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At What Point Will Hydroquinone Stop Working on Fading Age Spots?

asked 1 year ago by Misty H. in Anaheim CA
Latest answer by Mitchell Schwartz, MD
Question viewed 1,419 times
Tags: chest, shoulder, fade, hydroquinone, sun spots

I have been using hydroquinone for the past 8 months and retin a for the past 4 months to fade sunspots on my shoulders and chest. I have seen some improvement. Is there a time that hydroquinone has done all it can do and using it any longer won't do any additional good?

4 answers to At What Point Will Hydroquinone Stop Working on Fading Age Spots?

+2

Hydroquinone doesn't do well for age spots.

Age spots don't clear up well with hydroquinone creams.  I find it a waste of money and time.  Electrofulguration, freezing or lasering the spots do great and is easy to get done quickly and not that expensive.  Sincerely, David Hansen,MD
David Hansen, MD

Beverly Hills Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

How Long to use Hydroquinone for Age Spots

You did not mention what strength hydroquinone you have been using. Prescription strength 4% hydroquinone is better than any OTC product for lightening dark spots in the skin. These dark spots are typically due to chronic sun damage so daily use of sunscreens is essential in your treatment. Combining prescription-only tretinoin cream with hydroquinone will make it even more effective. Therefore, the most effective way to reverse the effects of chronic sun damage to your skin is by using a... more
Mitchell Schwartz, MD

South Burlington Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Hydroquinone length of treatment for bleaching

I recommend that patients stop using hydroquinone for at least a few months after a 6 month course.  This is the length of time the medication Triluma, a prescription containing hydroquinone, was tested for safety and approved by the FDA.  Since you are from California, the most important thing is protection from the sun.  A hat is imperative to protect your skin from darkening once again.  This in conjunction with a good quality, preferably zinc or titanium based spf 30... more
Madeline Krauss, MD

Boston Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

How long can I use Hydroquinone?

Hi Misty.  There are definite limitations to what hydroquinone can do and how long it should be used for.  The FDA recommends considering a resting period after 90 days of continued use of hydroquinone.  For our patients that are using between 6% - 8% products, we have a mandatory 30 day washout period after 90 days of continued usage. As an alternative, you should seriously consider finding a laser practitioner in your are that is capable of offering q-switched Nd:Yg... more
Harold J. Kaplan, MD

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

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