[blahman123]

i wanted to make my dark pigmentation around my eyes to lighten up a bit... i am of pakistani descent so this is fairly common in people of my background.


so how long would this take? i am using it twice a day. also, is it safe to use around the eyes and on eyelids?

 

[mireckca]

There are alot of risks associated with HQ and so they recommend that it not be used around the eyes. So I would say that applying it on the eyelids especially is not safe. See the link below for a thread that discusses how to deal with dark circles under the eye.

http://www.skincaretalk.com/basic-sk...e-circles.html

 

[Leslie]

I recommend not using it ever!! It can actually cause mutation in the skin resulting in keloid-like growths in the skin and even cancer.

 

[mireckca]

I recommend not using it ever!! It can actually cause mutation in the skin resulting in keloid-like growths in the skin and even cancer.

Yes! Leslie - keep reading. We have folks on this site, in this thread, who are using 20% hydroquinone with no apparent concerns!

 

[blahman123]

what do you recommend for use around the eyes?

 

[mireckca]

what do you recommend for use around the eyes?

I gave you a link above in my comment (#2) where folks discuss this issue.

All of the literature advises that this stuff (hydoquinone and related products) should not be used anywhere near the eye. The preparations that are commercially available are formulated for topical use and are not to be applied anywhere near the eye or mucous membranes.

You mentioned that you apply it around the eye and on the eyelid. That is extremely dangerous!

This has nothing to do with the cancer controversy - which is another concern. Here I am just referring to the product itself - it is a formulation issue.

For this reason most skin care companies also develop separate products for use around the eye. Yes, they want to extend their product line and make more money, but more importantly, the product has to be formulated with ingredients that are safe to use in the delicate area around the eye. The active ingredients may be the same, but the pharmaceutical "vehicle" will be different for this purpose.

And don't even think about buying the HQ powder from a back-alley provider because you are probably not equipped to make an appropriate eye product at home. I am a lab-trained person and would not dream of attempting to do so.

 

[pumi]

what do you recommend for use around the eyes?

Apply fresh cucumber juice around your eyes daily. No need to wash off after.

HTH.

 

[ondine]

Hi Blahman123 : I am one of those members here who is alternating between tretinoin 0.1% & HQ 4%. HQ is not safe for use close to the eyes. B4 treating your dark circles, please find out what is causing them. If they are caused by blood seeping from the fine capillaries beneath your thin eyelid skin, no amount of lightening cream will help you. Taking supplements of magnesuim, Vitamin K & making changes to your diet (more water, more sleep, balanced diet etc) will help you. The problem will not disappear overnight, but it will improve over time. The horror stories from HQ are typically from those who abuse the product (using it many times a day, using it on damaged skin that is reacting badly to it, harsh rubbing). People do all sorts of foolish things & then blame the product.

 

[mireckca]

Ondine - excellent post and advice - from someone who knows her stuff!

 

[kissdaski]

Yes, I am one who has 20% hq. I know the risks very well and did my research. There are plently of things that have risks but people still take it. I will be mixing the product down with cocoa butter and wear sunscreen 70. I dont plan on using 20% for years and years either. People who have these problems usually abuse hq and use for a long period of time. Then again there are people who have used it for years like 40(my nanny) and have lightened there skin beautifully, nothing as happened to their skin negatively. Just make sure you do the research and look for any signs. Dont try to keep using it in hope itll get better with your skin conditioning worsening. Just use it sparinly...who ever you order from ask them for directions...and lots of sunscreen!

 

[mireckca]

There are plently of things that have risks but people still take it.

That does not make it okay or acceptable.

The issue is not short-term irritation which can be controlled with cocoa butter and sunscreen, as you are wisely doing.

The issue is the long-term consequences of using a chemical that is altering the processes that the cells are programmed to do by nature . This impact may not be seen in one's lifetime, or for several years or decades. But the possibility is there.

Everyone has to make their own choice on this, and you (and others) have made yours (theirs). And I/we have to respect your decision - and I personally do.

But for the benefit of others I believe that it is important to present the whole picture here for some who may be new to the debate or may be "on the fence" regarding the usage of HQ and related products. This is an information source that comes up, after all, when folks "google" different aspects of skin care. It's how I found the SCT site as well.

 

[ondine]

Mireckca, I totally agree with you regarding being cautious & getting a complete picture. Most of the damage horror story people you see online have ABUSED the product. Some think that if 2x a day is dood, then 6 times a day is better. Not Smart! Some use it on skin that has a rash or cuts or is otherwise abnormal. You need to exercise common sense! If you apply a cream & it burns like hell,

that DOES NOT mean that it is working: it means it might be eating your face!

The creams I am using do not hurt, burn or itch on my skin. the tretinoin 0.1% is strong stuff & I repect the instructions to the letter. It does cause dry flaky exfoliating skin, but that is what it is designed to do. Then, when my skin is wet, I gently rub off the dead skin with a washcloth. I do not use HQ on the tretinoin day & , as directed, I only use the Tretinoin 1x per day before bed & 20 mins after cleansing & drying my skin. These creams are medications; NOT cosmetics! For the dryness caused by the tretinoin, I use a touch of Aveeno Eczema cream (very gentle & safe even for babies) on the dryest areas only as needed. My skin is clear, pimple & irritation free & is fading evenly & steadily. The second I see anything troubling, which I doubt will happen, I'll stop & I'll post here to warn others.

 

[kissdaski]

I agree with yall but I never said it was ok. I also respect your point of veiw. I was saying what I did to make my decision. I am not trying to encourage anyone to follow my foot steps. In fact, I am just trying to share my results with the forum. I'm not trying to presuade anyone to use hq or get into a pissing contest on the hq deal. Everyone has their opinions and its great. There is enough of the warnings and what have you. I appreciate the efforts of caution but its not going to change my mind.The stuf is already purchased and waiting at my house. If it doesnt give me any results I will not be using it again. Simple as that for me. Im not going to keep putting it on.

 

[mireckca]

I'm not trying to presuade anyone to use hq or get into a pissing contest on the hq deal. Everyone has their opinions and its great. There is enough of the warnings and what have you. I appreciate the efforts of caution but its not going to change my mind.

I agree - this is not a place to proselytize about anything, but to share information. And it not a contest of any kind. I view this thread in particular as a place to share information and to learn about a very important issue.

This particular thread is probably the most sensitive one on the site. Most of the folks that are posting here are using the products, and I respect them for that.

I am not using them and do not know anyone personally who does. But I am living in a very multi-cultural society and so I have two objectives - (i) to learn more about the use of these substances, and maybe even (ii) to understand the reasons behind why folks have made the decision to use them.

As a scientist with a background in health care, I am naturally concerned about the long-term use of these substances and believe that a balanced view of them is important on this site. Like I said earlier, most of the posters on this thread are using the products and applaud their benefits. It is equally important to present the other side of the picture. It is not a blog where one merely reports, but a discussion board which opens the door for comments.

Since you have made your decision - I only wish you and others using these produces the best outcome in terms of results and future good health.

 

[kissdaski]

Thank you for understanding. I am grateful for the respect and concern you have for this touchy subject. Skin lightening especially with hq is very taboo. Everyone has their own thoughts on it and sometimes there isnt a reason why someone chooses to alter their skin color. I have made the decision and will make sure that if anything out of the ordinary happens with this method I will stop immediantly.

 

[ondine]

your skin is yours & yours alone. You get to decide what you want to do with it: whether that means lightening, tanning or leaving it as is or getting tattoos. People can be very judgmental. We must all be strong.

 

[gorgeouslady]

ondine,if HQ cannot be used close to the eye like around the eye area,how do you lighten those areas cos if you don't it'll look darker than the rest of your face and will end up looking like dark circles.so how do you do it for yourself?

 

[ondine]

Good question! I apply the cream up to 1/2" from my eyes & somehow the skin is lightening well! I guess it passes through the skin. I have experienced no eye troubles whatsoever from the products. I never go closer than that, though.

 

[gorgeouslady]

i think i'll do your method too.seems sensible that the cream will penetrate and move upwards to lighten the rest of the skin around the eye

 

[ondine]

So far, so good. But, now, after much research, I'm trying something different. Go to my mono thread to read about it.