HARMFUL HYDROQUINONE IN WHITENING CREAM

Hydroquinone is usually prescribed by a physician and can only be found in special pharmacies . This agent is applied to small areas individually but cannot be used to be applied to the whole body at once and in some cases, some areas will lighten more than others. It is also important to note that permanent lightening of the skin is a medical procedure that is reserved for patients with a need for that procedure. The problem that comes with this administration of hydroquinone, is that, it gets rid of melanin which is important. This procedure should be strictly be done by a doctor as many of the products offered over the counter may be unsafe or even toxic and can damage the skin in the long run. WHAT IS MELANIN ? Melanin is a complex polymer derived from the amino acid tyrosine. Melanin is responsible for determining skin and hair colour and is present in the skin to varying degrees. Dermatologists do not offer skin lightening solutions for cosmetic reasons as it increases the risk of cancer. Always share your skin problems you may be having with a dermatologist as they can inform you of any safe options that are available to lighten the skin and also offer counselling. There are huge consequences, if hydroquinone is used in higher doses than 2% or over three months of usage, there is a probability that prolonged use may lead to pretty negative results or even the paradoxical ones, there has been reports of development of exogenous ochronosis, that is the darkening of the skin permanently that is equally resistant to medications of all sorts. Overuse of this skin lighteners can cause the pigmentation to build up in the extremities like the fingers, toes and ears causing them to look mismatched.