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Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone targets hyperpigmentation, melasma & sun damage.

cream is a pigment suppressing ingredient available by prescription only in the UK. It reduces excess melanin production by melanocytes to target , , dark spots and sun damage. If used appropriately it is a potent topical skin brightening agent for reducing dark patches and even out skin tone.

Benefits in Skincare

Hydroquinone work by inhibiting enzyme activity which results in suppressing the production of melanin. If used appropriately it can reduce excess pigment production without bleaching normal skin. For this reason Hydroquinone is used in dermatology to:

Treatments with Hydroquinone Cream

The main benefits of hydroquinone is to lighten hyperpigmentation and even out the skin tone. It works similarly to ingredients like kojic acid and . However, as it is a powerful ingredient so only use should only be in the right skin . Ideally usage is also for as short period as possible to reduce risks and side effects. We use in several of our personalised prescription skincare treatments usually as a cream for suitable patients. The dose, length and whether we use Hydroquinone alone or with other depends on several factors. These include the patients health, skin type, concerns, goals and wishes. The treatments we may use Hydroquinone in are:

Prescription Hydroquinone Cream Treatments Online

Hydroquinone are available by prescription only in the UK. We use it in our personalised skincare treatments if we think that they are and safe for the patient and their skin type. To get your custom skincare treatment, you will need to  with one of our doctors. They will include topical Hydroquinone in your formula if they think it is appropriate and safe for your skin condition. They’ll also decide if any other ingredients like or are worth adding to your formula but will take into account any wishes or preferences you’ve expressed as much as possible. Your doctor will also give you a step by step routine to follow and ongoing follow up throughout your journey. You will be able to contact your doctor by email at any time as part of your treatment.

It is also possible to get treatment with generic and branded creams like Obagi hydroquinone containing products through a number of in person and online in the UK if a dermatologist or other healthcare provider deems them suitable for you. These services vary so its essential to choose one where you will be under the supervision of a skincare professional throughout your treatment.

VIRTUAL CONSULTATION£30

Your doctor will design a personalised skincare treatment and program for you to follow. The cost of the consultation will be deducted from any skincare purchase.

PERSONALISED TREATMENT£90-150

This is a 3 month supply of treatment (when used on face). The cost on the type so please visit our pages for full break down. Your doctor will create a personalised treatment taking into account your health, skin concerns, goals and wishes.

Treatment Time

Duration of effect

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What’s the Difference Between Compound Hydroquinone vs Generics & Brands like Obagi Clear or Blender?

Compound hydroquinone refers to formulations created by pharmacists to meet specific prescriptions for individual patients. This allows for customisation in concentration, ingredient combinations (e.g.) and even things like product feel or consistency. The personalisation can help develop treatments that target each patient’s unique skin needs and problems with irritation or dry skin. However, the trade-off is expiry dates (maximum 3 months) and they are not licensed.

In contrast, off-the shelf hydroquinone creams which are available as generic products or brands like Obagi Clear and Blender usually just offer a set concentration and ingredients. Whilst they are FDA approved for specific uses, they are also not licensed for most cosmetic skincare uses. They are rigorously tested in clinical trials, come with consistent potency track records and a long expiry date when unopened. It’s important to note that of whether its or off-the-shelf, the there is no difference in the type of Hydroquinone in all these products. They are also all prescription only medicines in the UK and not legally available over-the-counter.

The most brand of Hydroquinone is Obagi cream which is as part of the and lines. Obagi Clear is a skin brightening cream with 4% hydroquinone, designed for once or twice daily use. Obagi Blender, also contains 4% hydroquinone and is designed to be mixed with for use in the evening. Whilst both Obagi Clear and Blender contain the same concentration of hydroquinone, they serve different purposes. Obagi Clear is for daily use to consistently inhibit melanin production, while Obagi Blender works with your other night-time skincare products like Vitamin A to enhance overall . They also claim to work on different layers of hyperpigmentation.

Important Information

Please note: is a powerful and effective depigmenting agent found in prescription skin-lightening creams. That being said, use should only be under the care of a medical provider only if they deem it appropriate to treat hyperpigmentation, dark acne scars or marks, melasma and other causes of skin damage. It’s also not suitable for everyone and can lead to a number of serious problems especially when misused in skin bleaching creams. That’s why it’s vital to discuss any potential risks and side effects with your medical provider before starting treatment.

The main use of Hydroquinone in dermatology is as a skin-lightening agent to help reduces hyperpigmentation, melasma and sun damage. It does so by inhibiting the production of melanin. When there is excess melanin pigment, you get dark spots and patches. Hence through this mechanism, Hydroquinone can help to lighten dark skin patches and even out skin tone.

Hydroquinone works by reducing the production and increasing the degradation of melanin pigments in the skin. This subsequently helps to lighten the patches of darker skin (e.g. hyperpigmentation, melasma, liver spots, age spots or freckles). The most common causes of these are pregnancy, birth control pills, hormones and certain medicines. Hyperpigmentation can also occur as a post inflammatory response to skin injury, acne and treatments like laser or chemical peels.

Before starting Hydroquinone, it’s key to be aware of any allergies to it or similar products. You must not use it if you have or develop an allergy to any of the ingredients. Moreover, there is no data on its safety and efficacy in patients younger than 12 years of age. It is not appropriate for use by pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you suffer from eczema, fish allergy, or have any sores, burns, or wounds, please inform your doctor.

Common side effects include mild skin irritation, redness, and dryness especially at the start of treatment. This is most likely if you have sensitive skin or a history of contact dermatitis. Less commonly some people might experience excessively red, swollen, blistered, or crusted skin. Some users may also allergic reactions, leading to itching, swelling or severe redness. Rarely it can cause – a blue-black or gray-blue discolouration. This is more commonly seen in patients that use a high concentration of hydroquinone and/or for prolonged periods.

It is crucial to use hydroquinone as directed by your doctor on affected areas. You will also need to avoid excessive sun exposure by using a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. They will also advise how to use it alongside other actives like benzoyl peroxide and Vitamin C to minimise risk of . If any side effects occur, please discontinue use and let your doctor know. They will either stop the treatment or adjust it to a level or frequency that you can tolerate depending on the adverse reaction.

For more information about Hydroquinone in the UK and side-effects please read our in-depth .

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