Warning - can seriously damage skin (Fade Out)

Member Name: grimalkin21

Product:	Fade Out
Date:	21/08/00 (806 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: it can work

Disadvantages: but may cause skin damage

The active ingredient in Fade Out is called hydroquinine. It acts to depigment the melanin cells that can cause discolouration such as freckles and age spots.
What the manufacturers aren't so keen to tell you is that the ingredient can cause permanent damage to the skin, which is why they're considering banning it completely in the USA.
I'm not suggesting that people should never use this, however, just that they should be aware of the potntial risks.
It's also work noting that it can only affect discolouration caused by hyperpigmentation. It has no effect whatsoever on skin which is discoloured except for the action of the melanin (tanning) cells.
If you are going to use this, make sure the product only touches the area where there is excess pigmentation. You may well have to use Fade Out for a couple of months before it has an effect because the concentration of hydroquinone, although th maximum allowed by law in this country, is quite weak. You also have to be very careful to then protect the area from the sun, not least because the problem will just come back otherwise.
Problems with the product arise because of the unpredictability of individual reactions to hydroquinine - misuse of products containing this are what Michael jackson is alleged to have been doing, and we can see what's happened to him! In some people it will result in the melanin cells packing up altogether, which not only leaves the skin without its natural defence against the sun, but can leave a very blotchy and uneven result.
This is not a diatribe against Fade Out in particular, but a concern that adequate warnings aren't given about all hydroquinine products, of which this is probably the best known in this country.
Overall I'd suggest only using this as an absolute last resort, and then with extreme care.

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