently and prepares it for optimal absorption of other skin care products. It contains Vitamin C, as well that helps remove all impurities, excessive oil particles and make up residues and make the skin fresh and clean.

Obagi C-Sunguard SPF 30 – It is a special formulation that contains ultra-sheer Z-Cote, an effective barrier that provides a superior protection against the UVA and UVB rays of the sun that is responsible for premature aging of the skin. It also contains hydroquinone that protects the skin against darkening by controlling the production of melanin.