30-08-2012, 22:43
BTW hydroquinone is not dangerous but it is a high irritant and skin looks like crap using it. It is used in the obagi protocols and that is a medically endorsed system.
However the main issue with HQ is rebound darkening. The skin gets used to it fast and once you stop using it if it has lightened skin beyond it's natural colour, the melanoctyes which have been inhibited, go on a killing spree and the skin ends up being darker than before.
If you use it to get rid of a tan or to get back to natural skin colour then it is fine and no rebound darkening occurs as long as you use suncreen etc. I think the slow natural approach is best for long term. High % of HQ is not recommended for long term use as the liver has issue procressing it so it's a quick fix anyway.
However the main issue with HQ is rebound darkening. The skin gets used to it fast and once you stop using it if it has lightened skin beyond it's natural colour, the melanoctyes which have been inhibited, go on a killing spree and the skin ends up being darker than before.
If you use it to get rid of a tan or to get back to natural skin colour then it is fine and no rebound darkening occurs as long as you use suncreen etc. I think the slow natural approach is best for long term. High % of HQ is not recommended for long term use as the liver has issue procressing it so it's a quick fix anyway.