How long does it take for 6% hydroquinone to work?
It can take at least 4 weeks and even up to 8-12 weeks to notice results from using a hydroquinone tretinoin cream. Application is often done once daily at bedtime. A broad-spectrum sunscreen is recommended for daily use as well. Many patients will experience mild side effects like redness and itching.
What percent of hydroquinone is effective?
The results of this study show that 4% Hydroquinone and 0.75% Kojic Acid + vitamin c 2.5% are effective topical hypopigmenting agents in the treatment of facial melasma. However, 4% Hydroquinone is a better topical hypopigmenting agent with rapid rate of clinical improvement when compared to 0.75% Kojic Acid cream.
How long does it take for hydroquinone to lighten?
four to eight weeks
On average, it takes four to eight weeks for hydroquinone to produce noticeable skin lightening results, meaning you’ll need to apply it consistently before your melasma-affected skin begins to lighten and match the rest of your face.
How do you know hydroquinone is working?
It takes about four weeks on average for the ingredient to take effect. It may take several months of consistent use before you see full results. If you don’t see any improvements within three months of OTC use, talk to your dermatologist.
Is it safe to use 6 hydroquinone?
To date, hydroquinone is deemed safe in the United States. There isn’t any clinical evidence currently to suggest that hydroquinone is harmful to humans. However, minor side effects are still possible. It may cause a temporary uptick in redness or dryness at first, especially if you have sensitive skin.
What is the highest strength of hydroquinone?
Additionally, the highest strength that is commercially available with a prescription is a hydroquinone 4% cream. A cream with 6, 8, or 10 percent hydroquinone can only be obtained from a compounding pharmacy with a prescription.
What happens if you use hydroquinone too long?
Chronic adverse events related to exposure to hydroquinone are of greater concern. These complications include ochronosis, nail discoloration, conjunctival melanosis, and corneal degeneration. Ochronosis is the most common chronic complication related to long-term use of hydroquinone.
What are the dangers of hydroquinone?
Stop using hydroquinone and tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: blistering, skin cracking, blue-black darkening of the skin. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
What are the most common hydroquinone side effects?
Common side effects of hydroquinone include: Mild skin irritation and sensitization (burning, stinging) Dermatitis Dryness Redness Inflammatory reaction
How does hydroquinone lighten skin?
Hydroquinone is a depigmenting agent used to lighten areas of darkened skin such as freckles, age spots, chloasma, and melisma caused by pregnancy, birth control pills, hormone medicine, or injury to the skin. Hydroquinone decreases the formation of melanin in the skin. Melanin is the pigment in skin that gives it a brown color.
Is Hydroquinone cream prescription only?
Hydroquinone Prescription Creams. Additionally, the highest strength that is commercially available with a prescription is a hydroquinone 4% cream. A cream with 6, 8, or 10 percent hydroquinone can only be obtained from a compounding pharmacy with a prescription.