Clinical Information
At night, wash and pat the skin dry. Apply a pea-sized amount in a thin layer over the affected area once daily. Avoid the eyes, mouth, and broken skin. If your skin becomes very red or irritated during the first two weeks, switch to every other night until your skin adjusts, then return to nightly use. Do not apply more than once in 24 hours. If you forget a dose, skip it and use the cream the next night—never double up. Typical treatment lasts 8–12 weeks, then your prescriber may reduce use to 2–3 nights a week for maintenance. Not for children under 12 years old. Elderly adults can use the standard dose.
Hydroquinone blocks an enzyme called tyrosinase that makes melanin, the pigment that darkens skin. Retinoic Acid increases skin cell turnover, pushing old, pigmented cells to the surface so they can flake off sooner. Kojic Acid also slows melanin production by tying up copper that the pigment-making cells need. Most patients start to see mild lightening after 4 weeks, with clearer, brighter skin in 8–12 weeks of regular nightly use. Results last as long as treatment continues and sun protection is used.
Do not use if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, because the safety of these ingredients in unborn or nursing babies is not proven. Do not use if you are allergic to hydroquinone, tretinoin, kojic acid, or any cream ingredients (can cause severe rash or swelling). Avoid use on eczema, sunburned, irritated, or broken skin. Not for children under 12 years. If you have a history of ochronosis (blue-black skin discoloration) or are using strong peroxide products on the same area, talk with your doctor before use.
Using other harsh skin products such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or alcohol-based toners at the same time can increase dryness, redness, and peeling—use them at different times of day or stop them if irritation occurs. Oral or topical retinoids (for acne) may add to skin irritation; ask your prescriber before combining. Peroxide products (hair bleach, acne washes) may temporarily darken the skin where hydroquinone is applied; wash the area and stop peroxide use if this happens. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you use, especially those that make skin more sensitive to sun (like doxycycline or St. John’s wort). Limit alcohol-based aftershaves and fragrances on treated areas to avoid burning.
Very common (more than 1 in 10 users): mild redness, dryness, or peeling during the first 2–4 weeks—often improves with moisturizers. Common (1–10 in 100 users): stinging, itching, mild burning, temporary lightening of nearby normal skin. Uncommon (1–10 in 1,000 users): dark or bluish spots (exogenous ochronosis), severe irritation, or swelling—stop use and call your doctor. Rare but serious: allergic reaction with rash, hives, or facial swelling; seek medical help right away. Most mild side effects ease within 2–3 weeks as your skin adjusts.
Store tightly closed at room temperature between 68-77°F (20-25°C). Keep out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources to prevent the cream from breaking down. Do not freeze. Keep container dry and tightly capped when not in use. Discard any unused cream 3 months after opening or by the pharmacy-printed expiration date, whichever comes first. Dispose of unused or expired cream through a pharmacy take-back program or seal it in a plastic bag with coffee grounds before placing in household trash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:How long will it take to see results?
A:Most people notice slight fading in 4 weeks, with clearer and brighter skin in 8–12 weeks. Keep using the cream every night and protect your skin from the sun for best results.
Q:What should I do if my skin gets very red or flaky?
A:Cut back to every other night and apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer after the cream dries. If severe burning or swelling occurs, stop the cream and call your healthcare provider.
Q:Can I wear makeup or sunscreen over the cream?
A:Yes. Apply the cream at night, let it absorb fully, and wash your face in the morning. Then apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and makeup as usual. Sun protection is essential to prevent new dark spots.
Q:Is it safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding?
A:No. The ingredients have not been proven safe for unborn or nursing babies. Stop the cream and talk with your doctor if you become pregnant or plan to breastfeed.
Q:Can I use other acne or anti-aging products at the same time?
A:Using too many active products can irritate your skin. If you use benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or strong exfoliants, apply them in the morning and the lightening cream at night, or ask your provider if you should pause them.
Q:What happens if I stop using the cream?
A:Dark spots may slowly return over several months, especially if you do not use sunscreen. After the first 8–12 weeks, your provider may recommend a maintenance schedule, such as using the cream 2–3 nights each week.
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