Since the introduction of hydroquinone as a skin-lightening agent in 1961, several
products with bleaching properties have been used for the treatment of pigmentary
disorders of the skin.
1
The most important medical indications for the use of these agents are melasma and
postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, although they have also been used as alternative
options for the treatment of ephelides, solar lentigenes, nevi, and lentigo maligna.
This article reviews the most commonly used bleaching agents, discusses their mechanism
of action, and focuses on their efficacy and safety in treating unwanted skin pigmentation.To read this article in full you will need to make a payment
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© 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
