Hydroquinone is a skin lightening chemical that works gradually to decrease skin pigment.  It can work on anything from melasma to sunspots.  Hydroquinone works by blocking the enzyme that makes melanin.  It doesn’t “bleach” the skin but rather causes melanin to gradually be lost.

The benefit of hydroquinone is that it is mild and works gradually.  This is also a downside.  Another issue is that it is hard to be precise with it since it is applied as a cream. Still, if you are considering lightening an area of skin for the first time, it is a relatively inexpensive and safe method to try.  The changes that occur also gradually return to their original state once hydroquinone is discontinued.

Hydroquinone is a good first step for the treatment of various hyper-pigmented skin conditions, such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.  However, more aggressive methods, such as laser, may be utilized if one maximizes the benefits of hydroquinone.

Hydroquinone 4% from Vi Derm is available for purchase at CLS.

TMD Medi-Spa is now carrying select products from the IS Clinical.  IS Clinical is a premium skin care line based in California.  TMD is now offering IS Clinical’s Powder Sunscreen and Youth Complex Serum.  The Powder Sunscreen is amazing in providing SPF 20 sun protection without having to apply a cream or a foundation.  It is only a translucent powder that is applied with the included brush.  More information will soon be available on the products page or call for pricing and further details.

Latisse is the new FDA-approved treatment to make lashes longer and fuller.  Differences were amazing at 6 months and side effects were uncommon and minor in the FDA study.  It took us a very short time, after reviewing the safety and efficacy profile, to add Latisse to our menu of services.  Latisse is made by Allergan, the makers of Botox.  TMD Medi-Spa will now carry Latisse for only $125 per vial.  You will typically start seeing results after 3-4 weeks.  A free consultation is necessary to ensure that Latisse is right for you.  Go to the Latisse page here.