At What Point Will Hydroquinone Stop Working on Fading 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

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 laser treatments.  This is the same laser used for tattoo removal and is an excellent (and permanent) method for sun damage removal.  We like the Palomar Q-Yag V and the Hoya Conbio Medlite C6 lasers.  Good luck.

We use both Hydroquinone and Retin A to lighten skin pigment, including sunspots. Typically we recommend using 4% hydroquinone twice a day for no longer than 4 months. Retin A, on the other hand, can be used long term. It's also important to use sunscreen and avoid sun exposure when you are trying to lighten pigment. In my experience, sunspots will get lighter but will not fade completely. I would recommend discontinuing the use of hydroquinone since you've already seen improvement from it. You may need to consider laser treatment to help fully remove the sunspots.