I just moved to Thailand and have looked for a bleaching agent called hydroquinone to fade my brown spots. Why can I buy it over the counter here?
Hydroquinone is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. There is no doubt that it is the most effective skin – lightening ingredient, but it’s a somewhat controversial substance. It is actually toxic to melanocytes and has been shown to produce cancer in test animals when ingested orally. Hydroquinone is also a very potent oxidant that can cause damage to the skin, accounting for its high irritant potential. At this point, in Thailand, hydroquinone cannot be sold – or used by anyone except a doctor. It you have brown spots, I think it’s always best to discuss treatment options with a dermatologist, rather than self – medicating.
