Hydroquinone, also known as benzene-1, 4-diol or quinol is an aromatic organic compound, with chemical formula C6H4(OH)2. Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent to treat hyperpigmentation.
What Is Hydroquinone?
Hydroquinone helps the skin to bleach the areas with dark spots caused due to freckles, liver spots, melasma, and pregnancy. Hydroquinone usage is believed to block pigment producing cells and reduce amount of pigment.
Hydroquinone Benefits On Skin
Hydroquinone is beneficial for skincare concerns
- Reduces dark spots and pigmentation
- Works to treat melasma
- Lightens sunspots and age spots
- Improves uneven skin tone
- Improves overall skin brightness
How To Use Hydroquinone For Skin
- Hydroquinone must be applied on affected skin area
- Typically use it once or twice a day
- Always apply broad-spectrum sunscreen as hydroquinone is sun sensitive and may darken the exposed skin
What Are The Side Effects Of Hydroquinone Usage
Long term usage of hydroquinone can cause
- Skin irritation or redness
- Dryness and skin peeling
- Burning or itchiness
- Uneven skin lightening when not used accurately
- Over usage of hydroquinone causes ochronosis
Precautions To Be Followed When Using Hydroquinone?
Well known precautions to be known about Hydroquinone
- Not recommended for pregnant and breast-feeding women
- Not recommended for children
- Patch test is strongly recommended
