Hydroquinone for age spots: benefits and harms

Does hydroquinone help with age spots?

Creams containing the active substance hydroquinone are used for aging skin, for skin with a large number of freckles, acne, discoloration due to melasma and age spots.

Quinol (the old name for hydroquinone) neutralizes tyrosine, which contains copper, through a chemical reaction. It blocks oxidation and prevents metabolic processes from developing - just like vitamin C from a squeezed lemon prevents a cut apple from darkening.

Hydroquinone is very toxic, so its content in cosmetics is minimal (no more than 2%). To avoid allergies, creams containing it must be used very carefully. But even a small amount of cream can have a positive effect on skin affected by age spots. The result makes itself felt within two weeks after using the whitening cream.

Hydroquinone for skin - why it is banned in developed countries

Hydroquinone is a rather aggressive chemical element.

Its main function in whitening age spots is to neutralize melanin synthesis.

Pigmentation is the accumulation of melanin in the skin, which is formed due to the amino acid tyrosine.

The action of hydroquinone is aimed at blocking the oxidation of tyrosine. In this case, the formation of melanin is neutralized.

This is what we are looking for! We applied a cream with hydroquinone to the skin and the age spots “gone” forever. Not so simple!

This chemical is quite toxic and its content in cosmetics should not exceed 2%. Exceeding its dosage can lead to allergies, and exceeding the time of use of drugs with it (no more than 8 weeks) can lead to skin cancer.

This substance makes the skin vulnerable to solar radiation. It also leads to the destruction of collagen, the main substance responsible for the elasticity and youth of the skin.

It is worth noting that you will not find hydroquinone in any cream from a good manufacturer. And all because the use of this toxic substance is prohibited in Europe and other developed countries.

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Hydroquinone in cosmetics has been replaced by other, no less effective whitening components, for example, arbutin, licorice extract.

Arbutin is a plant analogue of hydroquinone. And many manufacturers add this component to whitening creams. For example, arbutin is one of the main active ingredients in the whitening cream MELANATIVE from Glenmark or in the NEOTON whitening series (ISISPHARMA).

Negative sides of hydroquinone

It is recommended to use creams with hydroquinone to get rid of age spots and lighten facial skin for no more than 8 weeks. Creams, with all their advantages, also have negative sides.

• The high levels of carcinogens contained in hydroquinone components make the skin vulnerable to ultraviolet rays, which can lead to skin cancer.
• It is not recommended to use the cream during the daytime, in active sun conditions.
• Collagen destruction leads to rapid skin aging. Therefore, despite all the effectiveness of creams, you should not get too carried away with them.
• It is impossible to get rid of pigmentation forever. Cream with hydroquinone does not destroy stains, but only temporarily blocks the process.
• Abuse (use not according to instructions) of creams with active hydroquinone leads to various skin diseases.
• Cream that gets into the eyes can damage the cornea of ​​the eye. You should use such creams carefully.

Judicious use of creams helps remove age spots, freckles, smoothes wrinkles and brightens the skin.

Precautionary measures

When using hydroquinone creams, the following precautions must be strictly observed:

• Pay attention to contraindications and do not ignore them.
• Test the creams you want to use. To do this, apply a little product to the inside of your elbow. After a day, look at the treated area: if there are no signs of irritation, use the product. Otherwise, do not use the test cream.
• Do not use products containing hydroquinone for longer than the recommended course. Constant intake of a toxic substance into the body increases the risk of side effects.
• Avoid getting hydroquinone creams in your eyes. The substance may cause pigmentation of the eyes and damage to the cornea.
• Do not use cosmetic products with hydroquinone before going outside. The substance makes the skin more vulnerable to ultraviolet radiation, which increases the harmful effects of sunlight. The ideal option would be to use creams with hydroquinone in the evening (even if the package says “day”).
• Apply products containing hydroquinone exclusively to areas with age spots.
• Monitor the amount of cosmetic cream you use. Hydroquinone has an aggressive effect on the skin, so a thin layer of the product will be enough for the desired effect.
• Before using hydroquinone creams, cleanse your skin with gel or foam. Be sure to wait until the area being treated is completely dry. In the morning after use, thoroughly wash your face (or other part of the body) to remove any remaining cream.

I used hydroquinone cream. It was called, I think, Achroactive Max. I did not immediately notice that it is better to apply the product in the evenings. After about a week and a half of use, the skin became more sensitive to touch and ultraviolet radiation. While in the sun, I felt that my face was burning badly. Redness began to appear, and in some places itching. I re-read the precautions for using products with hydroquinone and changed the regimen of using the cream. I started using Achroactive Max in the evenings, and in the morning I washed off the remnants and applied sunscreen. The skin condition has returned to normal. Be careful, don't make my mistakes.

Achroactive Max cream review

One of the popular creams for getting rid of pigmentation is the cream from the Bulgarian manufacturer Achroactive Max. The cream, the active substance of which is 2% hydroquinone, is considered harmless, but effective for removing age spots, freckles and lightening facial skin.

The low cost of Achroactive Max (from 80 to 190 rubles) with a volume of 45 ml makes it popular.

• An ultraviolet filter protects your facial skin from the harmful effects of the sun.
• Vitamin C protects the skin from aging and reduces pigmentation.

The effect of using Achroactive Max is visible after 2 weeks. The cream is well absorbed, and after a month of use, the face becomes brighter, wrinkles are smoothed out, the skin looks elastic and rejuvenated.

Healthier Alternatives to Hydroquinone

If you still want a lighter skin tone, replace harmful hydroquinone with other, safer products - azelaic acid, arbutin, vitamin C, etc.

1. Lumixyl Whitening : Recently developed by researchers at Stanford University, it has been found effective in treating melasma as well as any brown spots. Results are similar to hydroquinone, but without the toxicity.
2. Vitamin A, E and especially C are especially good for radiant and bright skin. They reduce the risk of formation of age spots, wrinkles, and increase skin firmness and elasticity.
3. Cranberry, bearberry, and mulberry are sources of arbutin, a natural substance that reduces melanin levels.
4. Azelaic acid - found in wheat, barley, rye. This is a well-known antioxidant that has a positive effect on the condition of the skin, including brightening it.

How to make your skin lighter using natural and safe methods, read the article “The most effective whitening masks”

In general, it is recommended to resort to bleaching only in extreme cases - in the presence of some serious skin defects.

If you just want to lighten your dark skin, think again, many women in the world dream of skin like yours! Be natural - this is real beauty!

The editors recommend:

Achromin cream review

Bulgarian cream Achromin belongs to the budget creams from the series of whitening products.

Achromin is able to get rid of freckles, acne, and age spots within 2-3 weeks. Helps cope with the consequences of skin diseases, such as post-acne. Lactic acid helps increase the flow of vitamins to the epidermis, which speeds up the healing process of the skin after illness. The complex effect of hydroquinone with other components makes the skin bright, clean and toned. The face looks healthier and younger.

Compound

The cream contains hydroquinone - 2%, licorice root juice, lanolin, lactic acid, glycerin, substances with a UV filter, rose fragrance.

The cost is no more than 100 rubles for a volume of 65 ml.

The effect of hydroquine on pigmentation

The content of the substance in bleaching products is negligible, but even small amounts of hydroquinone have an active effect on pigmented human skin. Having started using such products, a woman notices positive results within 2-3 weeks: her face brightens, freckles disappear.

Today, drugs in which hydroquinone is replaced by kojic acid are gaining popularity. Kojic acid C is produced by the bacterium Aspergillus oryzae and is used as a skin lightener and antibiotic. Lightening cosmetics are produced on its basis; a substance is necessarily added that promotes deep penetration of kojic acid into the epidermis. TM Holy Land produces a series of skin whitening products based on this acid.

We recommend reading

• What causes age spots on the skin?
• The effectiveness of using Holy Land cream on pigmentation
• How to avoid the appearance of age spots after solarium

The old name for hydroquinone is quinol. Some people developed dermatitis and other skin diseases when using cosmetics with this ingredient; it is prohibited in the United States, Japan, and the European Union.

The substance in its pure form is toxic, hazardous to health, flammable and unstable. Scientifically proven to be carcinogenic to animals; relevance to humans unknown. When it comes into contact with skin tissue, the substance oxidizes and converts hemoglobin into methemoglobin.

Astramin cream review

Astramin cream has undergone clinical trials and has been found safe for use. The main feature of Astramin is its effectiveness: the cream is able to combat skin problems within a month from the date of last use.

• Eliminates freckles and pigment spots.
• Eliminates age-related darkening of facial skin.
• Protects against pigments - lentigo.
• Protects against ultraviolet radiation.
• Cleanses dead skin cells of the dermis.
• Whitens the face after sunbathing.

Astramin cream (priced from 120 rubles per 45 ml.) is quite effective. It can be used for up to 2 months without harm to the skin. The effect is visible already on day 5.

Compound

Contains fruit and lactic acids, UV filter substances, vitamin C.

120 rubles for 45 ml

HimMax

Hydroquinone

C6H6O2

Hydroquinone

(para-dihydroxybenzene, benzene-1,4-diol, cyclohexa-1,3,5-triene-1,4-diol) - an aromatic organic compound, a representative of diatomic phenols with the chemical formula C6H4(OH)2, an isomer of pyrocatechol and resorcinol . A strong reducing agent, used as a developer in photography, an antioxidant in the chemical industry, and a reagent for the determination of niobium, tungsten, gold and cesium in analytical chemistry.

Story

It was first used as a developing agent by William Abney.

Physical properties

White or colorless crystals. It has modifications that differ in physical properties: the stable α-modification has a melting point of 173.8–174.8 °C and a density of 1.36 g/cm2, the unstable γ-modification has a melting point of 169 °C and a density of 1.325 g/cm2. It has a molar mass of 110.11 g/mol, a boiling point of 286.5 °C, and a flash point of 165 °C. Sublimes at 163.5 °C (10 mmHg).

Soluble in water (5.26 g/100 ml at 5 °C, 21.21 g/100 ml at 50 °C, 56.25 g/100 ml at 70 °C), alcohol (127.27 g/100 g ), acetone (77.94 g/100 g). Forms clathrates. In particular, the clathrate with methanol has the formula 3C6H6O2·CH3OH.

Chemical properties

Is a strong reducing agent. The process of interaction with oxidizing agents occurs in two stages - in the first, hydroquinone is converted into quinhydrone, in the second - into 4-benzoquinone.

When interacting with an aqueous solution of potassium carbonate at 130 ° C it turns into 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, with methylamine under pressure at 200 ° C it forms 4-methylaminophenol, with maleic anhydride - naphthazarin, with phthalic anhydride it gives quinizarin. Forms simple mono- and diesters when treated with alkylating reagents[3].

Definition

Hydroquinone can be determined using a color reaction: the appearance of a yellow-green to golden color when hydroquinone is heated to 100 °C with sodium nitrite and dilute sulfuric acid. When sodium hydroxide is added, the color changes to yellow-brown.

Properties used in photography

It has developing properties, reducing silver bromide in alkaline solutions to form quinone and hydrogen bromide:

+ 2 AgBr {\displaystyle {\ce {->}}} + 2 Ag + 2 HBr

Development begins at pH above 9.5.

Receipt

Hydroquinone was originally derived from quinone. Various versions of this method are still used for laboratory production of the reagent; For this purpose, for example, the reduction of an aqueous solution of 4-benzoquinone is carried out using sulfur dioxide [3] [6].

In industry it is synthesized in the following ways:

• oxidation of 1,4-diisopropylbenzene with air, then acid hydrolysis of the resulting bis-hydroperoxide is carried out to form hydroquinone and acetone;
• hydroxylation of phenol with 70% hydrogen peroxide at 90 °C using 75% phosphoric acid or 65% perchloric acid as catalysts. As a result of the reaction, a mixture of hydroquinone and pyrocatechol is formed, which is subsequently separated by rectification;
• the interaction of phenol and acetone to form 4-isopropylphenol, which is oxidized with hydrogen peroxide in an acidic environment to form hydroquinone and acetone;
• oxidation of aniline sulfate with manganese dioxide or chromic acid to 4-benzoquinone, then 4-benzoquinone is reduced with powdered iron in water at 70-80 °C in the presence of sodium hydrosulfite with a total reaction yield of 74-84%.

Application

It is used in photography as a developing substance, in the synthesis of organic dyes, as an antioxidant, etc.

In cosmetic preparations it is used in tanning products and as hair dye, but in recent years it has been banned in some countries due to the high danger to the skin. [ source not specified 39 days

]

As an inhibitor of the free radical polymerization reaction, methyl methacrylate is included in chemically cured dental composite materials.

Biological role

It has a weak disinfection effect, similar to that of phenol[3].

Security[edit | edit wiki text]

When it enters the body, it is oxidized to 4-benzoquinone, which converts hemoglobin into methemoglobin. The maximum permissible concentration for aerosol is 2 mg/m3.

Expigment cream review

Sold in two versions with hydroquinone content 2% and 4%. If you use the second option, the effect will be more obvious. But it is not recommended to use it for a long time. It is not recommended to use 4% cream for more than 1 month due to increased toxicity.

Compound

In addition to hydroquinone, it includes fruit acids, lactic acids, and ascorbic acid (vitamin C).

Turkish whitening cream Expigment can be bought at a pharmacy for 800 rubles per 30 g.

Creams with hydroquinone: the best in terms of price-quality ratio.

But many women still try to whiten their age spots by any means. And they feverishly search in stores for whitening products that they know from their grandmothers.

So, what cosmetic products can contain hydroquinone?

Whitening cream AHROMIN.

This is exactly the whitening cream with hydroquinone that our grandmothers tell us about its wonderful whitening properties.

Achromin is a whitening cream from the famous Bulgarian manufacturer Alen Mak.

In the time of our grandmothers, Achromin actually contained hydroquinone (2%). But now it is almost impossible to find Achromin with this substance. The composition of modern Achromin includes licorice extract and lactic acid in a small concentration.

Licorice extract can help lighten pigmentation, but not as quickly or effectively as hydroquinone. Therefore, do not wait for the manufacturer’s promised whitening of age spots and freckles within 2-3 weeks.

If you decide to use hydroquinone for your skin, then look for the word Hydroquinone on the packaging of this cream.

Whitening cream Achroactive Max This whitening cream contains 2% hydroquinone, vitamin C and UV filters.

The product is quite cheap - 45 ml costs from 100 rubles.

If you use the time recommended by the manufacturer (no more than 8 weeks), then this product will be quite effective for whitening age spots.

According to reviews, the first effect of Achroactive Max is visible within 2-3 weeks after use. Pigmentation becomes noticeably lighter.

But, look for Achroactive Max with hydroquinone in its composition - Hydroquinone.

There are Achroactive Max creams on the market without the main whitening component, hydroquinone. And you just buy a regular lightening cream.

Cream Astramin for pigment spots

Another product with hydroquinone from the manufacturer Galant Cosmetic.

Its composition is almost identical to Achroactive Max.

In addition to hydroquinone, it contains fruit acids, lactic acid, and UV filters.

The manufacturer promises quick whitening of age spots and freckles.

The cost of 45 ml is about 120-130 rubles.

Whitening cream Expigment

In online stores and sometimes in pharmacies you can find another cream with hydroquinone - Expigment. This product is made in Turkey.

There are 2 versions of this cream - with 2% and 4% hydroquinone content.

As you already understand, 2% hydroquinone content is considered conditionally safe.

4% is already too much. We would not recommend experimenting with such high levels of hydroquinone.

Expigment also contains lactic acid, vitamin C, and fruit acids.

The cost of a 30 g tube is about 800-900 rubles.

Hydroquinone in Expigment cream will help make age spots noticeably lighter in a fairly short time.

An overview of fairly inexpensive and accessible means was provided here. You can also find expensive creams with hydroquinone in online stores. Basically, these are creams from American and Japanese manufacturers. The cost of such cosmetics is often very high. But in addition to this bleaching substance, such creams contain additional caring substances. They protect the skin from the harmful effects of toxic hydroquinone and have a rejuvenating effect.

If you still decide to use creams with hydroquinone to whiten age spots, then pay attention to our recommendations:

Before using such products, do an allergy test. Apply a small amount of the product to the bend of your elbow and if after 40-50 minutes no irritation or allergies occur, then the cream can be used.

The use of creams with this substance is recommended for no more than 2 months.

Use whitening products only during periods of low sun activity - in autumn and winter. And even at this time, use cosmetics with UV filters.

Effect of whitening cream

The main reason may be:

• changes in hormonal levels;
• liver or gastrointestinal diseases;
• gynecological pathologies;
• hereditary factor.

If pigment spots on the skin are caused by an internal factor, only medical treatment with special preparations can solve the skin problem. When pigmentation appears due to sunburn, skin trauma, or after acne, whitening cosmetics will come to the rescue.

Each cream against age spots has a different effect on the skin and is divided into the following groups:

1. Means for destroying melanin pigment in skin cells;
2. Agents affecting melanin production;
3. Means to destroy and prevent re-accumulation of pigment.

Creams against age spots often contain acids that stimulate skin cell renewal and accelerate lightening. Before buying whitening cosmetics, it is first recommended to study the list of ingredients of the anti-pigmentation cream or serum.

Some substances may cause side effects such as skin irritation or redness.

Creams for brown or other spots may contain the following ingredients:

• hydroquinone;
• arbutin or beta-carotene;
• fruit acid;
• glycolic acid;
• retinol (vitamin A);
• Tretinol

In addition to these components, the pigmentation lightening cream may include:

• White clay;
• melanozyme;
• lemon acid;
• borax;
• resorcinol.

Hydroquinone can be found in various skin whitening products, as it is effective against various hyperpigmentation. Despite this, hydroquinone cream may be harmful and cause unwanted reactions.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=GyYdeDVnbG4

https://youtube.com/watch?v=GyYdeDVnbG4

Peeling with hydroquinone

Hydroquinone (what it is, how it works and how to use it - you can find out from the instructions for the purchased drug) can be contained in creams in different proportions. The products may also differ from each other in composition. Peeling with hydroquinone is popular and provides guaranteed results.

Another name for the procedure is Jessner peeling.

Active substances:

• Lactic acid
• Hydroquinone
• Kojic acid
• Lemon acid
• Alcohol
• Salicylic acid

Peeling with hydroquinone is an effective remedy for combating age spots of all types. It deeply cleanses the skin, and the recovery period does not take much time. Sold in bottles at the pharmacy.

There are 2 types of Jessner peel:

1. Surface. Apply 1 layer of peeling. Used as preparatory care before deep cleaning. This type of peeling reduces pores, smoothes and moisturizes the skin.
2. Median exfoliation. The product is applied in more than 1 layer. After the procedure, the skin recovers within 1 week. Suitable for combating scars, wrinkles, pigmentation.

Indications for use:

• Oily skin.
• Photoaging.
• Hyperpigmentation.
• Acne and post-acne.
• Dull skin.

Hydroquinone uses

This substance reduces the production of melanin in the skin , so it is suitable for aging skin with hyperpigmentation, getting rid of the effects of acne, freckles, sun spots, melasma and other issues related to skin discoloration.

Hydroquinone is found in special whitening creams, which, by the way, are already banned in the European Union and Great Britain . But, unfortunately, it can also be found in hair dyes, nail polishes, and hair styling products (gels, varnishes, straighteners).

Some facial skin care products use hydroquinone: cleansers, moisturizing creams - hydroquinone was an admixture of tocopherol acetate in 24.9% and in products with tocopherol linoleate in 12.1%. Therefore, read the labels carefully!

Hydroquinone Obagi

Obagi is a well-known cosmetics brand that produces products to combat acne, aging and pigmentation. Contains 4% hydroquinone and 10% L-ascorbic acid.

Obagi have developed 2 series of cosmetics for age spots:

1. Obagi: Nu-Derm. Cosmetics in this series smooth out wrinkles, even out skin color, removing age spots and whitening pigment spots, and also moisturize and mattify the skin.
2. Obagi: C-RX. This series is aimed at removing age spots.
   The results are visible after 6-7 weeks: the skin becomes more elastic, acquires a healthy color and firmness. How Obagi Hydroquinone Works

The course is designed for 18-22 weeks. The cream should be used day and evening, in accordance with the instructions. During the first week, peeling, dryness, redness and burning are possible.

How effective are whitening creams?

You should not expect that after the first application of a whitening cream to your skin you will be able to immediately get rid of pigmentation.

As a rule, high-quality products have the following effects:

You will be able to notice the first result no earlier than the 3rd day from the start of using the cream. As for home-made products, the effect will be more delayed in time; it can be seen no earlier than 4-5 days from the start of using the product. This is explained by the fact that the active substances, penetrating the skin, destroy coloring pigments gradually, and not at lightning speed.

You should not stop treatment after the pigmentation area has become a little lighter. The course must be completed, this may take about a month, but not less than 3 weeks

It is important to follow all the manufacturer's recommendations and apply the cream to the skin regularly. Gradually, pigment spots will become less noticeable and then disappear altogether.

The skin will become bright, elastic, healthy and radiant.

Whitening cream not only eliminates pigmentation, but also helps reduce inflammation. This means that with its help you can get rid of acne, as well as smooth out shallow wrinkles.

The effectiveness of whitening creams should be assessed objectively, without expecting any magic. This will avoid disappointment from unfulfilled hopes. In addition to positive effects, most bleaching agents also have side effects. Therefore, in this regard, it is safer to use homemade whitening products. But their disadvantage is that the effect will be delayed over time and not as noticeable as when using store-bought creams.