Hydroquinone-Free Dark Spot Corrector

“Knowledge is power,” said Sir Francis Bacon, so listen up as HKI’s go-to for dermatological insight and a leader in her field, Dr. Elena Jones drops some science on the debate over the once frequently-used lightening agent ingredient, hydroquinone. To include it or not to include it, that is the question.

Dr. Jones says, “Hydroquinone has been shown to cause cancer in rats. However, those studies were based on rats being fed hydroquinone.  That’s why there has been an ongoing debate as to whether or not hydroquinone is dangerous in humans who apply it to their skin.  Thus far, the FDA [Federal Drug Administration] has not made a final ruling so hydroquinone is still available.

Possibly another reason that hydroquinone has been removed from skin lightening products is that if it is used excessively, it can cause a potentially irreversible darkening and *mottling of skin. This is called exogenous ochronosis.”

Lastly, hydroquinone can cause irritation to the skin of some of the people who use it.”

For those of you not swayed by the FDA’s recent findings, skin brightening posts with products laced with hydroquinone ican be found throughout this site. But for those of you who are, HKI has whittled down the list of the growing number hydroquinone-free products you should really be paying attention to…

See SKIN FIX: Lighten Up…Even The Appearance of Acne Blemishes

Peter Thomas RotBrightener Corrector De-Spot Skin ($75, peterthomasroth.com) does more than lighten the appearance of dark spots due to the effects of post-acne discoloration, it also fades those associated with aging, sun damage and works considerably well at reducing the pregnancy mask. De-Spot contains, as described by the brand, “21st century ingredients” such as ACTIWHITE, Chromabright and a host of other mamximum strength brightening ingredients that doesn’t irritate and works in as little as 2 weeks, but could take up to 12 to see a dramatic improvement. De-Spot can also be used on the tops of your hands and your  décolleté.

Just recently a few bloggers and magazine editors were invited to have a pow wow with the Black Opal team for an intimate discussion of their 2013 beauty and skin care product launches. Of the newest innovations Even True Skin Tone Brightening Creme ($11.95, blackopalbeauty.com) developed with the help of dermatologist Dr. Cheryl Burgess, is a jam-packed propietary blend of hydroquinone-free ingredients such as peptides & natural citrus extracts, to name a few that are proven to cure you of the hyperpigmentation blues as it revitalizes dull, ashy skin.

At $150, Elure Advanced Lightening Night Cream (lovelyskin.com) is clearly not the most economical way to go, and when used with the Advanced Facial Wash ($35) & Advanced Skin Lightening Lotion ($150), the investment is a sure thing. Melanozyme – a potent natural mushroom-derived enzyme is the driving force behind the success of this product. Cream contains 2 creams that when used together form a powerful bond to break down melanin to even skin tone without causing skin irritation.

Personal anecdote: The impatient me wanted results now, but the blogger in me knew that I had to stay committed to seeing this treatment through to end so I could report back. I used the Facial Wash in the shower daily. After my moisturizer I’d apply the Skin Lightening Lotion and before bed time I’d apply the Night Cream. Where I saw incredible results was on my upper lip and along my jawline within about 4 weeks. Available only through dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and licensed medical professionals.

*mottling = blotchiness

Hue Knew It? I did.