However, it can take several weeks for you to see the results. “Hydroquinone creams work at the cellular level to reduce the production of pigment,” Shafer explains, so you need to allow the skin to shed old cells and produce new ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many other ingredients that can lighten skin and fade spots: Vitamin C, glycolic acid, kojic acid, papain, etc. So when should you consider getting a hydroquinine?<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIf you only have occasional or very light marks left by breakouts, you can just use a mild brightening wash and dark spot treatments, and a high SPF sunscreen,\u201d says dermatologist Sharon Garcia. Use hydroquinone for more stubborn blemishes: marks that haven\u2019t faded after several months, or recurring or persistent pigmentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Hydroquinone is considered the topical gold standard in dermatology for reducing hyperpigmentation.”<\/p>Ee Ting Ng, cosmetic chemist<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Dermatologists often use hydroquinone to treat melasma, a skin condition where dark patches appear on the forehead, cheeks and upper lip. While often genetic, melasma is triggered by sun exposure and hormonal changes like pregnancy, birth control pills, or hormone replacement therapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hydroquinone is also effective for evening out the skin tone. It can treat discoloration or dark patches on your forehead or neck, so your skin looks brighter, fairer and blemish-free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In 1982, the US FDA cleared hydroquinone as safe and effective for the treatment of hyperpigmentation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, several years later, some hydroquinone creams were pulled out of the market after their products were found to contain mercury. This caused public concern, and led to often exaggerated reports that said hydroquinone was toxic, dangerous or “the equivalent of a paint stripper of the skin.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dermatologists say that hydroquinone is <\/em>safe, as long as you buy from a trusted and reliable product, or use it with the supervision of a dermatologist. <\/p>\n\n\n\n “Hydroquinone can irritate dry or sensitive skin, especially in high concentrations or if used with other skincare products that contain acids or physical exfoliants,” says dermatologist Harvey Ng. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Purvisha Patel also cautions against using hydroquinone for a long time. “There\u2019s also a phenomenon called ochronosis, or increased pigmentation\/darkening of the skin that is caused by hydroquinone in high concentrations and with long-term use,\u201d she explains. “It is safe to use in 2% to 4% formulations twice a day for 12 weeks max. Then skin then needs a break from the chemical.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some experts also believe that hydroquinone works better on fairer skin tones. There is some research that the ingredient may worsen hyperpigmentation in darker skin tones. If you have medium to dark skin, talk to your dermatologist before using any hydroquinone cream. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hydroquinone is an excellent treatment for hyperpigmentation. It works by preventing melanin formation, resulting in fewer brown spots and darker areas. To get the best effects, utilise this substance on a daily basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Carefully follow all product directions. Before launching your first full application, it’s critical to do a patch test. This will allow you to see how your skin reacts and whether there are any unwanted side effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Apply a little quantity of the product evenly across the whole surface of the skin. Gently massage the product into your skin until it is fully absorbed. After using the lotion, wash your hands to prevent it from harming other parts of your skin or staining your clothes and other items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moreover, when utilising this component, you should also wear sunscreen. Sun exposure can exacerbate hyperpigmentation and even reverse the results of hydroquinone therapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These products typically combine hydroquinone with other skin-lightening ingredients. To avoid skin reactions, start with 2% concentration. Temporarily stop using exfoliators and facial brushes, or other products that contain acids like AHAs\/BHAs or Vitamin C. Give your skin time to adjust to the ingredient. (You can start using these again when you know that you’re not sensitive to hydroquinone.) <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dermatologist Richard Bottiglione also recommends starting with a hydroquinone spot treatment. “Most people don’t need it all over the skin, just in particular areas. You should use it in the areas with hyperpigmentation.” If you tend to be sensitive, he suggests using it on alternating days. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When you know that your hydroquinone product works well with your skin, add a glycolic cleanser to your skincare routine. “Over the years I have never found a more effective treatment for unwanted pigmentation than glycolic acid and hydroquinone,” says Dr. Bottiglione.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dermatologists also say that you need to use sunscreen with SPF 30 whenever you use any <\/em>skin lightening cream. “I even recommend using your hydroquinone at night, to avoid any sun sensitivity,” says Dr. Patel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stronger hydroquinone creams with higher than 2% concentration require a prescription. Beware of any over-the-counter product that contains higher dosages, or using a prescription cream without consulting a dermatologist. You risk irritating your skin, and this will actually cause inflammation that worsens<\/em> hyperpigmentation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dermatologists can also check your skin condition to know the best treatment for you: the right concentration of ingredients, and how long you need to use it. They may also combine hydroquinone creams with other treatments, so you achieve faster results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Find the nearest dermatologist or skin clinic with Beauty Insider Guide<\/a>. It lists Singapore clinics and their locations and contact numbers, and lets you filter results according to the treatment you’re looking for. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Murad’s Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum targets, cures, and helps prevent pigmentation and environmental damage. The potent serum combines Hydroquinone and Hexapeptide-2 to help lessen the appearance of dark spots for a more even and unified appearance. Additionally, the serum aims to assist in hiding pigmentation while also preventing future damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why we love it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Uses only 2% of hydroquinone<\/p>\n\n\n\n Prevents resurfacing<\/p>\n\n\n\n Price: $22.00<\/p>\n\n\n\n Where to buy: LookFantastic<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Paula’s Choice Resist Triple-Action Dark Spot Eraser 2% BHA Gel is a unique therapy for people with discolourations and breakouts. It includes 2% hydroquinone, which lightens sun-damaged skin, and 2% salicylic acid, which exfoliates and reduces blemishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Furthermore, by reducing skin discolourations produced by the sun or hormones, this anti-ageing lightener restores an even skin tone. For normal to oily skin, the smooth, breathable gel texture is excellent. To add, the gel applies smoothly and absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy or sticky residue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why we love it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fast absorbing<\/p>\n\n\n\n Doesn\u2019t leave a greasy residue<\/p>\n\n\n\n Price: $45.00<\/p>\n\n\n\n Where to buy: Shopee<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fade Cream by Ambi Skincare is an oil-free cream that helps to eliminate and remove facial dark spots for a more even, natural skin tone. This cream also includes vitamin E and AHA to help revitalise your skin, as well as UV protection to help prevent future sun damage. Moreover, this lotion is ideal for those who have oily skin. It won’t make you feel oily while you strive toward your goal of a better complexion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why we love it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Great for those with oily skin<\/p>\n\n\n\n Oil-free<\/p>\n\n\n\n Price: $39.90<\/p>\n\n\n\n Where to buy: Shopee<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Ebanel Dr Lightening Hydroquinone Spot Correcting Cream is a peeling skin lightening cream that contains Kojic Acid, Alpha Arbutin, Salicylic Acid, and Niacinamide. It aids in the reduction of hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and discolouration. It also aids in the removal of acne scars, fine lines, and wrinkles. This hydroquinone cream contains Azelaic Acid, Arginine and Tea Tree Oil to aid in skin healing following a skin peel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why we love it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Treats acne and breakouts<\/p>\n\n\n\n A peeling cream<\/p>\n\n\n\n Price: $38.00<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"top](\"https:\/\/beautyinsider.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/shutterstock_308559755.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWho can benefit from using hydroquinine cream?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"hydroquinone](\"https:\/\/beautyinsider.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/shutterstock_749395870.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIs hydroquinone safe?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How To Use Hydroquinone Cream?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"hydroquinone](\"https:\/\/beautyinsider.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/shutterstock_413759953.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nKinds of Hydroquinone Cream Singapore<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Over the counter creams<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Prescription hydroquinone creams<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Find Safe<\/em> Hydroquinone Cream Singapore treatments <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
OTC Products Containing Hydroquinone<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Murad Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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2. Paula’s Choice Resist Triple-Action Dark Spot Eraser 2% BHA Gel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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3. Ambi Skincare Fade Cream<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Ambi](\"https:\/\/www.lumibeauty.com\/26-large_default\/ambi-skin-care-fade-cream-oily-skin.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n4. Ebanel Dr Lightening Hydroquinone Spot Correcting Cream<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Dr](\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/7663\/3636\/products\/HydroquinoneSpotCorrectingCream_DrLightening_1_1200x.png?v=1568456083\")
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![\"Buy](\"https:\/\/www.dosepharmacy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/skinlite-20-cream.jpg\")
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