The Miracle Skin Care Ingredient - How Hydroquinone works

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Hydroquinone used for lighter skin tone

This article explores the ongoing controversy behind hydroquinone as a skin care ingredient in skin-lightening cosmetic products. It looks at why the chemical is not considered a bleaching agent, why it's so popular, and how it works. Why is it a medicine? Finally, it delves into the question of the risks. Does hydroquinone cause cancer? Read on and find out.

Why the controversy over Hydroquinone?

Hydroquinone is often described in negative terms in the global community of beauty and cosmetics. It is often viewed as an antithesis of melanin and melanin lovers will argue that it creates and promotes the opinion that dark skin is undesirable. Healthcare professionals and enthusiasts will argue too that hydroquinone is a serious health risk and should be discouraged.

 Hydroquinone is different things to different people and in different countries. It's either good or bad, effective or ineffective. It depends on where you are and who you are asking. As they say, fear is often rooted in ignorance, speculation, and a lack of information. A lot of the controversy comes from not understanding the facts.

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What is hydroquinone?

Hydroquinone is a chemical that lightens the skin by inhibiting the production of melanin and reducing the amount in the skin. Melanin is the pigment that is produced in the skin which is responsible for darker complexion. Hydroquinone does not destroy melanin but merely inhibits its products.

 

Why is hydroquinone so popular

It can be unpleasant and uncomfortable to have an uneven complexion, patchy, blemished, or discolored skin tone no matter its cause. This is why cosmetics and beauty products are designed to perfect the physical appearance as much as possible. It must be said that the extent to which this is desired or achieved varies from individual to individual and remains a matter of choice. 

It's a clear and undisputed fact that hydroquinone has its benefits. To millions of consumers around the world it's almost like a miracle ingredient because it is effective and acts fast. When used properly and under the guidance of skilled experts it can transform damaged, patchy, or acne-mottled countenance and restore the skin's natural beauty. 

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Is Hydroquinone a Bleaching agent?

The term bleaching is often used to describe the action of lightening agents. However, in the case of Hydroquinone, this is a misnomer. Bleaching in chemical terms involves either an oxidation process or a reducing process. In both cases, particles are added or removed respectively to change the chemical structure of the subject material. This is not the case with Hydroquinone. In a nutshell, Hydroquinone suppresses or inhibits the production of melanin. Let's look at the exact process below.

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How does Hydroquinone work?

Melanin pigment is made in skin cells called melanocytes. The melanin pigment produced is transferred and stored in keratinocytes and this gives the skin its darkened complexion. As more and more melanin is produced the skin gets progressively darker. If the production is reduced the skin gets lighter.

 Hydroquinone acts by suppressing the action of an enzyme called tyrosinase which normally triggers the melanocytes to produce melanin. This causes the melanocytes to produce less melanin and progressively the skin gets lighter. The process involves no "bleaching". There is no addition, removal, or transmutation of skin cells.

It's a clear undisputed fact that hydroquinone does have its benefits. To the millions of its consumers around the world it is almost like a miracle ingredient because of its fast and effective action. When used properly and under the guidance of skilled experts it can transform damaged, patchy, or acne mottled countenance and restore the skin's natural beauty. 

 

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What are the risks of using Hydroquinone?

The purpose of Melanin is to provide the skin with adequate protection from the sun. When Hydroquinone is used excessively there is an increased risk of skin photosensitivity and damage from dangerous UVA & UVB light radiation. It is always advised that users of HQ avoid harsh sunlight or use sunscreens of SPF50 and above for added protection. Many skin care products with HQ have sun filters included in their ingredients and formulations.

Does Hydroquinone cause cancer?

Hydroquinone has been linked to cancer in the past. However, existing research was conducted in vitro by feeding it to rats. Remember that hydroquinone is used topically. The idea is that no one would eat skin products containing it, at least not regularly. Using the same logic to address health concerns for thousands of domestic products being used daily would certainly generate serious issues. It would be unacceptable. As of today, no research exists proving that hydroquinone causes cancer. The American FDA has proposed more expansive research but this has not yet been completed and is still in the pipeline

Is Hydroquinone a medicine?

It is the best-recognized medical treatment for hyperpigmentation and can be ordered over the counter at concentrations of 2% and below. Concentrations above 2% exist but this requires a doctor's prescription. Hydroquinone

 is used in skin care products and preparation to resolve issues with hyperpigmentation, discoloration, uneven skin tone and to lighten complexion.

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The Final Word

It is a fact that Hydroquinone has been banned in the EU based on health concerns that appeared to originate from Africa. It is speculated that these concerns had more to do with the adulteration of skin care products with harmful substances such as mercury. 

For the present hydroquinone remains a safe and effective ingredient for skin care products and must be used in a healthy prescribed manner.


Resources: TheDermReview; PaulasChoice; dermnetnz