![]() ![]() There is another way that hydroquinone throws a wrench into the process of skin pigmentation: it damages the cells responsible for producing melanin, called melanocytes. As a tyrosinase inhibitor, hydroquinone effectively ambushes the production of melanin. This is bad news for skin pigment production, as this particular enzyme is responsible for converting L-DOPA to melanin. So similar in fact, that the enzyme that usually binds to L-DOPA, which is called tyrosinase, ends up binding to hydroquinone instead. It is very similar to that of 元,4-diphenylalanine, (L-DOPA) a melanin precursor. Hydroquinone’s effectiveness as a skin lightening agent relies primarily on its molecular structure. ![]() There are a number of ingredients used to lighten melasma marks, but the top choice for many dermatologists remains hydroquinone, either as an agent on its own, or combined with other ingredients. In an effort to improve the quality of life of melasma patients, decades of research have been dedicated to understanding the disorder and finding its cure. Though melasma itself does not pose a health risk, both anecdotal and scientific evidence has shown it has a considerable effect on one’s psycho-emotional wellbeing (Fatma et al. In pregnant women, melasma is also called “chloasma” or the “mask of pregnancy”. It is more common in women than in men, particularly those of reproductive age (Shankar et al. Those with darker skin types (Fitpatrick IV to VI) and Asian, African, or Latino descent are more likely to have melasma (Pichardo et al. Last but most importantly, sun/light exposure and a lack of sun protective measures is a likely culprit in the exacerbation of melasma, as well as many other hyperpigmentation disorders.Īpproximately 1% of the global population suffers from this condition, but within certain populations, it can be much higher. External influences include administration of certain kinds of medications, cosmetics, and skincare products. ![]() Genetics, family history, and hormonal imbalances clearly play a role. There appears to be some abnormality in the processes that controls melanin production. There appears to be no singular cause for melasma, rather, it is a multifactorial medical condition (Bandyopadhyay, 2009). There are different patterns of distribution, but the most common locations include the forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. To the naked eye, it appears as flat, dark brown to greyish-brown patches that appear symmetrically on the face. This pigment could be deposited in the epidermis, the superficial layer of the skin, or dermis, the layer right underneath it. In simple terms, melasma occurs when melanocytes produce more melanin than usual. So how exactly does hydroquinone work to lighten melasma? To answer that, we must first understand how melasma develops. Following its initial discovery, research on this powerhouse ingredient has continued, leading to more effective and safer ways to reap its benefits. Hydroquinone has been the go-to treatment for melasma for decades. This is a hyperpigmentation disorder that results in the appearance of flat, dark brown-to-greyish patches on both sides of the face. Unfortunately, there are many causes of uneven pigmentation, and one of the most common is melasma. ![]() Amongst the definitions for healthy skin appearance is an even complexion. ![]()
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