If you suffer from melasma or have sun damaged skin, you’ve probably heard of hydroquinone, a powerful skin lightening ingredient that can help even out skin tone. But before you start applying products that contain hydroquinone, it is important to learn how to use hydroquinone properly.
How to Use Hydroquinone – Step 1: Talk to Your Doctor
While some topical creams containing low concentrations of hydroquinone are available over-the-counter, the most effective products contain at least 4% hydroquinone and are available only with a prescription. If you want a skin lightening treatment that will provide a noticeable reduction in dark spots and improve your skin tone, don’t waste time with over-the-counter products.
Schedule a skin consultation with your cosmetic surgeon to learn whether hydroquinone is the best treatment for you. People with especially sensitive skin or darker skin tones may not be the best candidates for skin treatment with hydroquinone, so let your doctor’s expertise guide you on whether using hydroquinone will provide you with the best outcome.
Using Hydroquinone – Step 2: Skin Test
Before you use a hydroquinone product on large portions of your face, hands, chest or neck, apply a small amount of the product to a dark skin patch, preferably in an inconspicuous area. Wait 24 hours then evaluate how your skin has reacted to the hydroquinone.
If you experience signs of irritation such as itching, burning or redness, discontinue use and talk to your doctor about an alternative skin lightening treatment, such as laser resurfacing or IPL, would work better for you and cause fewer side effects.
Using Hydroquinone – Step 3: Daily Use
It is important to follow your doctor’s orders when it comes to daily use of hydroquinone products. Physicians often recommends that patients apply hydroquinone once in the morning and once at night after washing their skin with a mild, non-medicated cleanser and patting dry.
Apply just enough hydroquinone cream to cover hyperpigmented areas of your skin only. Do not apply it to normal skin, as this will further lighten areas that do not have dark spots or freckles and cause your skin tone to remain uneven despite hydroquinone use. Work the product in gently, avoiding your eyes, lips and other mucous membranes. Be sure to give the hydroquinone cream time to absorb before applying sunblock or cosmetics.
It is always important to wear sunblock during the day, however it is crucial to do so when you’re using hydroquinone products. Not only will a broad spectrum sunblock (SPF 30+) protect your skin and prevent irritation during skin lightening treatment, it will also help you prevent sun damage and hyperpigmentation to keep your skin looking flawless and youthful for years to come.
