Summer Skin Hydroquinone

It is Summer again, kids are off from schools, beaches are full, barbeque grills are out and it’s time for fun in the sun!! Remember though between the hours of 10:30 am to 3pm the sun’s ultra violet rays are at their peak. This also means peak burning hours and will cause damages to the skin if not protected. Being exposed to the sun causes most of the skin changes we deem as a normal part of aging. But over time the sun’s UV rays damage the fibers in the skin causing it to break down resulting in sagging and stretching .Continuous exposure without protection results in the skin’s inability to go back in place after stretching.


Wearing sun screen is very important especially for people who have done chemical peels or are using products containing hydroquinone and other skin lightening products. Most sunscreens have organic compounds that absorb ultraviolet light and inorganic particles that reflect or scatter, and absorb the UV light. Hydroquinone seems to be the preferred method of treating hyper pigmentation or darkening of the skin. Hyper pigmentation is as a result of many different circumstances. This darkening occurs when there is an excess of melanin and therefore it deposits on the skin. Pregnancy, acne spots, cuts and burns can also trigger off hyper pigmentation. Hydroquinone decreases the production of melanin and also increases its break down, it does this by inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase which is the enzyme needed to make melanin.

When using hydroquinone to treat hyper pigmentation you should stay out of direct sunlight as the ultraviolet rays break down the active ingredients of the medication making it inactive. Never forget your sunscreen, recommended is the Arbonne Revelage Age Spot Brightening Day cream with SPF 30.” Wearing protective clothes such as hats and long sleeves will give added protection, although it is our natural tendency to wear fewer clothes at this time of the year or all the time for people living in the tropics. Hydroquinone quickly loses its potency when exposed to either light or air changing into a brownish colour when spoil. Keep it stored in an opaque container that is airtight. Although Hydroquinone is an effective treatment for skin lightening it should be noted that prolong usage can lead to skin cancer.

Any trauma to the skin causes hyper pigmentation. A chemical skin peel is also considered trauma and renders the skin weak. Exposure to the sun’s rays only weakens it more and cause hyper pigmentation and even permanent scaring. Therefore, exposure to heat whether it maybe sun or just a kitchen oven is not recommended after a peel. Give the skin time to heal and renew itself.