Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid
About
Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid belongs to a combination of 'skin cosmetics' primarily used to treat melasma (dark brown patch on skin). Besides this, it is also used to clears the complexion, hyperpigmentation, and photoaging (premature ageing of the skin caused by repeated exposure to UV radiation). Melasma is also known as chloasma or mask of pregnancy, is a common skin condition that causes brown patches on the face. It is more common in women than in men. The discoloured (grey-brown) patches occur mostly on the forehead, chin, nose and cheeks. Dark spots occur when some skin areas start producing more melanin (a natural pigment that gives colour to eyes, hair and skin), ranging from light to dark brown.
Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid contains three medicines, namely: Glycolic acid (exfoliative agent), Hydroquinone (skin lightening or bleaching agent) and Kojic acid (oxidizing agent). Glycolic acid works by increases the turnover rate of epithelial cells (cells that line the surface of the skin), eventually help in peeling the skin and treating comedones (skin-coloured, small bumps due to acne). Hydroquinone belongs to the class of skin lightening agents that works by decreasing the amount of melanin (a skin pigment) that is responsible for the darkening of the skin. Kojic acid is a skin-lightening product that reduces melanin production and improves skin tone, texture, sensitivity and reduces skin uneven colour.
Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid is for external (for skin use) use only. Avoid contact with eyes, eyelids, lips, mouth and nose. If the medicine comes in contact with any of these areas, rinse with water immediately. In some cases, you may experience irritation, itching or burning sensation at the application site. Most of these side effects of Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. It is essential to let your doctor know if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or a breastfeeding mother. Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid is not recommended for children below 12 years of age. Do not apply Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid on ulcerated skin or wounds. Avoid sun exposure while using Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid as it may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight and cause sunburn. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen while going out to protect your skin from sunburn. Please limit the use of products that contain large amounts of alcohol (astringents, shaving creams, or after-shave lotions), hair removal products, and products containing lime or spices while using Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid.
Uses of Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid
Medicinal Benefits
Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid is a combination of three drugs, namely: Glycolic acid, Hydroquinone, and Kojic acid. Glycolic acid is an exfoliative agent used to treat skin problems like acne scars, melasma, hyperpigmentation, photoaging, acne (pimples) and seborrhea. It is an organic compound derived from sugarcane with an antibacterial, antioxidant, keratolytic (remove warts, calluses), comedolytic (inhibits the formation of blemishes), and anti-inflammatory activity. It increases the turnover rate of epithelial cells (cells that line the surface of the skin), eventually helps in peeling the skin and treating comedones (skin-coloured, small bumps due to acne). Hydroquinone belongs to the class of skin lightening agents that works by decreasing the amount of melanin (a skin pigment) that is responsible for the darkening of the skin. Kojic acid is an oxidizing agent with whitening properties which penetrates through the skin and oxidizes the melanocytes (melanin-producing cells) thereby lightens the complexion of the skin. Together, Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid act as a skin-lightening product that reduces melanin production and improves skin tone, texture, sensitivity and reduces skin uneven colour.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid
- Burning sensation
- Itching
- Skin irritation
- Skin peeling
- Stinging sensation
- Erythema (skin redness)
- Changes in the colour of treated skin
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid is for external use only. Avoid contact of Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid with nose, ears, mouth or eyes. In case Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly. If you are pregnant or a nursing mother, please inform your doctor before taking Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid. Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid is not recommended for children below 12 years of age. Do not apply Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid on ulcerated skin or wounds. Avoid sun exposure while using Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid as it may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight and cause sunburn. Speak to your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after using Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid for 2 months. Let your doctor know if you have any contact dermatitis, liver, kidney, gastrointestinal, and heart diseases, sulfite allergy, asthma, eczema (itchy, swelling of the skin) or any other skin condition before using Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid. Please inform your doctor if you are using any other medications you are taking, including vitamins, before starting Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: No interaction found.
Drug-Food Interaction: No interaction found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: No interaction found.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionThe interaction of Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid with alcohol is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol while using Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorGlycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid is safe to use in pregnant women. However, please consult a doctor if you are pregnant before using Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorGlycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid is safe to use in breastfeeding women. However, please consult a doctor if you are breastfeeding before using Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid.
Driving
not applicableGlycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
consult your doctorGlycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid is safe in liver patients. If you have any concerns regarding the use of Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid in patients with liver problems, please consult a doctor.
Kidney
consult your doctorGlycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid is safe in kidney patients. If you have any concerns regarding the use of Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid in patients with kidney problems, please consult a doctor.
Children
cautionGlycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid is should be used with caution in children if recommended by a doctor. However, Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid is not recommended for children below 12 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid sun exposure while using Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid as it may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight and cause sunburn. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen while going out to protect your skin from sunburn.
- Regular exercise can improve your mood and self-esteem though it doesn’t clear spots. Take a shower immediately after finishing the exercise.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face from sun exposure.
- Avoid using skin products that cause irritation such as skin cleansers or shampoos, harsh soaps, hair removers or waxes, hair colours or permanent chemicals, skin products with astringents, lime, spices or alcohol.
Special Advise
- Avoid using Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid for more than 6-8 weeks without a doctor’s advice.
- Please consult a dermatologist if the skin condition does not improve after 2 months of treatment with Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Melasma: It is also known as chloasma, a common skin condition that causes brown patches on the face. The discoloured (grey-brown) patches occur mostly on the forehead, chin, nose and cheeks. Melasma may be caused due to sun exposure, hormone therapy, pregnancy, birth control pills, thyroid or even stress. It is more common in women than in men. It may occur in pregnant women, due to hormonal changes during pregnancy and is called a ‘mask of pregnancy and fades away after pregnancy on its own or after stopping usage of contraceptive pills. It can be treated by using skin lightening creams, topical steroids, dermabrasion or chemical peels.
Hyperpigmentation: It is a skin condition in which patches of skin become darker in colour than the normal surrounding skin. This darkening of skin occurs when an excess of melanin (hormone), the brown pigment that produces normal skin colour, forms deposits in the skin.
Dark spots: It occurs when some skin areas start producing more melanin(a natural pigment that gives colour to eyes, hair, and skin) which can range from light to dark brown.
FAQs
Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid contains Glycolic acid, Hydroquinone and Kojic acid. Glycolic acid works by removing the outermost layer of dead cells and provides you with fresh skin. Hydroquinone is a skin lightening agent that works by decreasing the amount of melanin (a skin pigment) that is responsible for the darkening of the skin. Kojic acid is a whitening agent with oxidizing properties that reduce melanin (a chemical that determined the skin and hair colour) production thereby lightens the complexion of the skin.
Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid can make your skin more sensitive to the harmful effects of sunlight. Hence it is advised to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing while using Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid. It is recommended to avoid tanning booths and sunlamps.
Please do not stop using Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid even if you feel better until the doctor's advised course is finished. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cured.
Do not apply Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid in large amounts or use for a long time than recommended as it does not give quick or better results but increases the risk of side effects. Do not swallow Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid. In case of accidental swallowing, contact a nearby poison control centre or consult a doctor immediately.
You are advised to use moisturizer in the morning every day to restore the fat barrier of the skin that protects the skin from damage. Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid may make the skin more sensitive to extreme weather conditions such as cold and wind. Therefore, wear protective clothing and use moisturizer as required. However, please consult a doctor before using moisturizing lotions or any other products with Glycolic Acid+hydroquinone+kojic Acid.