There are many harmful effects of the skin caused by the sun. It can cause dark spots to form on your skin (known as age spots, freckles and melasma). Many people turn to topical solutions to lighten the areas of skin that has been darkened. You can find peroxide in a lot of these skin products which can cause too much lightening in the areas you apply the ointment to. It is important to use these types of skin care products sparingly and wisely; they are to be used as needed as well.

Hydroquinone is a substance used in different forms of skin lightening treatments out there. It is available in over the counter ointments, which contain about 2% of hydroquinone in them. Some come in the forms of cream or gel; either or is okay. There is also prescription skin care products made to lighten skin pigmentation problems. Those that are prescribed contain 4% of the hydroquinone formula. When you purchase your skin lightening product, use a cotton swab to apply the ointment on the direct location it is needed. Allow the skin lightening product to dry completely before placing and lotions on foundation make up on your face.

If you have larger dark spots on your hands, arms or legs, massage the skin lightening ointment on the area to make sure that the entire area gets an even amount of the skin care product. You should make sure to wash your hands immediately after doing this, so to avoid the lightening of your palms. You should also avoid getting the skin lightening treatment on your mouth, nose or lips; you will experience numbness in these areas if so. For most people using the skin lightening ointment, it is only necessary to use it twice daily. Take care to only use the amount as directed; don’t apply more lightening ointment or more frequently than you are supposed to.

Some great products that offer skin lightening treatments are Murad Age Spot & Pigment Lightening Gel and NeoCeuticals HQ Skin Lightening Gel. The combine ingredients like hydroquinone, gluconolactone and lactobionic acid to help smooth out the fine lines and wrinkles in your darkly pigments skin as well.

Hydroquinone can dry out the skin and shouldn’t be used on sunburned skin. It will only irritate it more. Make sure to also never use the skin lightening product on open wounds.