Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is among the most popular medication ingredients in several melasma treatment creams. Hydroquinone is specifically very famous for its pigment-vanishing properties, and the cosmetic industry uses different concentrations of this key ingredient to achieving better results against melasma. Although hydroquinone is present in both the over-the-counter and prescription medication creams for melasma, there are several side effects too resulting from the use of these creams. The most obvious fact is that when medication aids in the lightening of the pigmentation on the skin surface, there are possibilities of these medications to pose certain side effects. One of the prominent side effects of hydroquinone containing creams includes the paling of the skin area on which we are applying the melasma cream.
Moreover, if some individual accidentally applies the hydroquinone cream on the normal skin surface next to the dark patches, then the cream leaves areas of pale skin behind. While this paling of skin is a side effect, but this side effect is good for the people having dark patches because pale skin is way more acceptable and appealing than dark patches. The side effects of hydroquinone creams are sometimes adjustable with their concentrations and the strength of the cream you are applying to avoid the hazardous risks. According to the skin specialists, you can beat the side effects of hydroquinone creams by opting for the careful application of creams and avoid the contact of cream on the normal skin surfaces.
The next side effect of hydroquinone cream is the irritation and burning sensations. The dermatologists explain that the hydroquinone absorbs into the melanin-producing cells, i.e., melanocytes present in the outermost layer of skin and work towards the brightening of the skin. Hydroquinone works by blocking the enzyme tyrosinase that plays an important role in the production of melanin pigment. A little sensation of tingling is one of the expected side effects of hydroquinone creams because the ingredient is blocking the normal work of the tyrosinase enzyme. A small amount of irritation is fine, but if a person feels a higher degree of burning sensations, then they must stop the use of hydroquinone cream because it indicates that there is a larger amount of hydroquinone in the skin surface.