Expigment Cream (Hydroquinone) is a skin-bleaching agent that is used to lighten areas of darkened skin such as freckles, chloasma (also known as melasma), age spots, and acne scars. Melanorm Cream (Hydroquinone) works by decreasing the production and increasing the breakdown of melanosomes (melanin pigment granules) in the skin?s pigment cells (melanocytes). It does this by inhibiting fungi the tyrosinase of activity, the enzyme needed to make melanin. In most cases, of lightening skin should be seen after 4 weeks of treatment. Sometimes it may take longer to see any change but if no bleaching effect is seen after 3 months of treatment, you should stop using Expigment cream (Hydroquinone). To increase the effectiveness of Expigment Cream (Hydroquinone) you should stay out of the sun, or wear protective clothing and use a SPF15 sunscreen when outdoors. Do not use sunlamps or tanning salons. It is important to use Expigment Cream regularly as directed until you achieve the desired bleaching, after which use only as needed to maintain results. Test for skin sensitivity by using before applying the cream to a small patch of hyperpigmented skin. If no redness or itching occurs within 24 hours, begin treatment.Clean and dry the skin before applying a thin film of cream twice daily to the area(s) in need of bleaching. Rub into the skin well. Apply just enough to cover the affected areas and avoid applying to normal skin, as this will lighten as well. Hence wash your hands after applying unless these are areas of treatment. Don?t apply near the eyes, mouth, and other mucous membranes. Avoid using other medicated topical products (particularly peroxide products) on the same area at the same time unless directed to do so by your physician. When using non-medicated cosmetics, sunscreens, and moisturising lotions, apply Expigment Cream (Hydroquinone) first, then wait several minutes before applying them over top. Side effectsExpigment Cream (Hydroquinone) is very well tolerated. Some women may experience minor and temporary skin irritations including mild itching or stinging and reddening of skin (irritant contact dermatitis). If these don?t subside stop using the cream. Side effects that should warrant stopping the cream and seeking medical advice immediately include severe burning, itching, crusting, or swelling of treated areas (possible allergic contact dermatitis) and any unusual skin discolouration.Prolonged use of Expigment Cream (Hydroquinone) has been associated with the development of exogenous ochronosis (a persistent blue-black pigmentation), especially in Africa, but this is rare. It might be due to other ingredients such as phenol, resorcinol and antimalarial agents, which are known to cause ochronosis. PrecautionsDo not use benzoyl peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, or other peroxide products when using Expigment Cream (Hydroquinone). A temporary dark staining of skin may occur. If you accidentally used together, wash the skin with soap and water to remove the staining. Expigment Cream (Hydroquinone) creams may contain sodium metabisulphite that may cause serious allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis) in certain susceptible people. Expigment Cream (Hydroquinone) should not be used in pregnancy or when breastfeeding It has to be used responsibly though. You can use it twice a day, small amounts affected on areas for 4-6 weeks. It?s also to important use a sunblock with it. Mild itching, redness, dryness or burning can occur although no serious side effects are known. In some cases prolonged use can cause hyper pigmentation instead