Do Hydroquinone creams help skin whitening?
Hydroquinone is considered the primary topical ingredient for inhibiting melanin production in the skin and as such is added to skin whitening creams to cover the effects of hyperpigmentation. Hydroquinone is a strong inhibitor of melanin production, meaning that it prevents skin from making the substance responsible for skin color. However, Hydroquinone does not actually bleach the skin; it actually disrupts the synthesis and production of melanin. Melanin is in your skin to protect you from the harm caused by the suns UV rays. If you disrupt the melanin process you run the risk of losing the natural protection and can therefore be more susceptible to skin problems.