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

Hydroquinone and Retin A are very commonly used to lighten skin pigment, including sunspots.  Typically we would use 4% hydroquinone twice a day, but I usually don't like my patients to use for longer than 4 months at a time.  Retin A can be used long term.  Also sunscreen and sun avoidance are a must when trying to lighten pigment.  However, from my experience sunspots will only get lighter and not fade completely.  Often time there will be a need to do some laser to help remove them more fully.  I wouldn't recommend for you to continue with the hydroquinone at this point since you've already gotten some improvement from it.  It probably won't do any more and you may need to have an additional procedure to get further benefit.  

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 or above sunscreen can make a huge difference.  

When you stop hydroquinone, you can continue tretinoin (Retin A), glycolic products, and lightening creams that contain Kojic acid (not HQ) to further help your pigmentation.

Hope that helps!
Madeline Krauss, M.D.