Hydroquinone

Cashmere Skin · Joined: 20 Feb 2009 Posts: 2

Hello,

I know this is a controversial topic, but has anyone experienced good results using this product? I am using 10% right now with great results, but I'm wondering if it will last.

I know it's not recommended for long term use, but has anyone experienced any really bad side effects with it?

Thanks,

Julie

newskin · Joined: 04 Apr 2009 Posts: 7

I had really bad results with hydroquinone.

dnc09 · Joined: 24 Sep 2009 Posts: 1

I am also interested in this product. Has anyone had results with lemon juice as a more mild alternative?

tess1222 · Joined: 23 Sep 2009 Posts: 2 Location: Pittsburgh, Pa

Hydroquinone is very effective for skin lightening I have used it for sometime myself .

I am looking for alternatives myself because I do not want to develop Exogenous ochronosis. If I could stop using it and sustain the results I'd be very happy but I have noticed, as soon as I stop using it, my skin quickly starts to darken. I have also noticed that my complexion is altered completely from what it was before I started using hydroquinone. I am about three shades darker than I originally was. I stopped using it in June.

10% is TOO high for hydroquinone.

I have an aunt who has developed ochronosis (a blue black darkening of the skin) She has been using a high percentage hydroquinone cream for as far back as I can remember on her face. The parts of her skin that do not have the ochronosis are light, so the dark patches really stand out. No matter how much hydroquinone she applies on them they do not lighten. She also has sagging skin in the most unusual places. I feel really bad for her. Seeing her skin is enough to take me off hydroquinone if i did not see it with my own eyes and just read about it i think i would still be using it. I 'd advise you to use the lower strength . This passage explains this effect better than I can....

"Also causes exogenous ochronosis. This disorder is characterized by progressive darkening of the area to which the cream containing HQ is applied. Histologically, degeneration of collagen and elastic fibers occurs. This degeneration is followed by the appearance of characteristic ochronotic deposits consisting of crescent-shaped, fibers in the (skin)."

I had read about all these effects for a long time but as they say, Seeing is believing.

I am looking for an alternative to hydroquinone I do not want to use kojic and other actives that are related to hydroquinone.

I tried vitamin c in the form of L- ascorbic acid but I am one of the few who can not tolerate it well It really burns my skin so I have not been able to use it long enough to see results. It is recommended to treat hyperpigmentation though.

I am making a simple serum with Niacinamide and another with Licorice Extract. I will start using them and see if they give me any positive results. At this point I just want my original complexion back not any lighter or darker.