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Writer's pictureDr Calvin Tan

Hydroquinone: A Pigment Eraser or Pigment Inducer?



Many of us are concerned about the uneven skin tone on our body, especially over the face. Pigments are often perceived as something that is not aesthetically pleasant to anyone’s eyes and it triggers our anxiety whether anyone is paying extra attention to our face and it really makes a huge impact mentally and physically.

  

So the real question is “Pigments are a friend or a foe?”

In the pursuit of radiant and flawless skin, pigmentation plays a dual role - both as a friend and a potential foe.

So you might wonder?

“What are you talking about, doctor? How can pigmentation be a friend and you still carry out treatment to remove it?”


While pigmentation serves as a natural defense mechanism, protecting the skin from harmful UV rays and environmental damage, societal standards often drive the desire for an even-tone complexion.




Hydroquinone: The Power to Erase Skin Imperfections

Hydroquinone, a pigment lightener in skin care, holds the role of erasing skin imperfections and boosting self-esteem. Hydroquinone inhibits an enzyme that is responsible for melanin production.


The positive impact brought by hydroquinone also prompts a critical question: How much of hydroquinone is considered enough and does its potential for harm outweigh its benefits?


Impact of Hydroquinone: Dark Side of Hydroquinone and Ochronosis

As we know hydroquinone is used to reduce melanin production on our skin, and, of course, to remove pigments on our body. However, there should always be a balance between the indications and duration of usage of hydroquinone.


Therefore, this reminds us of the importance of consulting your skin disorder with professional doctors who have the expertise and knowledge on how to deal with different skin diagnoses.



The most common complication of hydroquinone cream is ochronosis. Ochronosis is a rare skin disorder that is characterized by blue-black pigmentation symmetrically over the face, neck, and photo-exposed areas and is commonly due to prolonged use of topical hydroquinone cream.


The cause of this hyperpigmentation remains unknown. Topical hydroquinone may inhibit an enzyme, homogentisic oxidase, leading to the accumulation of homogentisic acid and its metabolic products that polymerize to form a typical ochronotic pigment in our skin.


Striking a Balance: To Treat and To Be Safe

In the complex landscape of skincare, the call for balance becomes imperative. Topical hydroquinone cream provides a good option in treating hyperpigmentation but striking a balance between achieving desired outcomes and safeguarding the skin’s health is of utmost importance.


A thin layer of topical hydroquinone cream is usually applied over the pigmented skin area. The recommended frequency of usage is either once or twice per day for around a 3 to 6 month period. After that, patients will be advised to stop for a few months under their doctor’s prescription before restarting if it is necessary to avoid any complications like Ochronosis.


Choosing the Right Solutions for Ochronosis

In the realm of modern medical aesthetics, addressing the challenges posed by ochronosis has become a focal point. Medical aesthetic treatments offer various options for individuals with ochronosis.


  1. 1) Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive procedure that uses a mechanical exfoliation technique to remove the outermost layer of the skin. This process can be beneficial in diminishing the appearance of pigmentation caused by ochronosis.




2) Chemical Peel

Chemical peels involve the application of a chemical solution onto the skin, encouraging the exfoliation of the outer layer of the skin. This process can help in reducing pigmentation associated with ochronosis and promoting a more even skin tone over time.




3) Laser Therapy

Laser treatments target areas of excess pigmentation, breaking down the accumulated melanin pigments responsible for the bluish-black discoloration associated with ochronosis.


Fotona Starwalker PQX uses LIOB to shatter the pigments underneath the skin to break big clumps of pigments into smaller and finer particles so that they can be easily removed from the body.



4) Hydration Injectables

Skin hydration plays a vital role during the treatment recovery of ochronosis. The most basic skincare to avoid your skin looking dull, or uneven tone and to expedite the recovery process after laser treatment, we need some hydration injectables like Juvederm Volite, Profhilo, or NCTF 135 HA.


These injections treat and hydrate your skin from within, rather than from the outside. They contain high levels of hyaluronic acid that provide your skin a deep hydration, so after laser treatment to shatter the pigments, your skin will remove smaller pigments faster from your body.


The journey toward healthier, radiant skin is not just about erasing imperfections but about knowing the right solution to your skin disorder and choosing the most accurate and safe treatment to achieve your skin goals. In the realm of aesthetic medicine, where science meets beauty, make your appointment with our doctor and get your skin condition checked for your healthy, youthful skin.

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