Hydroquinone for Dark Circles
Hydroquinone is becoming a popular treatment for dark under eye circles. But does it work? Below you will learn all about hydroquinone, what it is, how it works and whether or not it effectively removes dark undereye circles.
What is Hydroquinone?
Hydroquinone is a bleaching agent used in creams to reduce the color of skin. It is used to lighten freckles, age spots, or dark circles under eyes.
Who is Hydroquinone for?
People who have hyperpigmentation, a tendency to develop dark patches of skin use hydroquinone. Many people of ethnic descent such as Indians who develop dark under eye circles also use hydroquinone.
How effective is Hydroquinone as a dark circle treatment?
Hydroquinone is scientifically proven to reduce the appearance of dark circles by 59%. However, it may take several months before results are noticeable. Hydroquinone can also irritate the skin; patients are prescribed specific doses and warnings while using hydroquinone.
What are the side effects of Hydroquinone?
Major side effects of hydroquinone are hyper and hypo pigmentation. If patients do not take necessary precaution they can easily develop skin discolorations such as very dark patches of skin or white patches of skin. Doctors recommend patients limit sun exposure or artificial UV light.
Do I need a prescription?
You do not need a prescription for standard formulations of hydroquinone. Weak strengths are available over the counter or on the internet. However, it is highly recommended you speak to your doctor before you buy a hydroquinone cream. A professional should determine the right concentration for you.
What is the standard formulation of Hydroquinone?
Hydroquinone formulations of 4% are thought to be the best strength in dark circle creams. They are strong enough to make a difference without causing irritations to the skin. However, doctors can prescribe strengths up to 10% for patients. These higher strengths come with major risks like ochronosis (black spots on skin) and are thought to be carcinogenic. Many parts of Europe and Asia have banned higher concentrations of Hydroquinone.
What are some Hydroquinone creams?
Brand names which are hydroquinone creams are : Alphaquin HP, Alustra, Eldopaque, Eldopaque Forte, Eldoquin, Eldoquin Forte, Esoterica, Esoterica Sensitive Skin, Glyquin, Glyquin-XM, Lustra, Melanex, Melanol, Melpaque HP, Melquin HP, Melquin-3, Nuquin HP, Solaquin, Solaquin Forte, Viquin Forte.
Is hydroquinone right for me?
If your dark circles are caused by hyperpigmentation (dark patches of skin) then a hydroquinone cream is right for you. However, most people develop dark circles from weak blood vessels under their eyes. These blood vessels break and cause bruising or what you may know as dark circles.
Hydroquinone Alternatives
An effective dark circle eye cream for dark circles caused by broken capillaries is RevitaLume. RevitaLume is gentle on the eye area and does not need a prescription. It also reduces bags under eyes. The best part is that unlike hydroquinone which takes several months before you see results, RevitaLume works in a few days!
Learn more about RevitaLume.