Hydroquinone can worsen hyperpigmentation.

What about other skin lighteners such as licorice root, arbutin, and azelaic acid? How long would you have to use them to risk darkening your skin.

Are there any creams without the risk of darkening the skin further?

Any info would be appreciated.

I once used a cream called topiclear and it burned my skin and made it very dark. I think it has hydrquinone. You have to use a sunblock or your skin can get darker also.

I once used a cream called topiclear and it burned my skin and made it very dark. I think it has hydrquinone. You have to use a sunblock or your skin can get darker also.


Hi GolenHoney

Thanks for the info.

I've heard of people having very bad experiences with hydroquinone like you described. Did your cream have a steroid in it as well?

Others have said that they're skin darkened because of the steroid/hydroquinone combination. But I think hydroquinone can do that on it's own.

I've also read that this can happen after long-term use. Were you using it for long? They say you have to use it for at least 6 weeks to get an effect. But people have used it and gotten a bad reaction after just a few days.

Thanks again.