Skin becomes very dehydrated after using hydroquinone 4%?

Question

Can I use 4% hydroquinone for 3 months alternating with nonhydroquinone creams for next 3 months??!!!! My skin becomes much dry after using hydroquinone4%.. can I switch to hydroquinone 2%... Will it reduce my dehydration???

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Hydroquinone is a staple in a rejuvenative skin program. If you are getting dryness during application, you may want to use a ceramide based moisturizer such as Elevase Moisture Booster to help strengthen the skin's natural moisture barrier function. Best, Dr. KaramanoukianLos Angeles

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

To fully understand your dryness, I would need to know your entire skin care regime.  Sometimes, dryness is a necessary reaction that you have to go through to create healthy skin.  Hydroquinone is a strong topical medications and I would not vary from the instructions you were given.  If you are having issues, I would go back to your clinician.I hope this helps.

Karthik Ram, MRCS, DNB · Answer

Hi thanks for your query.A detailed  skin care regime you are currently on will be more helpful to answer your concern,Hydroquinone causes more of irritation than dryness .HENCE if you feel it dehydrates your skin apply a bland moisturiser and then apply hydroquinone based creams,Most important is you should not use it indefinitely as they do cause long term side effects.Do consult a board certified dermatologist and slowly wean it and switch over to non hydroquinone based creams ,

Rebecca Gelber, MD · Answer

It probably isn't the concentration or even the hydroquinone per se, but rather the base it's in. HQ is often combined with drying agents like tretinoin, retinol and phytic acid (the last is in Obagi NuDerm). These are very drying. Many of my patients use 8% around the time of their lasers, but I have it custom blended in a very moisturizing base so they can tolerate it well.

Skin becomes very dehydrated after using hydroquinone 4%?

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