Everything You Need to Know About Hydroquinone in Australia

Q: What are the Hydroquinone side effects?

Hydroquinone is available by prescription in Australia and is used under medical supervision. Common effects to look out for are: Irritation Allergic contact dermatitis Increased inflammation Temporary increase in dry skin It’s important to note that these reactions can all lead to an increase in pigmentation, which is counterproductive to treatment goals. However, these effects are very manageable with proper professional support and guidance. Many people who attempt to use hydroquinone without professional supervision experience these reactions, but with appropriate medical oversight and treatment protocols, these issues can be effectively prevented or minimised. If you experience any adverse reactions, consult your prescribing medical practitioner immediately for personalised advice and potential treatment adjustments.

Q: How fast does Hydroquinone work?

As with any skincare product, results vary from person to person. With consistent use under professional guidance, there should be a noticeable difference at 3 months, with significant improvement typically seen in 6-9 months. The timeline for results will depend on several factors including your specific skin condition, how long the pigmentation has been present, and how many other treatments (especially failed treatments) you may have had previously. It’s important to remember that your lifestyle and adherence to the prescribed treatment protocol will have an impact on your results. For optimum outcomes, you should use the treatment exactly as recommended by your prescribing medical practitioner and maintain realistic expectations about the treatment timeline. Important : Individual results may vary. Discuss expected timeframes and treatment goals with your prescribing medical professional based on your specific condition and treatment history.

Q: What are the alternatives to Hydroquinone in Australia

Depending on your skin condition, there are alternatives to hydroquinone that you may want to consider. These also work to lighten the skin and reduce pigmentation. The most common are: Vitamin A Using a product that is rich in Vitamin A will help to reduce cell damage, boost cellular repair, regulate oil production and reduce pigmentation. It’s known to break down melanin and stabilise melanocytes. Niacinamide A derivative of Vitamin B3, Niacinamide is linked with brightening the skin tone and reducing hyperpigmentation. Azelaic Acid This ingredient works on specific pigmentation pathways to help reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation whilst providing anti-inflammatory benefits. Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate A gentler derivative of azelaic acid that targets pigmentation through specialised pathways whilst being well-tolerated by sensitive skin types. Kojic Acid Known for its skin-brightening properties, kojic acid works through different pigmentation pathways to help reduce melanin production and improve skin tone. When multiple ingredients are used together, they can work on different pigmentation pathways to maximise results. Your prescribing medical practitioner can advise which combination of ingredients may be most suitable for your specific skin condition and treatment goals.

Q: Does it cause cancer?

This is the most widespread myth on the internet about hydroquinone. But there isn’t a single published case of cancer in humans caused by topical application of HQ. This myth presumably comes from its association with tumours when it was FED to rats.

An uneven skin tone is extremely common and an issue that Australians frequently face due to the strong UV rays that are emitted by the sun. Regardless of skin colour, dark spots and patches, pigmentation and associated skin conditions can arise. And this is most abundant in areas that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face and neck.

When these symptoms arise, there are powerful ingredients that are commonly used to support a more even skin tone. One of the most commonly known ingredients is hydroquinone.

But what is it? How does it work? And how can you ensure safe use? Rest assured that we have you covered. Here’s everything you need to know.

What is Hydroquinone & How Does It Work?

Topical hydroquinone (HQ) is the gold standard and most commonly used clinical treatment for hyperpigmentation, freckles, sunspots, and melasma. Topical treatments for pigmentation generally focus on inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme that is critical for melanin synthesis to reduce pigment production. HQ is a phenolic compound (chemical name: 1,4-dihydroxybenzene) that works in several different ways to inhibit tyrosinase. It can also selectively damage melanocytes to reduce their function.

HQ is frequently combined with a prescription retinoid to enhance its penetration into the skin, thus increasing efficacy. Because it can cause irritation, redness and stinging, hydroquinone and prescription retinoids are frequently combined into a triple treatment with a steroid to reduce side effects.

Hydroquinone is a pigmentation lightening agent that is typically used to treat hyperpigmentation. Used in combination with other medications, it’s often used to treat melasma, freckles and sun spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, drug-induced pigmentation and more.

As a topical treatment, it works to inhibit tyrosinase synthesis and decrease the number of melanocytes (the cells that are responsible for producing melanin). By decreasing the number of melanocytes, you limit the production of melanin. This targeted approach to reducing melanin production helps improve the appearance of pigmentation and support a more balanced skin tone.

It is available by prescription-only in most countries, although concentrations up to 2% can be obtained over the counter in some countries such as Australia.

Myth busting – exogenous ochronosis

Even though HQ is such an effective and commonly used treatment, it suffers from bad PR (thanks, internet). The #1 thing that worries people is something with the terrifying-sounding name of exogenous ochronosis (EO)

EO is a blue-grey skin discolouration on sun-exposed areas of the face, neck & upper chest/back. It is also a great example of how misinformation spreads disproportionately far and wide on the internet and social media compared to the truth.⠀

Let’s put things into perspective about how rarely EO is actually reported, and under what circumstances:

A 2007 systematic review (1) identified 789 total EO cases reported worldwide since 1966. Most cases described years of HQ usage, not months. 95% (756/789) were from Africa where the nature of the HQ was unknown (there’s a huge black market in skin ‘bleaching’ creams that can contain just about anything, including very high doses of HQ combined with other EO-causing ingredients like phenol and resorcinol). EO can also result from the use of antimalarial drugs, widely used in Africa. Of the 137 cases that reported the HQ %, the majority (116) were 1-2%, but usage was unsupervised and excessive, with multiple daily applications⠀
22 of these cases were from the USA and involved the use of 1-2% hydroquinone used without supervision for years. These cases were reported from 1983-2006, which equates to 1 case per year, during which time an estimated 10-15 million HQ-containing creams/year were sold⠀
In an analysis of 20,814 patients who were prescribed 2-5% topical HQ for 8 weeks – 2 years, and closely medically supervised throughout this time, there were ZERO reports of EO⠀

So if you are using medically prescribed, <5% HQ, for a short duration and closely monitored, you have little to worry about on the EO front.

Hydroquinone Availability & Regulations in Australia

In Australia, hydroquinone is available over the counter at very low concentrations (around 2%) that typically aren’t effective for significant pigmentation concerns. While it is considered safe to use, hydroquinone is not available in cosmetic products, as it’s classified as a therapeutic ingredient like many other drugs.

For more effective treatment of pigmentation issues, higher concentrations require a prescription from a medical professional. A dermatologist or skincare professional can prescribe stronger formulations specifically tailored to treat skin conditions such as hyperpigmentation, dark spots and melasma.

Maximising Results: Safe Use of Hydroquinone for Australian Skin

As hydroquinone is only available when seeking the help of a medical professional, it’s important to use it as recommended. Many people assume that by exceeding the recommended dose, you will achieve results faster. But this is not always the case. Medical professionals will provide you with treatment advice that maximises results while ensuring that you are using hydroquinone safely and in line with the Australian regulations.

Our clinical approach focuses on providing the education and support necessary to help patients use hydroquinone daily as prescribed, with the goal of achieving results whilst minimising irritation that may worsen pigmentation. Your prescribing medical practitioner will work with you to establish an appropriate routine based on your individual skin assessment and treatment objectives.

The prescribed treatment contains clinically recognised ingredients for addressing hyperpigmentation concerns. This comprehensive formulation is designed to simplify your skincare routine whilst providing targeted treatment.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT WHETHER HYDROQUINONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU, CLICK HERE TO BOOK A VIDEO CONSULT WITH OUR EXPERIENCED MEDICAL TEAM.

Consulting a Professional: When to Seek Medical Advice

If you are noticing changes to your skin, such as an uneven tone, dark spots or patches, or increased pigmentation, then it’s time to consult the professionals.

Skin pigmentation can be persistent and may benefit from professional assessment, as melanin continues to be produced each time your skin is exposed to UV rays and visible light – if there’s enough daylight to see your hand in front of your face, your skin is responding to it! And as with any condition, the earlier that it is detected and diagnosed, the easier it is to treat.

Ready to Seek Medical Advice?

Get in touch with the team at Qr8 MediSkin. Book your 15-minute online video consultation with one of our doctors, complete your health and lifestyle questionnaire and send us your high-quality photos to get started.

We’ll work alongside you to identify your skin goals, diagnose any skin conditions and create a personalised treatment plan. With specially formulated creams that are made using evidence-backed ingredients such as hydroquinone, and regular check-ins with our expert support team, we aim to support your skincare goals with a personalised, evidence-led approach. Your journey to radiant skin could start as soon as today.

We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Hydroquinone side effects?

Hydroquinone is available by prescription in Australia and is used under medical supervision. Common effects to look out for are:

Irritation
Allergic contact dermatitis
Increased inflammation
Temporary increase in dry skin

It’s important to note that these reactions can all lead to an increase in pigmentation, which is counterproductive to treatment goals. However, these effects are very manageable with proper professional support and guidance. Many people who attempt to use hydroquinone without professional supervision experience these reactions, but with appropriate medical oversight and treatment protocols, these issues can be effectively prevented or minimised.

If you experience any adverse reactions, consult your prescribing medical practitioner immediately for personalised advice and potential treatment adjustments.

How fast does Hydroquinone work?

As with any skincare product, results vary from person to person. With consistent use under professional guidance, there should be a noticeable difference at 3 months, with significant improvement typically seen in 6-9 months. The timeline for results will depend on several factors including your specific skin condition, how long the pigmentation has been present, and how many other treatments (especially failed treatments) you may have had previously.

It’s important to remember that your lifestyle and adherence to the prescribed treatment protocol will have an impact on your results. For optimum outcomes, you should use the treatment exactly as recommended by your prescribing medical practitioner and maintain realistic expectations about the treatment timeline.

Important: Individual results may vary. Discuss expected timeframes and treatment goals with your prescribing medical professional based on your specific condition and treatment history.

What are the alternatives to Hydroquinone in Australia

Depending on your skin condition, there are alternatives to hydroquinone that you may want to consider. These also work to lighten the skin and reduce pigmentation. The most common are:

Vitamin A

Using a product that is rich in Vitamin A will help to reduce cell damage, boost cellular repair, regulate oil production and reduce pigmentation. It’s known to break down melanin and stabilise melanocytes.

Niacinamide

A derivative of Vitamin B3, Niacinamide is linked with brightening the skin tone and reducing hyperpigmentation.

Azelaic Acid

This ingredient works on specific pigmentation pathways to help reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation whilst providing anti-inflammatory benefits.

Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate

A gentler derivative of azelaic acid that targets pigmentation through specialised pathways whilst being well-tolerated by sensitive skin types.

Kojic Acid

Known for its skin-brightening properties, kojic acid works through different pigmentation pathways to help reduce melanin production and improve skin tone.

When multiple ingredients are used together, they can work on different pigmentation pathways to maximise results. Your prescribing medical practitioner can advise which combination of ingredients may be most suitable for your specific skin condition and treatment goals.

Does it cause cancer?

This is the most widespread myth on the internet about hydroquinone. But there isn’t a single published case of cancer in humans caused by topical application of HQ. This myth presumably comes from its association with tumours when it was FED to rats.

REFERENCES

1. Levitt J. The safety of hydroquinone: a dermatologist’s response to the 2006 Federal Register. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2007 Nov;57(5):854-72. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2007.02.020. PMID: 17467115.⠀

2. Tse TW. Hydroquinone for skin lightening: safety profile, duration of use and when should we stop? J Dermatolog Treat. 2010 Sep;21(5):272-5. doi: 10.3109/09546630903341945. PMID: 20095963.⠀

3. Searle T, Al-Niaimi F, Ali FR. Hydroquinone: myths and reality. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2020 Nov 7. doi: 10.1111/ced.14480. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33159818.