Everyone desires of having flawless and even skin tone! In today’s cutthroat, competitive world, we hardly get time to look after our skin health. Only a fraction of people get close to it; the rest of them are struggling with the odds of skin issues such as dark spots, freckles, melasma, and hyperpigmentation. Scores of people are suffering from a distressing condition that exerts dark patches on the face and makes it look uneven. Genetic makeup, hormonal changes, stress and drug reactions could be the underlying reasons for the condition.
The active ingredient found in many skin lightening products, named Hydroquinone cream, is the best available solution to deal with dark spots, melasma, and hyperpigmentation. It is one of the most popular products used by women and is considered to be a safe and effective treatment. However, there is a dark side to hydroquinone, as it does have side effects, which your physician will be aware of and will make you aware of. The desired results can be achieved by applying a prescribed concentration of medicine by the doctor.
Keep scrolling to learn what hydroquinone is, how it works, and where it can be applied.
What is Hydroquinone?
Hydroquinone is an organic compound that lightens hyperpigmented areas and evens out the skin tone. It is a skin lightening agent that fades the dark, stubborn spots, post-acne marks, and ageing spots. Hydroquinone 4 cream aims to decrease the melanin production in the skin, which is useful for skin discolouration issues.
How does Hydroquinone work?
To understand its mode of action, it’s important to be well-versed in the terms “Melanin” and “Melanogenesis”. Melanogenesis is a process in which melanocytes make the pigment known as melanin. Melanocytes are melanin-producing cells abundantly found in the basal layer of the epidermis and contribute to the process of skin pigmentation.
Melanogenesis
This process of melanin production occurs in the liver. It is a three-step process involving the following steps:
- The first step involves the conversion of phenylalanine to tyrosine by the action of phenylalanine hydroxylase.
- After melanocytes produce melanin (a specialised structure in which melanin is produced), tyrosine is oxidised to L-DOPA, which is ultimately further oxidised to DOPAquinone.
- Dopaquinone further diverges to produce eumelanin and pheomelanin.
Melanin is of three types
- Eumelanin: It is present in the black and brown populations and is abundantly found in skin, hair, and the area around the nipples.
- Pheomelanin: Predominantly present in pale white-skinned individuals, it is found in hair and skin.
- Neuromelanin: It is present in the brain and its deficiency can instigate various neurological problems
Dark-skinned people produce more melanin than people with white skin. It is present in various areas of the human body:
- Skin
- Hair
- Pupils
- Some parts of the brain area, such as the substantia nigra
- Inner side of the ears
Where does Hydroquinone act?
It acts on the very first step of melanin pigment process. It inhibits the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase, preventing the formation of Tyrosine. It interrupts melanogenesis in the initial phase of melanin formation. It takes several months to show response and does not bleach the skin.
Hydroquinone, as a depigmenting agent, is widely used worldwide. It is available in strengths of 2% and 4% for topical application on the affected area. 2% is found as over the counter for the hyperpigmentation treatment. If you don’t get results with 2% formulation, then with the prescription of a doctor, one can use 4% and results will take a few weeks to a few months. Apply religiously and be patient enough to observe the desired changes in your skin.
Avoid sunlight and use sunscreen to accelerate the healing process with melalite hydroquinone. It makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight and may cause darkening. It is always advisable to consult a dermatologist before initiating treatment, as it may have some rare side effects, such as ochronosis (blue-black discolouration of the skin).
