Tue Jul 19, 2016 4:27 am by vairclair1
Considering or Currently Using Hq and Retin-A? Here Are A Few Quick Facts Mon Jan 11, 2010 12:13 am
Golden Girl
Administrator
Privileged
HQ and RA LIGHTENING FAQS:
I want to know what my skin may look like if I use Hydroquinone (Hq) 4% and Retin-A (Ra)? Will I have the "bleached out" look that some people get with some bleaching products or will I be able to retain the appearance of my natural undertones?
Yes you can. I, as well as many others, have been able to do this. You have to be cautious not to lighten too quickly so that you will not have that "bleached out" look where you undertones are masked. Also, adding a good quality vitamin C (ascorbic acid or other quality vitamin C forms) serum can be added to your regimen and will help give your skin a lovely glow and will help your undertones to be more pronounced. And always use an effective sunblock high in spf to prevent the skin to redarken and protect it from UVA and UVB rays.
Where can I apply and not apply Hq and Ra?
Personally speaking, I just apply a little on the tip of my finger and apply it to the outer areas of my ears, behind the ears, neck, back of neck (including hairline) and any other area tha I am trying to lighten. I do not apply retin-a to the back of ears or neck because it burns and the skin is already quite thin there. Hq will lighten it just fine on it's own, but yes still apply sunblock there. Only places where you don't use either is areas such as mucous membranes areas: nose/nostril areas, in mouth and intimate parts, and not in the ears :-S. If theres an area your not sure about, feel free to ask.
If people begin to ask me how and why I am getting so light and fair, what should I say?
You can try to avoid this if you possibly can until things are even. But, some situations may be exposed and the only thing you can do while currently in the lightening process is to say your top half is paler because you dont get much sun or say nothing (best I can think of). While lightening DRAMATICALLY such as a few shades+, I remember asking about this situation. Well, people who know you will begin to notice. I usually do not try explaining myself unless asked...because that is my right and I do not pry in their business and ask them. But, when they do ask as people are naturally nosy by nature, I usually respond by saying that I have been going to the spa or dermatologist and getting acne and exfoliation treatments such as AHAs and so on...or that I am using exfoliators to help even my skin and help remove my discolorations, acne, and blemishes.
In which I am using exfoliators such as AHAs (latic acid). I'm also working on the appearance of my acne scars, stayin clear from acne breakouts, removing my blemishes and scars....I'm just lightening overall as well. Which is equally fine since people also tan their skin which can be more dangerous and even cancerous. Once you feel that you have reached your desired goal, you'll have to maintain your results (and this is with any lightener). Why? Because the skin cells are replaced on average every 28 days and will return to it's genetic color. Maintaining with an effective skin lightener 2-3 times weekly, an exfoliator, and always use sunblock every day before going out the same way we must brush our teeth daily to main our pearly whites.
Is Hq and Ra Expensive?
It is possible to use gels and cremes that cost under $100 and still achieve your results without paying really high prices for them. They can be purchased through certain reliable online websites usually between $2-15, plus shipping and handling. Hq and Retin-a are only one of the few methods to lighten the skin, as there are other methods as well.
Does Hydroquinone have steroids &/or mercury in them?
Hydroquinone is a chemical of itself and does not contain steroids or heavy metals. There are many products on the market that contains hq along with other ingredients such as steroids, mercury, &/or lead which may help increase lightening results but at a cost which may not be reversable.
What do people mean when they say "Hq Abuse"?
You can get quality hq and ra and it may work for you. I am currently using them now and I'm lightening quite well. Yes, this can be used when used safely, properly and not abused.
Examples of Hydroquinone abuse are:
-using hq in very high amounts
-knowingly or unknowingly used along with steroid or mercury products
-not using a quality sunblock high in spf every day (to prevent UVA/UVB exposure)
-not limiting the amount of sun exposure: when sun is limited and sunblock used you have a greater chance of continuing to achieve lightening results, maintain your results, and not causing your results to erverse and redarken
-applying hq several times a day on regular basis. Hq only need to be applied 1-2x daily
-Not using an exfoliator on a conistent basis
-If you happen to have an allergic reaction to hq or your skin is too sensitive to hq and you still continue to use this, like many other things your skin's condition may become worse. You'll have to discontinue use shortly if your skin is unable to tolerate hq and skin's condition becoming worse.
**There are several other factors of hq abuse, these are only a few to avoid (which also applies to all skin lighteners and exfoliators in general) in order to help increase your success in lightening your skin**
Do I have to use very high amounts of Hq to get good results? Are low amounts of Hq really effective?
No, there is no need to use very high amounts of Hq (such as 10%, 20%, or higher) on your skin and can actually cause damage the skin. You can use Hq 4% along with retin-a and still reach at the least close to your goal if you stick to this regimen, following the proper instructions, and over time with patience you can acheive this. This is the amount that dermatologists prescribe to their patients. There is no need to either use Hq 10%, and the high percentage hq can place your skin at higher risks of being damaged.
Can I just jump and use the highest strength Retin-a 0.1%, instead of having to use the lower strengths in order to get great results?
It is BEST to start off with a low strength of retin-a if you are not accustomed to using exfoliators, have sensitive skin, and hq has the tendency of making the skin more sensitive as well. Everyone' ki is different, so everyone will not be able to equally tolerate high strenth or mid strenth retin-a. Some people are not able to tolerate retin-a at all, and will have to use another exfoliant alternative.
The strengths are 0.025% being the mildest, 0.05% being the general strength used (I use this) and 0.1% being the strongest and not recommended to be used first, as the skin should build tolerance with retinoids and any other forms of exfoliators. Immediately jumping to the highest maximum strength can effect some people's skin in a negative way and cause burns and skin darkening due to the skin not given the chance to build tolerance. Not recommended.
Is Hq/Ra the ONLY way that I am able to lighten my skin?
Although this route is working for some, as well as myself, as well as many Hq negatives are myths and hq can be safely used....hq is not your only option.
Can I just apply sunblock sometimes and not all of the time when going out, since I am already lightening my skin?
ALWAYS use a good sunblock high in spf (use at least 55 or higher, prefer spf 70-100). Good brand is Neutrogena with Helioplex)
Last edited by Golden Girl on Mon Mar 22, 2010 6:44 pm; edited 3 times in total
