Skin Lightening with Hyrdroquinone

   I am continuing the series on skin lightening by talking about one of the most popular lightening products on the market, hydroquinone.
Hydroquinone is a topical cream that helps reverse the signs of sun damage and melasma through interrupting the receptors in the skin that causes the melanocytes to discolor. Hydroquinone inhibits tyrosinase which is responsible for the melanin darkening.
   Hydroquinone can be found in smaller doses blended with moisturizers at department stores. These by law cannot be any more than 2% in strength.  However, the most effective strength is 4% through prescription only. You can purchase 4% strength at medspas and physician offices.
     I would be remiss to not talk about some controversy that has surrounded hydroquinone in the past decade.  Some studies have claimed that there is a carcinogen connection to the use of hydroquinone. In studies lab rats were given high doses (up to 10%) of the ingredient orally and topically. Of course the application is only topical in humans and the FDA has only approved up to 4% here in the United States. Countries in Africa and Asia are known to regularly use up to 10% topical formulations.
As with anything you will want to ask your professional provider if you are a good candidate for the product.
    Check back next week for more information about skin care,  product trends and everything beauty.