Available Dosage Strengths
4% | 8%
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Skin lightening (brighteners) therapy is used to treat skin conditions that emanate from hyperpigmentation. Melanin, a pigment that causes skin darkening, is synthesized within melanocytes from thyrosine facilitated by the enzyme tyrosinase. Melanin after being synthesized is moved to keratinocytes (the primary epidermal cells). Pigmentation occurs when more melanin is produced than normal or distributed in an abnormal pattern. Chemical products are used to decrease the hyperpigmentation that arises from melanin hyperproduction or abnormal distribution.
Hydroquinone_Vitamin D cream is a depigmentation or skin lightening agent used to treat melasma, chloasma, solar lentigines, freckles, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.1,2
Hydroquinone3,4
Hydroquinone, a phenolic, organic compound, has the molecular formula C6H6O2. It has been used in the photography industry along with the cosmetic industry. There is sound evidence to support its use as a skin-lightening agent. It is generally compounded in concentrations from 2% to 12%. The efficacy and toxicity of hydroquinone are contingent on its final concentration, the vehicle that hydroquinone is in and the chemical stability of the product. The benefits of hydroquinone as a skin-lightening agent may take up to 2 months.
Vitamin D5-8
Vitamin D, a fat soluble, vitamin, was discovered in the early 1920s. It is available in two main types D2, ergocalciferol, and D3, cholecalciferol. It is an essential vitamin that supports bone health, enhances immune function, and helps to regulate calcium and phosphorous levels. Vitamin D, which is inert in the body, can be obtained from sun exposure, foods and supplements and must be activated in the body to have a physiological effect. Vitamin D in a topical formulation has been shown to be absorbed dermally to produce systemic levels.8
Hydroquinone1-4
Hydroquinone affects the melanogenesis process by inhibiting tyrosinase. It also inhibits DNA and RNA synthesis and suppresses the formation of melanosomes. The ability of hydroquinone to affect the melanocyte metabolic process may lead to a decrease in the production of melanin.
Vitamin D 5-8
Vitamin D (D2 or D3) is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and bound to lipoproteins and stored in fat tissue or muscle. It is activated by going through two hydroxylations. The first hydroxylation changes inert vitamin D to 25-hydroxyvitamin D (calcidiol) and the second hydroxylation changes it to the physiologically active form, 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D (calcitriol). It is hydroxylated in the liver to form 25-hydroxylated derivatives. It is further hydroxylated to 1,25 cholecalciferol or ergocalciferol (activated form calcitriol) in the kidney. Normal 25-hydroxyvitamin D is generally between 40 and 60 ng/mL. Calcitriol facilitates the reabsorption of calcium from the kidney and reabsorption of calcium and phosphorus from the gastrointestinal tract. It helps to mobilize calcium from the bone. Calcitriol binds to the vitamin D receptor in the nucleus inside the cell. Through this binding to the vitamin D receptor gene transcription is modified with activation of specific genes and suppression of others.
Common3-9
Serious3-9
Contraindications: 3-9
Precautions: 3-9
Store at 20–25°C (68–77°F) in a cool, dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep container tightly closed.
This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible drug information about this product. Call your doctor for medical advice and/or about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. A Wells Pharmacy Network pharmacist will be happy to answer any questions. For consultation, please call 1-800-622-4510.
