Magazine Mentions

The Truth about the Most Powerful Skin Lightener

Hydroquinone works by inhibiting the production of melanin, the pigment that causes a darkening of the skin and leads to hyperpigmentation or sunspots. Many dermatologists consider hydroquinone to be the most effective skin-lightening ingredient available and, to date, it is the only skin-bleaching agent approved by the FDA. “After 25 years as a practicing dermatologist and speaking with dermatologists from all over the globe, I feel it is safe to say that hydroquinone is universally recognized as the gold standard in the treatment of pigmentary problems,” says dermatologist Loretta Ciraldo, MD, of Miami. Hydroquinone is used to fade the appearance of freckles, sun spots, liver spots, melasma and dark spots that remain after blemishes, burns or other injuries heal. 

There’s been a lot of buzz about naturally derived hydroquinone alternatives in light of the controversy over the substance, but the fact is that hydroquinone is the only skin lightener recognized by the FDA. While many women see great results from these other ingredients that are being presented as alternatives, it’s important to note that they have not been proven to work, nor have they been FDA-approved for skin-lightening. Ironically enough, Dr. Ciraldo has seen improvement in symptoms of melasma (a hormone-induced form of hyperpigmentation that is exacerbated by sun exposure) by eschewing skin-lighteners altogether. Because pregnant women are advised to avoid hydroquinone, she recommends daily use of zinc oxide- or titanium oxide-based sunscreens. “Since many pigment conditions are caused by UVA light, which is pretty consistent throughout the year, my patients have seen improvement in melasma just by shielding their skin from the sun’s rays,” Dr. Ciraldo says.

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