I am asking because the 4% strength is recommended for best results but it's expensive. However if I buy 2-2% hydroquinone creams and mix them together, I come out cheaper.
August 9, 2017
Answer: Can combining hydroquinone products double the strength? Thanks for asking your question. Combining two different hydroquinone of the same strength won't double the strength. It would remain the same. You have to be careful with hydroquinone use long term because of potential complications to include acute and chronic issues. Acute complications include irritant or allergic contact dermatitis and postinflammatory hyper- and hypopigmentation. Chronic issues include ochronosis, nail discoloration, conjunctival melanosis, and corneal degeneration. Ochronosis is the most common chronic complication related to long-term use of hydroquinone, and is comprised of asymptomatic hyperpigmentation, erythema, papules, papulonodules, and grey-blue colloid milia on sun-exposed areas of the skin. There are some carcinogenicity concerns as well. Short-term hydroquinone use for a few months is fine up to 4% and often can get better results mixing with Kojic acid, retinoids, and steroids. Some countries have banned hydroquinone because of the concerns of people over using them.I do prescribe these at times to "jump start" improvement of hyperpigmenation, but just for a few months. However, will then stop it. Then start SkinCeuticals "Advanced Pigment Corrector because it has a tyrosinase inhibitor and is safe for daily use pretty much indefinitely. It can improve both discoloration and even the skin tone evenness.
Helpful
August 9, 2017
Answer: Can combining hydroquinone products double the strength? Thanks for asking your question. Combining two different hydroquinone of the same strength won't double the strength. It would remain the same. You have to be careful with hydroquinone use long term because of potential complications to include acute and chronic issues. Acute complications include irritant or allergic contact dermatitis and postinflammatory hyper- and hypopigmentation. Chronic issues include ochronosis, nail discoloration, conjunctival melanosis, and corneal degeneration. Ochronosis is the most common chronic complication related to long-term use of hydroquinone, and is comprised of asymptomatic hyperpigmentation, erythema, papules, papulonodules, and grey-blue colloid milia on sun-exposed areas of the skin. There are some carcinogenicity concerns as well. Short-term hydroquinone use for a few months is fine up to 4% and often can get better results mixing with Kojic acid, retinoids, and steroids. Some countries have banned hydroquinone because of the concerns of people over using them.I do prescribe these at times to "jump start" improvement of hyperpigmenation, but just for a few months. However, will then stop it. Then start SkinCeuticals "Advanced Pigment Corrector because it has a tyrosinase inhibitor and is safe for daily use pretty much indefinitely. It can improve both discoloration and even the skin tone evenness.
Helpful
August 11, 2017
Answer: Melasma and treatment options should be individualised. No, that will still be a 2% concentration in different bases. You are better off with a COMPOUNDED solution based upon your type of melasma and skin type. Most dermatologist compound creams from 2 % all the way to 8% for melasma. We make it a point to give you a concentration depending on your type of melasma, your skin sensitivities, and your previous success and or failures. Every melasma patient should be treated differently as there are many combinations to treat this condition. Melasma can not be completely cured, however effective treatment are possible. This is because your skin is extremely sensitive to UV and even the smallest amount can stimulate your pigment cells to produce colour. The mainstay of treatment is strict UV protection- hats, sunglasses and SPF every 4 hours.
Helpful
August 11, 2017
Answer: Melasma and treatment options should be individualised. No, that will still be a 2% concentration in different bases. You are better off with a COMPOUNDED solution based upon your type of melasma and skin type. Most dermatologist compound creams from 2 % all the way to 8% for melasma. We make it a point to give you a concentration depending on your type of melasma, your skin sensitivities, and your previous success and or failures. Every melasma patient should be treated differently as there are many combinations to treat this condition. Melasma can not be completely cured, however effective treatment are possible. This is because your skin is extremely sensitive to UV and even the smallest amount can stimulate your pigment cells to produce colour. The mainstay of treatment is strict UV protection- hats, sunglasses and SPF every 4 hours.
Helpful
