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Can Hydroquinine Damage Skin?
asked 1 year ago by JRey in Iowa
Latest answer by Colby Evans, MD
Question viewed 760 times
Tags: hydroquinone, skin
I've had melasma off and on since my first pregnancy. Use of TriLuma and Obagi/Refissa have worked in the past but I always end up getting darker spots and having to discontinue use. Should I ever use hydroquinine products again or can it be making mine worse?
1 answer to Can Hydroquinine Damage Skin?
+1
Too much hydroquinone can damage skin
Yes, hydroquinone can damage the skin and cause more darkening (called exogenous ochronosis) if used too long or in too high concentrations. Hydroquinone concentrations vary with different products (over the counter products usually contain 2%, most prescription creams have 4%, and compound formulations may have 6, 8, or even 12%). Those with higher concentrations or when used for long periods (greater than 6-8 weeks) are more likely to cause this (otherwise rare) problem.
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Colby Evans, MD
Austin Dermatologic Surgeon
Austin Dermatologic Surgeon