What is hydroquinone?

It is not safe for long time.

It is not safe long term and has been banned here in RSA. There are many safer options available currently.

If you were to ask France or South Africa they would say "Definitely Not!!" These places have seriously banned the medication because of certain individuals developing severe skin darkening, a condition which I already forgot the name of. However, a 2005 research article said it was definitely safe, like everything else when used in moderation. Most dermatologist prescribe it with wonderful results, and always advice to withdrawal it's use after six months, to give your skin a break. I've been curious about a new product by Lumixyl which is claming to be just as strong in removing hyperpigmentation as Hydroquinone but without the supposed toxicity! Also I've always had pretty bad post imflammatory hyperpigmentation from bad pimples, and after a few weeks of using salicyc acd, vit C serum, and sunscreen during the day, and retin A at night, the discolorations were very much improved.

You really need to find a board that has addressed every single one of your issues. this must be a new board cause these are starter out questions and you don't look old enough to have a wrinkle on you- Wow! Really?

Its a skin bleaching agent;reduces the intensity of pigmentation due to freckles, melasma, dark spots, age spots etc. On applying hydroquinone containing fade products sun exposure should be avoided because it reverses the effect of hydroquinone by increasing skin pigmentation! At higher concentrations, persons with a darker skin type may experience increased pigmentation.This ingredient may cause a akin allergic response and irritation in some persons. Research has shown that hydroquinone is a carcinogenic agent , can cause liver injury, thickening and darkening of colored skin, malfunction of the adrenal glands... I'm not using this ingredient in my skincare products... It has been banned by FDA for sale mainly in Europe, Japan, Australia and Asia because of its carcinogenic (cancer-causing) properties. In the US, it is still allowed to sell a concentration of 2% in products, and 4% when prescribed by dermatologists. Better to stay away from it!