Does Hydroquinone Need to Be Used with an AHA or Retinoid to Have an Effect?

Of course, HQ works on its own, but Al Kligman in the 1970's rewrote the book when he discovered the improved results when HQ was added to tretinoin (Retin A). Retin A alone reduces unwanted, sun-induced blotchy pigmentation by improving cell turnover and decreasing the transfer of pigment from pigment-producing cells over to the skin (epidermal) cells. HQ works by decreasing pigment production by blocking tyrosinase. You will always get better results when you use 2 methods instead... more

Regarding:"Does Hydroquinone Need to Be Used with an AHA or Retinoid to Have an Effect? Will it otherwise just sit on top of the skin and not do anything or have any lightening ability at all?. If it's not used with those things will it just be useless?" Hydroquinone does NOT require mixing or using with other preparations to work. It works by itself. Dr. Peter Aldea

No, hydroquinone will work fine without a Retinoid or AHA. Retinoids, however, will allow the hydroquinone to penetrate the skin better and deeper. It also enjoys positive effects in fighting pigmenation in its own right. Similiarly, AHA's permit better pentration of the skin. However. they do not have a bleaching effect onto itself  that I am aware of.     We will be discussing melasma tonight at 9:00 PM EST on our radio show along with... more