Many patients have always thought that in order to even their skin tone and remove the sun damage or post pregnancy heperpigmentatiion, that their only option was to go see their physician and get a prescription for hydroquinone or a hydroquinone containing product like Triluma. And this is just one of the great reasons that we created JolieMD.
First, and most importantly, JolieMD works. Hydoquinone is a compound that simply acts to competitively inhibit the major enzyme (Tyrosinase) that produces your pigment (melanin). What this means is that it competes with the Tyrosinase enzyme’s natural molecule in your body ( an amino acid tyrosine) as it attempts to be converted to melanin. So, in theory, the more hydroquinone you use, the less pigment your body makes.
Unfortunately, hydroquinone has many potential and real draw backs. Hydroquinone is very unstable and rapidly gets oxidized. It can induce redness, skin irritation, contact dermatitis (allergic reaction), and at a high enough concentration it can cause permanent skin depigmentation. Moreover, chronic usage of cosmetics containing hydroquinone can result in ochronosis, which commonly presents as asymptomatic blue-black macules on the cheeks, temples, and neck. And there are even reports that chronic use can cause your body to exude an offensive fish odor in the sweat that is described as “fish odor syndrome.” As a result of these problems, as well as its potential carcinogenic effects, hydroquinone has already been banned in Europe as well as much of Asia. And here, in the U.S., In 2006, the United States Food and Drug Administration revoked its previous approval of hydroquinone and proposed a ban on all over the counter preparations. While this did not happen, Dr Litner and I decided that there must be a better alternative- JolieMD.
While products that contain hydroquinone generally rely on its one mechanism to remove spots, JolieMD was formulated to include 19 different active ingredients that have clinically proven lightening abilities, and do not have any of the potential issues that the use of hydroquinone brings up. Moreover, unlike hydroquinone containing alternatives JolieMD has clinically proven anti-aging and anti-acne ingredients that allow you to truly achieve the glowing, youthful, makeup free skin you have always wanted. So below we have included a small chart of just some of the benefits that JolieMD has over hydroquinone containing alternatives. And, we have even attached a more fully developed chart for those interested in a pdf format here Hydroquinone-vs-JolieMD
| Hydroquinone | JolieMD Metamorphosis
|
|
| Cost | 4% HQ – $84/oz, Tri-Luma – $240/oz Plus cost & time of doctor visit | $96 for 1 oz Softening Serum and 1oz Enlightening Lotion. NO doctor visit |
| Study
Result |
Study Results:
moderately effective for melasma in 80% 88% saw some overall improvement, 36% achieved moderate improvement |
Study Results in 6 week trial:
97% had softer, smoother skin 94% saw more radiant skin 93% noted fewer wrinkles 91% saw dark spots lightened 85% noted more even skin color 84% felt skin looks healthier 83% had fewer acne breakouts
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| How it
works |
Relies on only 1- 2 melanin inhibitors |
Relies on 19 different active agents with proven lightening activity to inhibit melanin cascade at multiple points
|
| Other Cosmetic
Benefit(s) |
Hydroquinone None
*Tri-Luma contains Retin-A, so its benefits include: reduced fine lines/wrinkles, and increased collagen |
|
| Practical Issues | ||
| May have Parabens, Phthalates, Sulfates, Artificial Fragrances |
Free of Parabens, Phthalates, Artificial Fragrances, Dyes, Sulfates |
