What is hydroquinone, application in cosmetology: whitening creams, peeling, ointment, tablets. Achroactive max, reviews

Hydroquinone is the best thing ever to fight pigmentation. This substance is actively used in cosmetology and medicine. But such a highly effective remedy also has negative consequences. How to properly get rid of pigmentation without harming your health, this article will tell.

Hydroquinone - what is this substance

Hydroquinone is a bleaching agent that reduces the production of melanin (the pigment that forms birthmarks, freckles, and hair and eye color) in the skin. This substance is used in all brightening products for the face, body, hair.

Despite its widespread use and effectiveness, hydroquinone is considered a very toxic element. Since 1961, it has been in great demand: the substance can quickly whiten the skin in 4-6 weeks. There are 2 types of hydroquinone: 2% (for removing light spots) and 4% (for complex pigmentation).

Composition of the substance formula

The organic compound C6H4 (OH) 2 is a strong reducing agent. Used as an antioxidant, reagent and developer. With the help of С6Н4 (ОН) 2 (hydroquinone) photographs are developed, some food products, cosmetics and organic dyes are produced.

Benefit and harm

The benefits of hydroquinone are guaranteed whitening from age spots. Preparations with this substance are popular, but not all are available for purchase. Hydroquinone creams are an effective product, therefore the high price corresponds to the quality.

The substance causes great harm in case of its thoughtless use: violation of instructions, dosage and admission period. A minimum amount of hydroquinone is added to the cream - this is enough for a visible result.With prolonged use of this substance, pigmentation may increase and skin color may change.

Whitening creams cannot be used on hot days due to the interaction of the sun and hydroquinone (it becomes poisonous when exposed to ultraviolet radiation).

Operating principle

Hydroquinone whitens the skin by reducing the number of melanocytes. Melanocytes produce a pigment substance called melanin, which forms pigment spots.After some time, the pigmentation will return, this is the minus of hydroquinone - it does not destroy the pigment itself, but only temporarily blocks the production of melanin and brightens the skin.

Adverse reactions

The following options are possible:

• hydroquinone reduces the melanin pigments in the skin, making the skin more sensitive to the sun. This increases your risk of getting more pigmentation than you would if you don't use sunscreen all year round.
• Short-term side effects of the substance include irritation, redness, and contact dermatitis (inflammation of the skin).
• long-term use of the product is considered toxic and mutagenic for cells; hydroquinone causes skin aging.
• the substance can cause ochronosis (darkening of the skin and destruction of collagen fibers).

Application in medicine, cosmetology

Hydroquinone has been used to treat febrile diseases because it has antipyretic, disinfecting, and antiseptic effects. In the USSR, with the help of this element, venereal diseases were treated. Currently not used in therapies. This decision was made due to its toxicity.

Hydroquinone (what it is and what is its toxicity, it became known after it began to be used) even before serious research, cosmetologists prescribed to get rid of pigmentation.

This substance is found in most bleaching products: creams, ointments, sprays, paints. A safe solution of hydroquinone is used in cosmetics - 2%, while 4% is the most dangerous for health.

Whitening freckles

Freckle whitening is most convenient with ready-made creams using hydroquinone. It is recommended to purchase good-quality products in pharmacies, not in cosmetics stores.The whitening cream shows successful results in getting rid of freckles within 2-3 weeks.

Many products add oils and beneficial components, so they make the skin smooth and soft, and some are able to reduce fine wrinkles. If the instructions for using hydroquinone creams are not followed, the opposite effect can be obtained.

With prolonged use of whitening products, the skin becomes so thin that stretch marks may appear.

Rules for using hydroquinone creams:

• consultation with a dermatologist is required before use;
• sensitivity test is mandatory;
• the cream is applied in the evening to clean skin with a thin layer on the pigmented areas of the face or body;

  

• avoid contact with eyes or mouth;
• the period of safe use of funds - no more than 2 months;
• be sure to protect your skin with a sunscreen spray;
• the cream must be suitable for the type of human skin;
• it is not recommended to use a bleaching agent in the presence of wounds or inflammations.

Freckle creams are more expensive than home remedies but are more effective.

Recipes for whitening freckles at home:

• cucumber pulp + parsley;
• kefir;
• strawberry or red currant juice;
• lemon juice;
• white or blue clay.

From pigmented manifestations

People use products with hydroquinone for rejuvenation, lightening age spots, and acne marks. The lightening agent is contained in cosmetics in minimal amounts, which has a positive effect on skin color. This is enough for a visible result after 2 weeks.

Do not use creams with 4% hydroquinone in them, such an amount of the substance is dangerous to health and extremely toxic.

The rules for using hydroquinone for age spots are the same as for freckles:

• before use, a dermatologist's consultation and a sensitivity test are required;
• the product is applied in the evening to clean skin with a thin layer on the pigmented areas of the face or body;
• avoid contact with eyes or mouth;
• the period of safe use of the product is no more than 2 months;
• be sure to protect your skin with a sunscreen spray;
• the cream must be suitable for the type of human skin;
• it is not recommended to use hydroquinone in the presence of wounds or inflammation.

How to use hydroquinone cream for age spots:

Azelain face peeling

Azelaic (nonanedioic) acid is a substance belonging to the group of carboxylic acids. Distinctive properties - the ability to penetrate the deep layers of the skin, antibacterial and antifungal action. Nonanedioic acid evens out skin color and reduces the body's production of melatonin (a hormone that promotes pigment production).

Hydroquinone (what it is and its danger is described above) can be replaced with azelaic acid. Peeling with this substance acts gently and effectively, without causing inflammation and flaking of the skin. It is a safe remedy for pigmentation.

Indications for use:

• acne - inflammation of the skin (acne);
• dermatitis - irritation and itching of the skin;
• preparation of the face for cosmetic effects;
• hyperpigmentation;
• folliculitis - an infectious disease with purulent inflammation;
• rosacea - dilated blood vessels on the face;
• ingrown hair;
• rosacea is a pinkish acne rash.

Contraindications:

• allergy;
• pregnancy;
• herpes;
• inflammation and wounds on the skin.

Benefits of Azelaine Peel:

1. Not addictive with frequent treatments.
2. For all skin types and ages.
3. Shrinks pores.
4. Brightens by suppressing the production of melanin.
5. Gently cleanses the skin.
6. No recovery period required.

Rules for using azelaine peeling:

• Consultation with a dermatologist is mandatory.
• A sensitivity test is required.
• A week before the procedure, you should prepare the skin for azelaic acid, namely: treat the skin with creams with AHA acids (hydroxycarboxylic acids or fruit acids).
• The course of treatment is determined by a doctor (dermatologist). Usually it consists of 5-12 procedures, which are done every 2 weeks.

Procedure:

1. Cleaning the skin from dirt and make-up.
2. Degreasing the skin for deep peeling. The skin is treated with products containing glycolic acid (AHA acid).
3. The cream is applied with massage movements for 15 minutes (or until the product is completely absorbed). The cream is washed off the face with distilled water. The product should not get into the area around the eyes or on the lips.
4. After peeling, the skin should be soothed with a special bio-concentrate.

After the procedure, the skin needs enhanced care: to remove makeup, use milk, regularly moisturize the skinat. After azelaine peeling, you cannot visit the bathhouse and sauna for two weeks, you must use sunscreen.

Azelain peeling has no side effects, except for possible allergies, dryness and skin infection if the procedures are not performed correctly.

Peeling with hydroquinone (Jessner peeling)

Hydroquinone (what it is, how it works and how to use it - you can find out from the instructions for the purchased drug) in creams can be contained in different proportions. Funds can also differ from each other in composition. Peeling with hydroquinone is popular and gives guaranteed results. Another name for the procedure is Jessner's peeling.

Active substances:

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

Peeling with hydroquinone is an effective remedy for combating all types of age spots. It deeply cleanses the skin, and the recovery period does not take long.

Sold in bottles at the pharmacy.

Jessner's peeling is of 2 types:

• Surface. 1 layer of peeling is applied. It is used as a preparatory treatment before deep cleaning. With this type of peeling, pores are reduced, the skin is smoothed and moisturized;
• Median exfoliation. The product is applied more than 1 layer. After the procedure, the skin is restored for 1 week. Suitable for combating scars, wrinkles, pigmentation.

Indications for use:

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

Procedure:

1. Cleansing the face from dirt and makeup.
2. Degreasing the skin using special products with glycolic acids.
3. Shake the bottle well before use.
4. It should be applied with a brush or cotton pad on the face and neck.
5. Number of coats - from 2 to 4. Coats are applied every 3 minutes.
6. Do not wash off the product from the face for 6-10 hours.

Recovery period after peeling:

• After washing, the skin must be moisturized with a healing cream to relieve irritation. Better to use products with chamomile, aloe and hyaluronic acid.
• During recovery, you must not: use cosmetics, visit the solarium and swimming pools, sweat a lot, be in the cold for a long time.
• Crusts may form on the skin, which in no case should be torn off, otherwise you will have to do a deeper cleaning.

Contraindications:

• allergy;
• inflammation and wounds on the skin;
• exacerbation of herpes;
• pregnancy.

Side effects:

• redness;
• swelling;
• sensitivity;
• dark skin.

How is Jessner peeling:

Don't miss the most popular column article: Amaranth oil - properties and application in cosmetology, reviews, the price of the product.

Complications after use

Hydroquinone is a substance that can cause complications if procedures are performed incorrectly:

• When hydroquinone enters the human body in large quantities, it interacts with the blood, forming a powerful oxidizing agent - n-benzoquinone.
• Pregnant women are prohibited from using funds with this substance. Hydroquinone adversely affects the development of the fetus.
• Long-term use of cosmetics with hydroquinone can lead to ochronosis, a skin condition where age spots become more visible and the skin darkens.
• Discoloration of nails and transparency of the skin is possible.
• Thoughtless use can reverse the desired effect - hyperpigmentation.

Review of popular drugs, tablets, gels, ointments with hydroquinone: price table

Preparations and prices: table

Expigment Hydroquinone Whitening Cream

Expigment is a whitening cream from Turkey. Available in both 2% and 4% hydroquinone. It is a drug, therefore it is used in accordance with the instructions. It contains fruit acids and ascorbic acid.

The drug is quickly absorbed and easy to apply. It does not have a pungent smell and does not cause discomfort (burning sensation is possible for the first time). Very effective against pigmentation, but should not be used for more than 2 months.

After application, the skin must be protected with sunscreen.

Hydroquinone Obagi - Obagi

Obagi is a well-known cosmetic brand that produces products to fight acne, aging and pigmentation. It contains 4% hydroquinone and 10% L-ascorbic acid.

Obagi has developed 2 series of cosmetics for age spots:

1. Obagi: Nu-Derm.
   Cosmetics of this series smoothes wrinkles, evens out skin color, removing age spots and whitening discolorations, as well as moisturizing and mattifying 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 elasticity.

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

Achroactive max

Bulgarian-made cream with sunscreen and whitening effect.

Achroactive max removes age spots by penetrating into the horny cells, which facilitates easy absorption of whitening and moisturizing ingredients.

The likelihood of an allergic reaction is very small. Achroactive max tightens pores and removes dirt from the skin, making the skin look more well-groomed and smoother.

The active substance is hydroquinone 2%. The cream is easy to apply to the skin and is quickly absorbed. Ideal for prophylaxis and not difficult pigmentation.

Alternative substances

Many hydroquinone products can cause an allergic reaction or side effect. But you can find a worthy replacement for it:

• Arbutin is a natural plant substance that slows down the production of melanin. Contained in the leaves of cranberry, bearberry, mulberry, Caucasian blueberry;
• Vitamin A, E, C - can reduce the risk of age spots, as well as wrinkles;
• Azelaic acid, which is found in wheat, barley and rye;
• Licorice extract;
• White clay;
• Chamomile decoction;
• Essential oils of rosewood, eucalyptus and lavender;
• Citric and lactic acid;
• Jojoba and calendula oil.

Reviews of doctors on the safety of using hydroquinone

Hydroquinone (what it is and what its danger is known to many consumers) continues to be used as a whitening agent, despite warnings from doctors.

Funds with a substance above 2% are prohibited in many countries (Japan, USA). The reason for this was the misuse of hydroquinone creams. Hydroquinone is safe and effective with careful use and following the instructions.

Hydroquinone is prescribed for people with complex pigmentation and acne scars. Using a drug with hydroquinone is risky if a person uses it for a long time. In this case, dermatologists change the course of treatment and the substance.

Many doctors consider hydroquinone to be dangerous, citing its carcinogenic and mutagenic properties. Recent studies on the effects of hydroquinone on the human body have shown that hydroquinone does not provoke cancer cells. However, it has been confirmed to be carcinogenic to animals.

Hydroquinone in small doses contained in creams is an excellent assistant in the fight against pigmentation, wrinkles, and acne scars. None of the known skin whiteners is capable of such an effective and fast action.

Article author: Anastasia Kuzmina

Article design: Svetlana Ovsyanikova

Video on the topic: hydroquinone: what it is, how to use products with hydroquinone

Hydroquinone as a remedy for age spots: is it worth using: