The Power of Hydroquinone Skin Lightening Products

Peter T. Pacik, MD, FACS

Dear SkinCare-MD Customer,

It has often been said that the practice of medicine is half science and half art. This is certainly true in the practice of both plastic surgery and skin care. The word "practice" connotes that we are always striving to achieve better results through testing and repetition and that we learn through our patients' experiences with our product lines and procedures. Since individuals respond differently to our attempts to help them, this then becomes the "art" part of our medical practice.

In our own practice here in Manchester, New Hampshire, we have studied over 400 consecutive patients, and have learned a great deal from our efforts. These patients range in age from their 20’s to their 50’s and many of them exhibit hyperpigmentation (sun spots, freckles, age spots, etc.) that were caused by both hormonal factors and/or sun damage. What is notable is the many combinations, and varying degrees of skin aging associated with the hyperpigmentation. Our younger patients may have smooth skin with only pigmentary changes, while some patients only in their 50's exhibit advanced wrinkling and blotchy pigmentation. This spectrum of patients challenges us to find the right combination of skin care products to address their problems. It is here that we practice the "art" of medicine.

About Hydroquinone Skin Lightening Products

Hydroquinone is one of our "older" drugs in that it has been used for many years, giving us a level of comfort that it is both safe and effective. 4% hydroquinone is considered Physician-Strength, and it is this strength that has been found to be most effective in resolving pigmentary problems. Hydroquinone works by interfering with cells' enzymatic process of manufacturing too much pigment. Hormonal or sun damaged blotchy areas of tan to brown (blue to black in darker individuals) are due to groups of cells manufacturing too much pigment. By controlling this process, we are able to achieve a more uniform skin tone. Physician Strength hydroquinone is not available over the counter.

Which Products Should You Use for Skin Lightening?

SkinCare-MD offers several skin lightening products that contain hydroquinone. Depending on your skin condition and your desired results, you may choose to use one of the following recommended product combinations:

• For patients who do not need "anti-wrinkling" medication, who only have mild sun damage and hyperpigmentation, we are able to use fewer products and generally recommend a high quality exfoliants plus a 4% hydroquinone product. For this type of patient we recommend either the Obagi-C Rx Complete System which combines 4% hydroquinone with Vitamin C or using Glyquin XM 4% hydroquinone alone or use Glyquin XM in combination with the MD Forte Skin Care Regimen.
• For patients with more severe sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles we recommend using tretinoin (Retin-A®) along with a hydroquinone product. The tretinoin helps improve fine lines and wrinkles, while the hydroquinone acts on the hyperpigmentation. For this type of patient, we strongly recommend the Obagi Nu-Derm Advanced Skin Care System.
• Sunscreens are a must with either of these programs because sun exposure interferes with the results you are trying to achieve. Smoking is also very bad for your skin, not to mention your heart and lungs!

Achieving Results is a Testament to Our Progress

We are impressed with the speed at which our patients and customers achieve results with these product lines and enjoy reading the many testimonials that our satisfied customers send us. Achieving such profound results in both our patients and customers is a testimony to the progress we have made in treating these conditions; problems that had no "cure" 20-30 years ago but now are fully treatable.

What hydroquinone does and doesn't do:
Hydroquinone is a skin lightening topical medication that controls the pigmentary process and therefore manages conditions of blotchy, tan, brown, blue and black hyperpigmented skin. It does not work on red skin tones which are usually due to blood vessels such as in hemangioma, port wine stain, prominent capillaries, blood vessels, and rosacea.

Our Guarantee

I hope you found benefit in reading this email. As always, we are available to answer any of your questions or to help you decide which Advanced Skin Care Program is best for you. Remember, if you are not fully satisfied with any of the products, you may return them for our money-back guarantee.

Contact Us With Your Questions

As always, we encourage you to call our office and speak to Lisa Roberge, our licensed Esthetician. Lisa is happy to talk to you about your skin type and condition and make product recommendations based on your conversation. Our MD Forte, Obagi Nu-Derm, Obagi-C Rx and Kinerase Advanced Skin Care Programs are all excellent for skin rejuvenation. Lisa can help you decide which skin care program would be best for you. She is available during office hours Monday through Thursday 9-4, Friday 9-3 EST at 1-800-640-0290 or (603) 669-0290.

Sincerely,

Peter T. Pacik, MD FACS
December 13, 2004