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Unsupervised Hydroquinone Use: Beware of what you put on your skin

Hydroquinone (HQ) has long been regarded as effective for treating darkened skin (hyperpigmentation), having been used as a skin-lightening chemical for over 50 years. It has been prescribed by doctors and used by patients to treat facial spots (e.g.freckles) and patches (e.g.melasma), a blotchy complexion due to sun damage, and discoloration or dark scars due to trauma and skin disease (e.g. acne or chickenpox). However like any other drug, HQ does have its share of side effects. In the 1980’s, the most commonly reported complication was disfiguring exogenous ochronosis or pseudo-ochronosis... [...]

Philippine Dermatological Society – Official Statement

In its efforts to assure skin safety amongst Filipinos via its Skin Safety Campaign, an educational drive, including the publication of guidelines or articles on skin care and certain skin care ingredients was launched. It is most unfortunate that the Philippine Dermatological Society has been misquoted and statements taken out of context. The Philippine Dermatological Society recommends the regulated use of Hydroquinone (HQ) as proposed by the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD). All preparations containing less than or equal to two percent (2%) HQ can be dispensed without the supervision of a licensed... [...]