Hydroquinone; the Standard Depigmentation or Skin Lightening Agent

 

Hydroquinone is used to lighten areas of darkened skin such as chloasma, age spots, freckles, and melisma caused by hormone medicine, birth control pills, or injury to the skin. It helps in reducing the formation of melanin in the skin. Hydroquinone is often used in dark spots treatment to lighten discolored patches of skin caused by sun damage, aging, birth control pills/hormone therapy, or other causes. Hydroquinone diminishes the production of melanin in the skin, which may explain its use in lightening dark spots. Moreover, hydroquinone can also lighten hyperpigmentation, sun damaged skin, and fine lines and wrinkles.

Hydroquinone is a derivative of the colorless chemical compound Hyaluronidase. This type of enzyme is found throughout the body and is responsible for the breakdown of hyaluronic acid in skin, preventing dark spots such as age spots from forming. The major effect of hydroquinone in the body is as a melanocyte blocker. Hydroquinone blocks the pathway of melanin production in the dermis leading to lightened hyperpigmentation of the skin, melisma, and dark spots. Some of the side effects of hydroquinone include skin thinning and irritation.

However, hydroquinone is banned in some countries, such as Japan due to reported concerns about possible carcinogenicity and a link to ochronosis. According to the proposed FDA (Food and Drug Administration) regulations, any skin-lightening products containing hydroquinone would be considered new drugs. Moreover, products containing hydroquinone require FDA approval before being sold to the public or will be only available with a doctor's prescription.

Hydroquinone is available as topical preparation, oral tablet, liquid solution, gel, and cream for treating hyperpigmentation. Hydroquinone cream should be used according to the package directions, as these products contain a high concentration of hydroquinone. A physician should be consulted before using any ointment or lotion to address an acne condition, or take any prescription medication to address a medical condition. While many people find effective results with topical applications of hydroquinone, it should be noted that topical applications can be harsh on the skin and should be used with caution for sensitive or broken skin.