Let’s take a closer look…

The Manufacturer
Glyone is not some fly-by-night company… they were founded in 1943 and have been making skin care products ever since. Most recently, they have become best known for their glycolic acid based products, but they also producing bleaching cream too. Originally an American company, in 2002 they were acquired by Pierre Fabre Dermo-Cosmetique – a French skin care manufacturer.
The Product
Glytone bleaching cream is officially sold under the name “Glytone Essentials Skin Bleaching Fading Lotion.” That sure is a mouth full, huh?! So for the purpose of this review, I’ll just refer to it as Glytone bleaching cream since that’s a bit easier to say!

Ingredients: This lotion contains 2% hydroquinone as its active ingredient. Upon reading the ingredient label, interestingly enough I also discovered that it contains kojic acid (which is another skin lightening product). Now what Glytone is best known for is their glycolic products, so it’s only fitting that they incorporate this ingredient too, right? Well that’s exactly what they did – carefully balancing the right combination of both hydroquinone and glycolic acid.

Size: Glytone bleaching cream is sold in a 2 ounce container.

Price: This is actually a very good value. Many other skin bleaching products only come in a one once bottle and they charge upwards of $50. The great thing about Glytone bleaching cream is that it’s only around $36 – so it’s a reasonable price plus the bottle is larger than many competitors.

Benefits: It’s known for its ability to help fade age spots, freckles, sun spots, and acne scars. In fact, they even recommend it as a possible way to improve the appearance of sun damaged skin. Since this lotion uses a 2% hydroquinone formulation, it should help you achieve noticeable results rather quickly.

Verdict
As you can see from my Glytone bleaching cream review, I have a favorable opinion of this product. It’s made by a trusted manufacturer and the price is reasonable.

The Manufacturer
Most of us are very familiar with Murad. He’s Los Angeles based dermatologist that become a household name after coming out with his acne treatment several years back. Since they market their products via infomercials, they have to set their products at a competitive price point that would fit into most people’s budget. Of course they’re best known for the Murad acne treatment system, but since that has been so successful, they’ve also expanded their product line. One of their newer additions is the Murad Age Spot & Pigment Lightening Gel.

The Product
Murad Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Gel is specifically geared towards though that suffer from acne scarring and similar hyperpigmentation on the face.

Ingredients: It’s primary active ingredient is a 2% concentration of hydroquinone (which of course is what this site is all about). Hydroquinone is probably the most powerful skin lightening product you can buy. It also contains glycolic acid, which is an excellent exfoliant for the removal of dead skin cells and to clear the pores. When these old skin cells are shed, it helps make way for the new skin which hopefully doesn’t have the same pigmentation irregularities. There are other ingredients too which help soothe irritation which might occur – allantoin and licorice.

Usage: A thin layer is typically applied once per day. If irritation occurs then using it on a less frequent basis may not be a bad idea.

Size: Murad Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Gel is sold in a one ounce bottle, which is typical for skin care products in this price range.

Price: The one drawback is that the price can be nearly $60. For some people this may not matter, but for others, it may be out of their price range. If that’s the case, there are tons of other quality 2% hydroquinone creams on the market which are much cheaper.

Verdict
If you can afford it, the Murad Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Gel appears to be a good choice.

The Manufacturer
PCA Skin is a well known skin care product manufacturer which is based in Scottsdale, AZ. The currently have over fifty different products which are sold in the USA and over sixty other countries. The company was founded in 1990 by an aesthetician named Margaret Ancira. Their product line consists of both skin lightening products as well as other anti aging remedies.

The Product
PCA Skin pHaze 13 pigment gel is a very unique product because it actually consists of three different lightening ingredients. First and foremost is that it contains hydroquinone cream – a powerful and proven skin lightener. It also contains kojic acid, another potent skin lightening agent that is equally as popular. In addition, pHaze 13 pigment gel incorporates lactic acid, which is a an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) known for it’s ability to refresh the skin and even out pigmentation irregularities.

Size: Currently, they PCA Skin pHaze 13 Pigment Gel is sold in a one ounce bottle.

Price: The price varies depending on where you buy it, but it usually retails for around $40.

Uses: Typically it is applied to the face twice per day (once in the morning, once at night). However those with sensitive skin may wish to use it less frequently.

Benefits: Being that it combines three skin lightening treatments in one bottle, this product can be an excellent way to help with acne discoloration, melasma, and other skin problems involving hyperpigmentation.

Verdict
This company is very well known in the skin care world for producing high quality products. The PCA Skin pHaze 13 Pigment Gel sounds like a revolutionary formulation since it makes use of multiple proven ingredients. The price is a little on the high side, so if that’s a concern for you, there are plenty of other quality skin whitening products out there that cost a bit less. That aside, there’s no doubt that PCA Skin pHaze 13 Pigment Gel is a great choice and it’s definitely not a scam.

Hydroquinone cream is a popular method many people use. In the US, you can buy strengths of two percent and below over the counter (and that’s what we will talk about here). But what you need to know is that this skin lightening cream is powerful, therefore it’s important to follow directions when using it.

One of the so called benefits of hydroquinone is that it helps diminish darks spots or discoloration on the face. Hydroquinone combines scientific technology with natural ingredients giving it a very unique structure. This creation is said to help many people with everything from sun spots, to age spots to acne scars. Let’s take a closer look into this high tech beauty compound and find out why it works.

Hydroquinone cream can be marketed in many different ways. Some manufacturers use other products such as various vitamins like C, E, and B to give their creams a little more of a botanical base to help counter the chemicals found inside of them. These combinations are said to work because of these two very different and unique types of ingredients that actually work well together. You have the science of hydroquinone, which is stated to work as a skin lightener. Plus you have the vitamins, which are essential not only for the skin, but for the whole body. So you not only get ingenuity at it’s finest, but you also get good old fashion holistic beauty.

So does this skin lightening cream work immediately?
It has been said that it takes up to 4 weeks for this product to show any signs of progress in regards to working as a skin lightener. In order for the full effect to be visually noticeable it may take about 8-12 weeks. Don’t worry though, you won’t all of a sudden become a different race or anything to that extent. It is more of a gradual change, with a gradual change in color of the skin (less pigment).

So how often should I use it?
Even though 2% and below is non-prescription, you should still discuss it with a dermatologist to make sure you are using it correctly. Many people use hydroquinone cream for a period of time as outlined in the product’s directions. There has been talk about it causing cancer after experiments were done where rats were given extremely high doses of it. However many say this is an unfair comparison to humans since the rats were given it to ingest and the dosage was hundreds of times more than normal. So this is a product that has been popular for about 50 years and there is a lack of evidence to support these claims in humans. If it was unsafe the FDA probably wouldn’t allow strengths 2% and under to be sold over the counter. But if you are in doubt about whether or not to use this. it is always better to ask your doctor before you start any type of skin care regimen, especially in regards to anything that involves skin lightening.

Is it okay to go out into the sun when I use hydroquinone?
If you insist on going out in the sun it is very important to either purchase a cream with sun-block and UV protection, or purchase your own separately and put on on top of the hydroquinone cream. It has been noted that in order for the hydroquinone to work properly, sun exposure should be minimal. So make sure to remember that when you are catching some rays.

Hopefully I have answered many of your questions in regards to hydroquinone cream and what it is used for. Just as with any treatment it is imperative that you speak with your doctor before trying this type of skin treatment or any type of treatment. I am not a medical professional and do not claim to be therefore seeking a professional opinion is what you should do. When used as instructed, skin bleaching cream can be an extremely effective and fast way to lighten skin.

But who typically uses the products? Well… do you like the sun? And do you refuse to stay out of the sun on the most beautiful day? Well, you’re not alone. The sun is kind of like a catch 22 scenario. It has good benefits as well as bad benefits. The good benefits are that the sun has an essential nutrient that the human body needs in order for overall mental health and well being. This vitamin is vitamin D. Without the sun Vitamin D cannot be absorbed into the skin and without this imperative nutrient this can effect our mood. On the other hand, the sun has very damaging effects to our skin and has even been linked to sun spots, freckles, as well as certain types of cancer. So what do we do? The best solution is to enjoy the sun and try not to spend too much time outside without any type of sun block. But what happens when our skin is the one that pays the price. Keep reading to find out.

I would like to first address that I am in no way a trained professional or claim to be, so make sure to read and make an informed decision in determining which products are right for you. With all that said let’s continue on.

Aging & Skin Tone
It’s common knowledge that none of us want to look like a dried up old prune by the time we are forty years old, but sadly enough this happens to a lot of people. They spend all day out in the sun numerous hours a day many times a week and before they realize it they are wishing they would have taken extra precaution when being outside for long periods of time. If you find yourself dreading over sun spots or other types of skin discoloration continue reading to find out some possible solutions to help you with this problem.

Other Users
One type of skin care treatment for people with skin discoloration are hydroquinone skin care products. These treatments basically help with diminishing and helping dissolve sun spots, age spots, and various skin disorders by lightening the skin that is discolored. Many of these treatments are called skin bleaching creams. And guess what they do? Bingo, you guessed it! They lighten the skin.

There are many different varieties of hydroquinone products, from skin bleaching creams, to lotions to you name it…. there are many different types to chose from. Many people say that a combination of hydroquinone glycolic acid is superior when it comes to treating any type of dark discoloration of the skin. Whether it be sun spots, a skin disorder, age spots, or simple lightening, this treatment is said to work wonders for people with these situations. The reason why it is so effective is because it works as a strong exfoliant and gets rid of the damaged ayer of skin and reveals fresher more lively skin.

To Use Or Not To Use?
The information discussed in this article is simply a way for you to find out about alternative beauty treatments that could help you when dealing with different types of skin discoloration. So if you are showing signs of aging or your skin is showing signs from the sun and you are looking for a way to help with getting rid of these different types of hyperpigmentation, then hydroquinone skin lightening products are one option to consider.

]]> http://www.hydroquinonecream.net/hydroquinone-creams/feed 0 http://www.hydroquinonecream.net/hydroquinone-lotion http://www.hydroquinonecream.net/hydroquinone-lotion#comments Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:16:41 +0000 admin http://www.hydroquinonecream.net/?p=45 There are many different varieties of skin lightening treatments that contain hydroquinone. This ingredient is a substance that prevents the skin from producing melanin. Melanin is what gives the skin color and pigmentation. Hydroquinone lotion is used for many different types of skin discoloration abnormalities. The major benefit of it in a lotion form is that it can be applied to large areas in a cost-effective manner.

Have you noticed many people that have freckles aren’t too happy about them? I thought that freckles were supposed to be kisses from the sun? Well, with all joking aside many people have different types of insecurities when it comes to their skin. Many people invest a lot of money trying to correct these imperfections. Let’s discuss some of the common products that are used for these skin issues.What is it?

What is it?
Hydroquinone lotion is a mixture of hydroquinone, which is a lightening agent and glycolic acid, which is used to help maximize the absorption. There are many different varieties available on the market today. With so many different combinations, it is difficult in discerning which one would be the best. This is a very common occurrence in the beauty world today so I will discuss many different factors in relation to lotion version.

What’s available?
Anything 2% and below is available over the counter. Fortunately, this strength is more than sufficient! One OTC version of hydroquinone lotion that I came across sounded very enticing, I think it was because it mentioned that it has both glycolic acid as well as a Hawaiian algae extract. There is just something about Hawaii, whether it be the refreshing weather or the beautiful beaches. That may be the reason why I was drawn to this particular product. Many different variations from different websites had me confused about what the essential ingredients were for the ideal product when looking for a way to get rid of skin discoloration.

I noticed that a lot of the manufacturers of hydroquinone lotion had many different claims, and each one had their own unique special ingredients and therefore it was hard to determine which one was the best for the money or which one would help me with the skin problem I had. It’s fine and dandy that each one of these manufacturers market their product as being the best or has special ingredients; but guess what, so does an apple pie and you don’t see anyone putting that on their face! I can imagine how many other consumers feel the same way. What I did find was that the ones that contained the most positive feedbacks were the products which also contained glycolic acid.

I figured it would be beneficial for all of us that I mention that I am not a medical professional nor a licensed dermatologist therefore any advice that I give about the products discussed should be only used as a way to inform you of some of the products that are available on the market and what they are used for. It is up to you to choose which skin lightening treatment you may want to try.

The way it works as a lightener is the enzymes in the skin are stopped from reacting and producing melanin and this is what causes the lightening of the skin. This then works as a way to change the color of a persons skin as well as help fade other types of skin discoloration.

Warnings
Although there have been many disputes about the effects of hydroquinone on the body, many of these claims have not been thoroughly proven, but many doctors suggest that women who are pregnant refrain from using this product as well as people who take some types of medications. It has been said that there might be interactions that can occur if you use products that contain hydroquinone. Therefore, it’s a good idea to ask a dermatologist for his or her advice, regardless of the fact that hydroquinone cream 2% is sold over the counter.

Products
Are you still curious about what is hydroquinone exactly? And what are some of the products that it is found in? I thought you’d never ask.

One product that contains hydroquinone and is considered to be a skin lightening cream is a product called Physicians Complex (despite the name it is a non-prescription strength). Among the ingredients it contains are Hydroqinone, Kojic Acid Dipalmitate and Bearberry Extract. This product is said to help people with age spots, freckles, melasma and other skin discoloration related problems. It is also said to prevent the production of melanin formation, which is why it is viewed as a good source for pigmentation problems.

A different form of treatment that is similar to a skin lightening cream is a skin lightening lotion. Products such as Proactiv skin lightening lotion, for example, work to get rid of scars caused from past acne breakouts. This lotion works by helping fade those ugly scars so they are less noticeable.

Hopefully I have successfully answered your question pertaining to what is hydroquinone as well as what are some of the products available in the market today. I am in no way a professional on this topic neither do I have a medical degree, so if you are thinking about using hydroquinone make sure to do a lot or research and consult a professional before you begin using this or any type of skin product you haven’t used before.

I am strongly against hydroquinone 4%. Why? Because it is too powerful and increases the risk for side effects. Instead, I prefer concentrations of 2% or less (which are all non-prescription versions). Using the 2% is a much smarter way to go about skin lightening.

I have one note of caution though – regardless you need to make sure to do your own research and asking your doctor about using any type of topical lightening treatment is a good idea just to be safe. I am in no way shape or form a medical professional, nor do I claim to be, so please keep that in mind.

Why Hydroquinone Is Used
Hyper-pigmentation, which basically is the over-accumulation of melanin in the skin can be caused by an increase of hormones in the body, a skin disease called melasma, as well as too much sun. In order to correct the damages caused by the sun as well as get rid of inconsistencies in skin color, many people use cosmetic skin whitening creams in order to help with correcting these noticeable skin flaws.

So let’s talk about these types of skin bleaching treatments. In my opinion this is a whole new kind of beauty treatment. I have heard of fading creams, but skin bleaching always reminds me of something that would be created by scientists in the same lab where Frankenstein was made. But with all joking aside many people actually stand by these bleaching treatments and how they work to help them get rid of many types of unpleasant skin discoloration. So with that in mind I guess this product could be seen as somewhat of an ingenious discovery. That’s what originally sparked me interest to research this ingredient further.

Conclusion
So let’s recap what we have learned so far in relation to hydroquinone cream. We have learned that it is a treatment made from different chemicals and is used to treat various types of discoloration in the skin. The important factor to consider when shopping for a bleaching cream is to make sure that you speak with a professional before starting any type of regimen. This will ensure your safety as well as any side effects that may occur with using any type of bleaching cream, because even though they are OTC, side effects still happen. Once you do that you can then decide whether using a skin whitener is the right choice for you.