Hydroquinone Cream
Hydroquinone cream is the most popular option these days, for bleaching the skin. It is also used to treat skin disorders such as acne, melasma, hyperpigmentation and liver spots. Also referred to as quinol or benzene-1,4-diol, having chemical formula C6H4(OH)2, it is a phenol type organic compound. It is aromatic in nature.
It is used as skin moisturizer and cleanser. It is also used as a bleaching cream for melasma and hyperpigmentation, which is over saturation of melanin in body. In the US, you can buy it over the counter, having a concentration of hydroquinone up to 2%. This is comparatively safe, and works as skin lightening cream, without any reactions of allergy. It can be used to whiten freckles. Some dermatologists recommend Hydroquinone 4 to treat skin disorders such as acne scars and for lightening the skin, however, being very concentrated it increases the risks of side effects such as cancer.
Products
Hydroquinone is most commonly used in products meant for lightening the skin and as a bleaching cream for dark spots. Women who use more beauty care creams or sunscreen lotions are most likely to use creams that contain this chemical. It is also used in products such as face creams, hair conditioners, skin fading agents, skin moisturizers, anti aging products, skin lighteners and skin cleansers. According to research, tocopherol linoleate, tocopherol acetate and other chemicals with the prefix 'toco' are found to contain hydroquinone. In places like Saudi Arabia and some African nations, approximately 30% of the population uses creams for lightening the skin.
Side Effects
Hydroquinone lightens the skin by lowering melanin pigments in the skin and thus, increases the risk of exposure of skin to UVB and UVA rays. Ultra violet exposure may trigger the risk of skin cancer and carcinogenic effects. The U.S. Cosmetics Ingredient Review Panel states that it is dangerous to be included in products which need frequent use, such as skin care products. Hydroquinone may harm the endocrine system. It may also trigger disorders such as reproductive toxicity, cancer and neurotoxicity. The chemical can also lead to ochronosis, a skin disorder, in which skin gets affected due to the formation of black pigments. The members of the European Union have banned its use in skin care products due to these risks involved.
Reviews by the FDA state that its presence makes these creams potential carcinogen. Based on the study done on rodents, it was concluded that hydroquinone lead to development of hepatocellular adenoma, leukemia and anisokaryosis. Some people have reported to be suffering from tingling sensation and rashes on face. In some cases, usage during day time lead to development of hyperpigmentation on the face or cheekbones.
There is an ongoing debate between people for, and people against the chemical. People in favor of hydroquinone state that it is not administered orally and secondly, small amounts would not lead to cancer. People against it claim that, since it possesses a risk of triggering cancer, it's not safe to use it even in little amounts. It's always better to consult your dermatologist and before using, follow the directions listed on the product. Even though these creams are some of the most popular products for lightening skin disorders such as age spots, its side effects cannot be ignored. Using it, as directed and, in small amounts can help to be preventive. Also, avoid frequent use. Using it for years would just invite trouble. You may use it for a few weeks, and in small quantities.
Blog Archive
-
▼
2013
(4371)
-
▼
February
(743)
- Makeup for Women Over 50
- Pierced Ear Problems
- Short Permed Hair
- Rook Piercing Pain
- Facial Toning Exercises
- Emo Hairstyles for Girls with Short Hair
- Compatibility between Capricorn and Libra
- What to Say to a Guy You Like
- Medium-Length Hairstyles for Prom
- Bathroom Renovation Checklist
- How to Organize a Beauty Pageant
- Flirting Tips for Guys
- Non-Religious Wedding Ceremony
- Detangler for Hair
- Gray Hair Cure
- Top Bathroom Colors 2012
- Types Of Jeans
- Lingual Frenulum Piercing
- Can You Afford a House
- Fashion Over 60
- Best Exfoliator for Men
- Interior Decorating Styles
- Anti Aging Vitamins for Women
- How to Make Furniture Look Distressed
- Retro Wedding Dresses
- Casual Wear for Men
- Are You Addicted to Makeup?
- Ghetto Hairstyles
- Patchouli Plant
- How to Make Friends and Keep Them
- Blue Tape Removal
- Bamboo Clothing
- Homemade Lip Scrub
- Workout Clothes for Men
- Haircuts for Frizzy Hair
- Dining Room Decorating Ideas
- Small Bathroom Makeover Ideas
- Wedding Card Boxes Ideas
- Steps to Become a Fashion Designer
- Lipstick Colors for African-American Women
- Metal Wall Art
- Decorating a Small Attic Bedroom
- What Makes a Good Friend
- Mascara for Men
- 7 Things Dads can do Better than Moms
- Military Inspired Fashion Trends
- Damaged Hair Care
- Dating Games Men Play
- Office Paint Color Ideas
- Best Foundation for Acne Prone Skin
- Country Style Decorating Ideas
- Cost to Add a Bathroom
- Nice Color Ideas for Your Room
- Why do Men Need Women in their Lives?
- 12 Most Sleep Deprived Jobs
- Sophisticated Hairstyles for Men
- Renaissance Clothing Patterns
- What Women Want in a Man
- Romantic Things to Do for Your Boyfriend
- How to Make Face Mask at Home
- How to Make Eyebrows Grow Faster
- Short Hairstyles for Cheerleaders
- Tattoo Placement Ideas
- Infant Ear Piercing
- How to Get Rid of Scars on Lips
- Outfit Ideas for a Concert
- Old Hollywood Hairstyles
- How to Apply Powder Foundation Properly
- Pakistan's Traditional Clothing
- Black Hair Braid Hairstyles
- Breakup Excuses and What They Mean
- Tongue Piercing Risks
- Rough Hair
- Sad Friendship Quotes
- Foam Hair Rollers
- Vitamins for Clear Skin
- How to Tell Your Roommate You're Moving Out
- How Much do Tattoos Hurt
- Hair Coloring and Highlighting Ideas
- Cosmetic Dentistry Prices
- Facial Skin Care for Men
- How to Remove a Stripped Screw
- Scottish People: Clothing and Jewelry
- Weave Hair Care
- Hairstyles for Plus Size Women
- Safe Beauty Products
- Cute Outfits
- Eco-Friendly Kitchen Ideas
- Best Friend Tattoos
- Makeup Looks for Brunettes
- How to Survive a Break Up
- How to Get Healthy Skin
- Lighten Dark Hair
- Oily Face Control
- Lowlights for Hair
- Funny Break Up Quotes
- I'd Like a Marriage License, Please?
- 10 Rules to Keep your Marriage Happy
- Best Khaki Pants for Women
- Flaming Heart Tattoo
-
▼
February
(743)