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Hydroquinone – Side Effects, Dosage, Precautions, Uses Hydroquinone may prove beneficial for a maximum of five to six months. Once you stop using it, you may experience irritation on the affected parts of your body. This may lead to inflammation. This inflammation may be dangerous as your skin then begins to build resistance to the treatment after a certain time.

• According to doctors, damage caused by the application of hydroquinone can be reversed by exposing the affected area to the sun.
• Also, you are recommended to use strong sunscreen along with hydroquinone.
• In case of irritation, apply anti-itch cream to the infected skin.
• Home remedies like an oatmeal bath or using coconut oil on the affected area may also help.

In general, hydroquinone is safe. However, in the case of dry or sensitive skin, there is a possibility of further dryness or irritation. For dark skin, applying hydroquinone cream can even worsen hyperpigmentation. Besides, this chemical contains inactive ingredients such as sulfites that alleviate allergic reactions.

Medical advice should be taken if you already have asthma or skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis. No, hydroquinone does not cause acne. Rather, it treats acne and the scars resulting from acne. After the acne is treated, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation may occur on the affected area. This may be as troubling as acne itself.

Hydroquinone bleaches the affected area and decreases the number of melanocytes yielding clear skin. There is no evidence of a risk of cancer developing due to topical application of hydroquinone on the skin. However, its long-term use can reduce the thickness of the topmost layer of skin.

• This may increase the risk of skin cancer or skin damage.
• Even very high doses of hydroquinone may lead to skin cancer.
• It is recommended to discontinue the use of hydroquinone before you conceive.
• Reproductive studies on animals have claimed that hydroquinone may harm the fetus.
• Considering that a dosage of the same is more effective in humans, it is advised to stop using hydroquinone from the day your pregnancy test is positive.

You can consult our medical experts too to know about the specifics in detail. Hydroquinone can be applied to the lips for whitening. However, in rare cases, a side effect of applying hydroquinone on the skin is peripheral neuropathy and sometimes, nerve damage.

At times, applying hydroquinone on the lips may also cause numbness. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid using hydroquinone for lips. No, the results of any skin lightening that hydroquinone brings about are not permanent. The effects can be seen within a couple of months or a few years at the maximum.

According to medical experts, to maintain the results of skin lightening, you must adhere to a proper skincare routine and lead an appropriate lifestyle. Yes, it is safe to use hydroquinone daily. To achieve the best results, the cream should be applied two times a day to the affected area for six months.

You can apply hydroquinone along with retinoids and mid-potent steroids for long-lasting results. This also helps you avoid post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. You must never use hydroquinone with benzoyl peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, or any other peroxide products because this combination can create dark stains on the skin.

Wash your hands immediately with soap if you have used a peroxide product and hydroquinone together. : Hydroquinone – Side Effects, Dosage, Precautions, Uses

Can hydroquinone damage skin?

Research has shown that, hydroquinone has many serious side effects. Hydroquinone works by decreasing the production and increasing the degradation of melanin pigments in the skin. This increases the skin’s exposure to UVA and UVB rays, increasing the risk of skin cancer.

Are the effects of hydroquinone reversible?

Hydroquinone is a topical skin-bleaching agent used in the cosmetic treatment of hyperpigmented skin conditions. The effect of skin lightening caused by hydroquinone is reversible when exposed to sunlight and therefore requires regular use until desired results are achieved.

Various preparations are available including creams, emulsions, gels, lotions and solutions. It is available over the counter in a 2% cream and can be prescribed by your dermatologist in higher concentrations. Mechanism: Hydroquinone produces reversible lightening of the skin by interfering with melanin production by the melanocytes.

Specifically, inhibition of the enzymatic conversion of tyrosine to DOPA (dihydroxyphenylalanine) results in the desired chemical reduction of pigment. Ultimately, this causes a decrease in the number of melanocytes and decreased transfer of melanin leading to lighter skin.

Uses: Popularized by its usage as a photo-developer, hydroquinone can be used in any condition causing hyperpigmentation, Common conditions include melasma, freckles, lentigines, age spots and acne scars. Skin sensitivity to hydroquinone may be determined before treatment by applying a small amount of cream to the hyperpigmented area and noting any redness or itching.

If no reaction occurs, initiate treatment. As a general rule, always ensure the area is clean and dry then apply a thin film to the lesion and rub it into the skin well. Hands should be washed after the application to avoid unwanted lightening of the fingers.

• To maintain the desired affect, hydroquinone should be used concurrently with a strong sunscreen,
• Many preparations are available as a combination product.
• Lightening of the skin should be noticed within 4 weeks of initiation, if no change is seen in 3 months, contact your dermatologist for further recommendations.

Side Effects: Normally hydroquinone is very well tolerated, however side effects may be seen. These include dryness, irritation, pruritus, erythema, and a mild irritant contact dermatitis. Furthermore, remember to avoid contact with eyes and use sparingly on the face.

1. Prolonged usage of hydroquinone has been associated with ochronosis, a blue-black pigmentation with caviar-like papules on the skin.
2. Back to Index The medical information provided in this site is for educational purposes only and is the property of the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.
3. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice and shall not create a physician – patient relationship.

If you have a specific question or concern about a skin lesion or disease, please consult a dermatologist. Any use, re-creation, dissemination, forwarding or copying of this information is strictly prohibited unless expressed written permission is given by the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.

How do you reverse hydroquinone bleaching?

2. Increase exposure to the sun – Sunlight exposure is one of the natural ways to reduce bleach effect on face. This is because as the skin absorbs the sun’s rays, it will darken the sections where bleaching had occurred, thereby reversing skin bleaching.

Is bleach damage reversible?

Will Your Hair Fall Out If You Bleach It? – Whilst no one can say your hair won’t fall out if you bleach it, it’s not very likely. Bleached hair will only fall out if it’s been overprocessed to the max or the bleach is left on for far too long, which shouldn’t happen with a,

1. What’s more likely to happen is breakage.
2. A lot of people get this confused with their hair falling out, but it’s actually very different.
3. Hair breakage is when the strand of hair snaps off at some point along the shaft.
4. Breakage can be quite widespread if your hair isn’t properly bleached and looked after.

It can leave you with a more choppy do than you might have anticipated and some haphazard layers, but it is avoidable! As long as you do your research in to post treatment hair care and follow your hair care professionals advice before diving into bleaching you should be able to keep it healthy and avoid breakage.

• Your hairdresser will know and be able to tell you when your hair isn’t in a good condition for potentially damaging treatment, for example if it’s particularly porous.
• Porous hair is a reflection of damage to the cuticle (outside structure) it’s dry and needs moisture – this is generally caused by heat.

Sensitised hair is damage to the internal structure, it changes the elasticity in the hair causing it to become brittle and snapping or stretchy like chewing gum. While some products can help restrengthen your hair, bleach can cause irreversible damage which will just need to be cut off.

Can you recover from bleach damage?

22. Let hair air dry whenever possible – Using a hairdryer or even a towel to speed up the drying process can add to the damage to your hair cuticle, which needs to work to restore proteins after bleaching. Bleaching your hair frequently will result in more and more damage.

• Don’t bleach your hair more than once every 2 months or so.
• The American Academy of Dermatologists recommends giving your hair a break for 8 to 10 weeks between processing sessions.
• When it’s time to touch up the bleach at your roots, apply it only to new growth and don’t re-bleach your entire head.
• Repeated bleaching of your entire head will result in hair breakage and hair loss.

In some cases, the only way to fix bleach-damaged hair is to seek help from a professional stylist. Give it a month to 6 weeks after bleaching and see if your hair starts to recover. After you’ve been patient with your hair, here are some signs that it’s time to book an appointment with a pro:

difficulty brushing your hair hair loss and hair breakagehair that is tinged an unnatural or unwanted color hair that is heavy and unevenly texturedhair that does not respond to your styling efforts like brushing, curling, or blow-drying

Hair damage from bleach is not uncommon, and there are natural remedies you can try to restore the strength and flexibility of your hair strands. The real cure might be a little patience, as it may take some time for your hair to start to regain its shape.

How do you reverse hydroquinone damage?

Hydroquinone – Side Effects, Dosage, Precautions, Uses Hydroquinone may prove beneficial for a maximum of five to six months. Once you stop using it, you may experience irritation on the affected parts of your body. This may lead to inflammation. This inflammation may be dangerous as your skin then begins to build resistance to the treatment after a certain time.

• According to doctors, damage caused by the application of hydroquinone can be reversed by exposing the affected area to the sun.
• Also, you are recommended to use strong sunscreen along with hydroquinone.
• In case of irritation, apply anti-itch cream to the infected skin.
• Home remedies like an oatmeal bath or using coconut oil on the affected area may also help.

In general, hydroquinone is safe. However, in the case of dry or sensitive skin, there is a possibility of further dryness or irritation. For dark skin, applying hydroquinone cream can even worsen hyperpigmentation. Besides, this chemical contains inactive ingredients such as sulfites that alleviate allergic reactions.

• Medical advice should be taken if you already have asthma or skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis.
• No, hydroquinone does not cause acne.
• Rather, it treats acne and the scars resulting from acne.
• After the acne is treated, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation may occur on the affected area.
• This may be as troubling as acne itself.

Hydroquinone bleaches the affected area and decreases the number of melanocytes yielding clear skin. There is no evidence of a risk of cancer developing due to topical application of hydroquinone on the skin. However, its long-term use can reduce the thickness of the topmost layer of skin.

• This may increase the risk of skin cancer or skin damage.
• Even very high doses of hydroquinone may lead to skin cancer.
• It is recommended to discontinue the use of hydroquinone before you conceive.
• Reproductive studies on animals have claimed that hydroquinone may harm the fetus.
• Considering that a dosage of the same is more effective in humans, it is advised to stop using hydroquinone from the day your pregnancy test is positive.

You can consult our medical experts too to know about the specifics in detail. Hydroquinone can be applied to the lips for whitening. However, in rare cases, a side effect of applying hydroquinone on the skin is peripheral neuropathy and sometimes, nerve damage.

At times, applying hydroquinone on the lips may also cause numbness. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid using hydroquinone for lips. No, the results of any skin lightening that hydroquinone brings about are not permanent. The effects can be seen within a couple of months or a few years at the maximum.

According to medical experts, to maintain the results of skin lightening, you must adhere to a proper skincare routine and lead an appropriate lifestyle. Yes, it is safe to use hydroquinone daily. To achieve the best results, the cream should be applied two times a day to the affected area for six months.

You can apply hydroquinone along with retinoids and mid-potent steroids for long-lasting results. This also helps you avoid post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. You must never use hydroquinone with benzoyl peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, or any other peroxide products because this combination can create dark stains on the skin.

Wash your hands immediately with soap if you have used a peroxide product and hydroquinone together. : Hydroquinone – Side Effects, Dosage, Precautions, Uses

Can hydroquinone cause permanent damage?

Treatment. – Hydroquinone may be helpful in epidermal-type melasma. Concentrations vary from 2% to 10% and hydroquinone may be used twice daily for 12 weeks. Hydroquinone may cause local skin irritation, however, and thereby leading to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, making the skin pigmentation worse.

1. The patient should also be warned that if the hydroquinone happens to go onto surrounding normal skin, this may lighten as well and may give the patient leopard-skin appearance.
2. Monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone, which is a permanent depigmentating agent, should never be used to treat melasma, as it causes irreversible loss of pigment.

Exogenous ochronosis is also thought to be a rare side-effect of hydroquinone therapy. Hydroquinone may be combined with topical tretinoin and 1% hydrocortisone in an ointment known as Kligman’s solution, which may be applied once a day at night for a minimum of 4–6 months.

What is a bad reaction to hydroquinone?

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away? – WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat. Change in color of skin to blue-black. Blisters or sores.

How long does it take to reverse hydroquinone?

Other uses – Some people may want to lighten their skin for cosmetic reasons. This can have benefits for confidence and self-esteem. However, it is important to note that the above conditions are all harmless. Melanin is a pigment that gives the skin and hair their color.

• It is responsible for freckles and other dark patches on the skin.
• Melanin is made by melanocytes, which are cells present in the skin and other parts of the body.
• When a person applies hydroquinone to the skin, it reduces the number of melanocytes.
• Fewer melanocytes means that the body produces less melanin in the treated area.

The skin usually appears lighter within about 4 weeks, Exposure to sunlight reverses the effects of hydroquinone. Doctors recommend that people who use this product also use a strong sunscreen. Hydroquinone is generally safe. As with all medications, however, some people may experience side effects.

skin drynessirritationitchingrednessmild contact dermatitis or allergic reactions

The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD) suggest that people avoid getting the product in their eyes and only use small amounts on the face. Long-term use of hydroquinone could give rise to ochronosis. Ochronosis causes a blue-black pigmentation and caviar-like spots to develop on the skin.

• A person should check to see if they are at risk of side effects before they start to use a hydroquinone cream, gel, or lotion regularly.
• They can do this by applying a small amount of the product to the affected area of skin.
• Check for signs of irritation, such as itching or redness.
• If there is no reaction, it is usually safe to start treatment.

First, make sure that the area is clean and dry. Apply a thin layer of product to the affected skin and rub it in well. Lastly, wash the hands thoroughly. This will stop the hydroquinone from lightening the skin on the fingers. Repeat this process as often as the product label advises.

It is important to protect the affected areas of skin from sunlight. This will stop the sun from reversing the effects of the cream. According to the AOCD, people should start to notice that they have lighter skin within about 4 weeks of using the product. If there are no changes after 3 months, a person can speak to a doctor or skin specialist.

Hydroquinone is only available as a prescription, but there are some skin-lightening products available over the counter. The American Academy of Dermatology urge people to choose skin-lightening products carefully. For example, some contain steroids that can cause pimples and rashes.

azelaic acidglycolic acidkojic acidretinoid, which includes retinol, tretinoin, adapalene gel, and tazarotenevitamin C

Injectable skin lightening products are available, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not recommend them. There is not enough evidence that they work, and there may be associated health risks. There are several things a person can do to look after their skin. These include:

Using sunscreen daily: This can help prevent skin cancer, slow down skin aging, and help prevent age spots. Experts recommend using a product that is water resistant, offers broad-spectrum protection, and has a sun protection factor of 30 or higher, Avoiding smoking: Smoking speeds up skin aging and slows down the body’s healing process. Washing gently: People should wash their skin gently. Scrubbing can irritate skin conditions such as acne and make scarring more likely. Avoiding stress: Stress can lead to flare-ups of skin conditions such as acne.

Hydroquinone is a chemical that bleaches the skin. People may use it if they have a hyperpigmentation skin condition, such as melasma, freckles, or lentigines. Those with acne scars may also use hydroquinone-based skin-lightening creams. Products containing hydroquinone are available with a prescription. These products are generally safe, but long-term use can cause issues, such as ochronosis.

Does pigment come back after hydroquinone?

– At Winchester Laser Cosmetic, our focus is you, your needs, and what is best for your skin. WLC offers a variety of means to enhance your natural beauty, maintain your youthful appearance, and renew your confidence. Part 2: Pulse Therapy When used properly, under the guidance of a physician, 4% hydroquinone is a safe and effective means of managing pigment disorders.

• So, what constitutes as proper use of hydroquinone? Dr.
• Zein Obagi, a pioneer in the concept of total skin health and creator of ZO Skin Health & ZO Medical, recommends a “pulsed” approach to avoid the adverse events associated with long-term hydroquinone use. Dr.
• Obagi, whose name is synonymous with pigment correction, founded Worldwide Medical, Inc (makers of the original Obagi Nu-Derm & Obagi Blue Peel) in 1988.

Nearly 10 years later, in 1997, Obagi Medical Products (OMP) acquired Worldwide Medical and the Obagi® trademark and continued to produce the Obagi Nu-Derm system the same, relatively unchanged Nu-Derm system that we know today. In 2006, Dr. Obagi left his position with OMP as he worked to improve and evolve his original concept of total skin health.

• It was in 2007 that ZO Skin Health was born, and then, after years of research and clinical studies, in 2012, ZO Medical launched as the alternative to OMP’s Obagi Nu-Derm.
• In addition to his involvement with introducing hydroquinone to the masses, Dr.
• Obagi is a practicing board-certified dermatologist.

His in-office clinical experience, combined with decades of research, has convinced him that a “pulsed” approach to treating pigment disorders with hydroquinone is not only safer than the “bigger, better, faster, more” approach of the late 1980’s – early 1990’s, but also more in tune with his philosophy of total skin health.

• The “pulsed” approach to hydroquinone is a simple one: limit use of hydroquinone to no longer than 5 months at a time.
• Then, give your skin a break; allow it to rest and stabilize for 2-3 months as you use NON-hydroquinone pigment control products to prevent rebound pigmentation.
• After the break, your physician can decide if another 5 month course of hydroquinone is appropriate for you.

Hydroquinone is an inflammatory agent that can become allergenic after 5 months of use. Hydroquinone-induced inflammation can cause rebound hyperpigmentation and reduced tolerance to hydroquinone itself. Pulsing hydroquinone use can prevent this, but quitting ‘cold turkey’ can trigger rebound pigmentation as well.

1. That’s one of the reasons medical supervision is so important: your physician and/or skin care clinician can custom-tailor a pigment control regimen based on dosage and frequency that minimizes risks and maximizes efficacy.
2. For over a quarter of a century, 4% hydroquinone has been the dermatological gold standard for topical treatment of pigmentation disorders ranging from melasma to photo-damage to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Hydroquinone works to correct, reduce, and prevent hyperpigmentation (dark spots) by inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase, the enzyme needed to make pigment. When tyrosinase activity is limited, production of pigment is decreased and the skin’s ability to break down existing pigment is increased.

• The result is the gradual bleaching of existing dark spots and the suppression of future dark spots.
• While the outward effects of hydroquinone are cosmetic and it is generally treated as “skincare,” consumers tend to forget that it is a prescription medication and, as such, needs to be used under medical supervision.

As with the medication we use to control blood pressure, treat infection, and manage diabetes, dosage, frequency of use, and duration of hydroquinone treatment are decisions that should be made under the direct guidance of your healthcare provider. Long-term, self-directed treatment with hydroquinone (often purchased through internet pharmacies or skincare sites) can have disfiguring, life-altering, and most importantly, preventable side effects.

Resistance: overuse of 4% hydroquinone can cause the skin to become resistant to the bleaching effects. This generally occurs at the 4-5 month mark. Consumers notice that the medication is no longer working and discontinue use. Discontinuation without a proper “weaning” period can lead to rebound pigmentation—pigmentation actually becomes worse and can be further exacerbated by treatment with hydroquinone.

Photosensitivity : some consumers choose to use hydroquinone indefinitely under the mistaken impression that it will prevent any and all future pigmentation. In actuality, this extended use decreases the amount of melanin (our body’s natural defense against the sun) in the skin creates photosensitivity. This photosensitivity accelerates UV damage and intensifies the signs of photoaging. Further, without daily use of an SPF 30 sunscreen, photosensitivity leads to inflammation, which, in turn, stimulates melanin production, resulting in the creation of more pigment.

Exogenous Ochronosis : Exogenous Ochronosis (EO) is a pigmentary disorder caused by the unsupervised, long-term use of hydroquinone. The disease manifests itself in patches of blue-black pigment, localized to areas that have been both over-treated by hydroquinone and exposed to the sun. While EO is more prevalent in skin of color (Fitzpatrick types IV-VI), there has been an increase in documented cases among the Caucasian population which could be associated with the proliferation of online “pharmacies” and the rise of self-directed treatment. Numerous treatment modalities (e.g., steroids, retinoic acid, laser therapy, cryotherapy) have been proven clinically ineffective in reversing the signs and symptoms of EO.

Exogenous Ochronosis caused by long-term use of hydroquinone As with any medication, serious side effects may arise from the misuse and abuse of hydroquinone. However, a properly supervised course of treatment can be safe and life-changing to those who have suffered the low self-esteem and social anxiety that can stem from pigmentary disorders.

What happens if you use hydroquinone too long?

What Should You Know Before Using Hydroquinone? – There is one more serious condition that hydroquinone can cause. It’s called ochronosis, and it’s characterized by areas of gray-blue or blue-black discoloration that are hard to treat or even permanent.

Typically, this only happens when you use hydroquinone for too long, so as long as you follow your doctor’s instructions, you should be safe. Also, if you’re planning to get pregnant or are currently pregnant or breastfeeding, you should wait to take hydroquinone. While current research hasn’t shown any links between birth defects or pregnancy complications, doctors aren’t quite sure how it reacts with babies.

Because your body absorbs a substantial amount of the drug (35% to 45%), it’s best to avoid it until further research can be done.

How long does it take to recover from bleach damage?

Bleached Hair Sos: How To Fix Bleach-Damaged Hair At Home? What is bleach-damaged hair and what does it look like? Bleaching is the chemical process that gives you that beautifully bright blonde look. Whether you get beachy highlights or go all-over ice-blonde, when you color your hair it loses the proteins that give strength and volume.

• Over time, your hair could become,, and,
• Luckily, we’ve got some solutions for you.
• Is it possible to repair bleach-damaged hair? Whether you’re recovering from a bleach-out or wondering how to fix color-damaged hair, fear not.
• With a little care you can improve your hair’s look and feel following bleach damage.

How to fix bleach-damaged hair? When you’re looking to bounce back from bleach, try these tips to restore your tresses. Choose gentle products With brand-new bleach damage, your priority is preserving your hair’s natural oils to speed up recovery. For the first 48 hours, avoid shampoo completely. From then on, start to restore your bleach-damaged hair by using gentle, moisturizing products like our and Conditioner.

Handle with care Knowing how to fix bleached hair breakage will save you from losing your length. It’s all about avoiding anything that could cause friction and snap your strands. Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb for wet-only detangling. Avoid harsh hairstyles and accessories with metal parts that might snag.

Sleep on a silk pillowcase to protect your tresses while you get your Zzzs. Don’t forget scalp care It’s not just hair that needs love after a bleach treatment. Your scalp will benefit from some TLC, too. Dove Hair Therapy Dry Scalp Shampoo and Leave-In are the perfect remedies for a sensitive scalp, adding moisture and a healthy dose of vitamin B3. Protect what you love Avoid any further chemicals for at least 10 weeks, that includes keeping your hair out of the pool when swimming. If you’re heading out in the sun, pop a hat on to shield your hair from the UV rays. To protect your hair from heat damage when using hot styling tools, use our Heat Protection Spray or have fun experimenting with air drying and no-heat hairstyles.

How long does it take bleach-damaged hair to heal?dde We know the wait for hair recovery can feel neverending, but go easy on your locks. Depending on your hair, it could take up to two weeks before your strands feel ready to play again. If your bleach damage is more severe, you might need a month of care before your hair starts to feel smooth and shiny again.

Be patient; you’ll get there. Is it possible to bleach your hair without damaging it? There’s no doubt about it; bleached hair looks fantastic. But it also needs a bit of extra work to keep it looking and feeling amazing. If you’re thinking of going blonde, get ready to amp up your routine to keep your hair health tip-top.

• Here’s how: See a Professional Bleaching is an intensive process and it’s easy to get wrong.
• If you can afford to, leave it to the professionals.
• You’ll get a better result and advice on managing the damage thrown in.
• Prepare your hair care Get ahead by scheduling a consultation with your colorist to plan how to treat your newly bleached hair.

Ramp up the moisturizing treatments in the days before your appointment. Get a dusting (where stray and split ends are trimmed) before and always get a cut afterward. Follow up with plenty more moisturizing masks. Space out your appointements Tempting as it is to dye your roots as soon as they appear, aim to hit the bleach just once every two months.

Is bleach damage permanent?

Hair dye isn’t magic. It’s actually a precise science. And if you think you can tug the pigment out of your hair without damaging it, my split ends have got news for you, bud. In the latest video from Chemical and Engineering News’ “Speaking of Chemistry” series, host Matt Davenport explains just why a rigorous bleaching takes such a toll on your fussy follicles.

1. But first, some basic hair science: Hair gets its natural color from melanin, the same pigment that lends hues to eyes and skin.
2. Two kinds of melanin (eumelanin and pheomelanin) combine in different ratios to produce different shades.
3. More eumelanin makes hair dark (black hair is almost entirely eumelanin), and more pheomelanin makes hair red (though a bit of pheomelanin mixed with eumelanin is what makes brown).

Blond hair can have any combination of the two, but in lower levels. So, having blond hair is sort of like turning down the volume of another shade. When hair totally loses its melanin, it looks white or gray because of the way light moves through it – in the same way that melanin-free eyes are blue, not clear.

(Fun fact: Polar bears have “white” hair because their fur is actually clear,) Permanent artificial hair color doesn’t just throw pigment onto your hair (though more temporary dyes, like Manic Panic, do just that, which is why you need to bleach first) but instead open up the shaft, break down the natural pigment and s lip in some molecules that (once combined inside the hair) make a particular color.

So when you want to change your hair color to something lighter than natural – either by going platinum or just shifting shades – the original pigments have got to go. Bleach works by going into the hair shaft and reacting with the stable pigment molecules, breaking them down into components that will wash right out of your hair and down the drain.

But when it does that, it also breaks down the natural fatty acids on the hair shaft, weakening the strand. This is permanent damage, and the longer you bleach the worse it gets. How to protect your new ‘do? Bleach your hair as little as possible (duh). When it’s time to touch up the roots, only bleach the roots.

Bleach damage is as cumulative as it is permanent, and your ends will be less equipped to survive it every time. Avoid excess brushing and harsh shampoos. There are a lot of products that claim to restore health to bleached hair, but the C&EN video recommends those containing ceramides, which are fatty acids not so different from the ones your bleaching regimen will obliterate.

Can bleach cause permanent damage to skin?

Risks – Bleach has two main properties that can create irreversible damage to the body when exposed at high levels. First, bleach is strongly alkaline (pH of 11 to 13), which can also corrode metals and burn skin. Second, bleach contains a strong chlorine odor and fumes, which can be harmful to the lungs when inhaled. You can be exposed to bleach through:

Skin or eye contact : Bleach spills to the skin or eyes can cause serious irritation, burns, and even eye damage. Inhaling chlorine gas : At room temperature, chlorine is a yellow-green gas that can irritate the nose or throat and especially affect people with asthma. Higher exposures can irritate the lining of the lungs and may lead to a buildup of fluid in the lungs ( pulmonary edema ), which is a serious medical condition. Accidental ingestion : Accidentally drinking bleach is common in children but can occur in adults, as well. Bleach is clear in color and can be mistaken for water, especially if it has been poured into an unmarked container. The most common symptoms of this accidental poisoning are sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and/or difficulty swallowing. Ingestion of bleach requires immediate medical attention.

How long does it take to recover from bleach damage?

Bleached Hair Sos: How To Fix Bleach-Damaged Hair At Home? What is bleach-damaged hair and what does it look like? Bleaching is the chemical process that gives you that beautifully bright blonde look. Whether you get beachy highlights or go all-over ice-blonde, when you color your hair it loses the proteins that give strength and volume.

1. Over time, your hair could become,, and,
2. Luckily, we’ve got some solutions for you.
3. Is it possible to repair bleach-damaged hair? Whether you’re recovering from a bleach-out or wondering how to fix color-damaged hair, fear not.
4. With a little care you can improve your hair’s look and feel following bleach damage.

How to fix bleach-damaged hair? When you’re looking to bounce back from bleach, try these tips to restore your tresses. Choose gentle products With brand-new bleach damage, your priority is preserving your hair’s natural oils to speed up recovery. For the first 48 hours, avoid shampoo completely. From then on, start to restore your bleach-damaged hair by using gentle, moisturizing products like our and Conditioner.

Handle with care Knowing how to fix bleached hair breakage will save you from losing your length. It’s all about avoiding anything that could cause friction and snap your strands. Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb for wet-only detangling. Avoid harsh hairstyles and accessories with metal parts that might snag.

Sleep on a silk pillowcase to protect your tresses while you get your Zzzs. Don’t forget scalp care It’s not just hair that needs love after a bleach treatment. Your scalp will benefit from some TLC, too. Dove Hair Therapy Dry Scalp Shampoo and Leave-In are the perfect remedies for a sensitive scalp, adding moisture and a healthy dose of vitamin B3. Protect what you love Avoid any further chemicals for at least 10 weeks, that includes keeping your hair out of the pool when swimming. If you’re heading out in the sun, pop a hat on to shield your hair from the UV rays. To protect your hair from heat damage when using hot styling tools, use our Heat Protection Spray or have fun experimenting with air drying and no-heat hairstyles.

How long does it take bleach-damaged hair to heal?dde We know the wait for hair recovery can feel neverending, but go easy on your locks. Depending on your hair, it could take up to two weeks before your strands feel ready to play again. If your bleach damage is more severe, you might need a month of care before your hair starts to feel smooth and shiny again.

Be patient; you’ll get there. Is it possible to bleach your hair without damaging it? There’s no doubt about it; bleached hair looks fantastic. But it also needs a bit of extra work to keep it looking and feeling amazing. If you’re thinking of going blonde, get ready to amp up your routine to keep your hair health tip-top.

1. Here’s how: See a Professional Bleaching is an intensive process and it’s easy to get wrong.
2. If you can afford to, leave it to the professionals.
3. You’ll get a better result and advice on managing the damage thrown in.
4. Prepare your hair care Get ahead by scheduling a consultation with your colorist to plan how to treat your newly bleached hair.

Ramp up the moisturizing treatments in the days before your appointment. Get a dusting (where stray and split ends are trimmed) before and always get a cut afterward. Follow up with plenty more moisturizing masks. Space out your appointements Tempting as it is to dye your roots as soon as they appear, aim to hit the bleach just once every two months.

Is bleach damage permanent?

Hair dye isn’t magic. It’s actually a precise science. And if you think you can tug the pigment out of your hair without damaging it, my split ends have got news for you, bud. In the latest video from Chemical and Engineering News’ “Speaking of Chemistry” series, host Matt Davenport explains just why a rigorous bleaching takes such a toll on your fussy follicles.

But first, some basic hair science: Hair gets its natural color from melanin, the same pigment that lends hues to eyes and skin. Two kinds of melanin (eumelanin and pheomelanin) combine in different ratios to produce different shades. More eumelanin makes hair dark (black hair is almost entirely eumelanin), and more pheomelanin makes hair red (though a bit of pheomelanin mixed with eumelanin is what makes brown).

Blond hair can have any combination of the two, but in lower levels. So, having blond hair is sort of like turning down the volume of another shade. When hair totally loses its melanin, it looks white or gray because of the way light moves through it – in the same way that melanin-free eyes are blue, not clear.

Fun fact: Polar bears have “white” hair because their fur is actually clear,) Permanent artificial hair color doesn’t just throw pigment onto your hair (though more temporary dyes, like Manic Panic, do just that, which is why you need to bleach first) but instead open up the shaft, break down the natural pigment and s lip in some molecules that (once combined inside the hair) make a particular color.

So when you want to change your hair color to something lighter than natural – either by going platinum or just shifting shades – the original pigments have got to go. Bleach works by going into the hair shaft and reacting with the stable pigment molecules, breaking them down into components that will wash right out of your hair and down the drain.

1. But when it does that, it also breaks down the natural fatty acids on the hair shaft, weakening the strand.
2. This is permanent damage, and the longer you bleach the worse it gets.
3. How to protect your new ‘do? Bleach your hair as little as possible (duh).
4. When it’s time to touch up the roots, only bleach the roots.

Bleach damage is as cumulative as it is permanent, and your ends will be less equipped to survive it every time. Avoid excess brushing and harsh shampoos. There are a lot of products that claim to restore health to bleached hair, but the C&EN video recommends those containing ceramides, which are fatty acids not so different from the ones your bleaching regimen will obliterate.