It’s already very difficult for people to deal with melasma. This just makes things worse for people who unfortunately don’t have a dermatologist. Sad really.
I was just thinking this. Many of the folks who deal with hyperpigmentation are in communities where access to speciality care is often more difficult.
And this explains why my holy grail Paula’s Choice 2% Hydroquinone and 2% bha has been discontinued. I am now at a loss to find something that works as well for my acne & hyperpigmentation😔
Nop, it causes cancer, its already forbidden in europe too, check ewg for more information. But you are right, if it is expensive they dont forbide, even if its bad for our health
@@inira7418 This is news to me. Here I am... in Europe... with my newly prescribed hydroquinone product. EWG overstates the risk of chemicals. Its how they fundraise.
Thank you for your compassion and understanding of the real struggles and dismorphia darker melanated people undergo with the slightest bit of skin inflammation. I’m grateful that I am able to see my neighborhood dermatologist with his own formulation that includes Kojic acid, Hydroquinone 4%: and cortisone. It truly works wonders for my skin.
You can have problems in the future using cortisone, it changes the normal function of skin. A person from my family become with chronic problem with skin because cortisone. Also hidroquinone can cause cancer in long term. Both are absorved in our blood. Check more at ewg
@@billyjean3118 think baby this doctor has plenty of videos indicating hidroquinone, she don´t want to be know as indicating things that are bad for health, that´s why she is making this video. Hidroquinine is a discussion worldwide because its bad for health. But continue thinhing doctors are angels...
when i go to spain i get tons of tubes of this over the counter tretinoin and clindamycin gel... works magic on my skin. i could never understand why they ban these in the US. i guess it’s some kind of ploy to get people to pay more for prescriptions and dermatologists🙄
Tretinoin and Hydroquinone are also over the counter here in Dominican Republic lmao, I got my Retinoic Acid 0.05% OTC and way cheaper than in the US 🤡
*Nadinola girls meet here! I was so pissed to find out nadinola was banned. They have that new formula now that does not work!!!! Girls what do we do now?*
Had no idea it was removed, thankfully I recently bought the Differin dark spot corrector soon after your video. And yes, having a deeper skin tone the government just made it harder for people to safely treat their hyperpigmentation.
13:20 thank you!!!! The next option for a lot of people is to go to straight up bleaching creams which is actually dangerous. Hydroquinone OTC is much safer.
@@aurelie3150 yes they still sell ambi fade cream but it DOESN'T have the hydroquinone. I noticed instantly with the last tube of ambi I recently bought that something was different and NOT in a good way. I just didn't know what the difference was @ the time. We as African Americans with acne scars or dark spots ambi with hydroquinone made a big difference
@@feliciaadams8545I used Ambi for years & it worked wonders. I started back using it again & it did NOTHING for my skin like it used to. None of my dark spots lightened up Kinda made me a lil darker. Now I know why the things you find in random RUclips comment sections lol
One other thing occurs to me: prescriptions will cost more money and you need to see a doctor first in order to get a prescription for it. What a racket!
I have used hydroquinone off and on for several years on the back of my hands. It has made a dramatic difference and most of the brown spots are gone. I have one jar left and I will use it very slowly!
That's exactly what I do. Several years ago I had some sun/age spots removed by my dermatologist. New ones have started appearing this last year, so my Derm prescribed 4% hydroquinone for the back of my hands. I'm using it now for prevention and so far, so good. 3 months on / 1 month off.
@@ginnygeiken2625 This "doctor" doesn't know what she's talking about. You can still get hydroquinone in the states. My mom just bought Ambi 2 weeks ago from Walmart. It contains 2% hydroquinone and my dermatologist prescribed me Tri-luma which has 4%.
Hydroquinone is the only stuff that worked wonders for the dark lines and spots I had all over my forehead. Used it 10 years ago and the spots have never returned and never had any issues 🤷🏻♀️
It worked well for me. I used it on small areas awhile back. Since I’m now really good about my sunscreen application and hat wearing haven’t had to use it again.
It was so confusing because there was like no information about this. The only source I could find about this last year was Murad who made a post about it when they reformulated their dark spot treatment.
hoping those other ingredients you've mentioned will help myself and others, especially people of color, with hyperpigmentation and similar issues now that hydroquinone is practically gone. Thank you for highlighting how people of color are especially affected by this
Me too! Lol & I haven’t even finished the video to know what it even is but when my government tells me I’m not responsible enough to own something it makes me want it all the more 😃
I think that in the US, where general access to specialized medical care is difficult and expensive, these products should be over the counter. Here in Brazil, where we have fairly easy access to medical care, a lot of products that are prescription only in the us are available over the counter, like hidroquinone, azeleic acid, topical tretinoin and maybe even others. I think this just makes it hard for the population to have access to good quality treatments.
Exactly. It wouldn’t necessarily be a problem if prescription topical treatments weren’t that expensive in the US. In the UK prescriptions are often cheaper than many OTC products or “medical grade” cosmetics.
yeah thats why people end up buying stuff from sketchy websites or if they have the means to go out the country on vacations they buy a bunch of prescription only products in bulk from those countries and bring them back home.
Obtaining specialized care such as a dermatologist is not and should not be difficult in the US. It takes some patience and patient compliance but the services are there.
First of all...Dermatology needs to be FULLY COVERED WITH Insursnce in the US. I see a derm for my skin issues due to my PsA. She KINDLEY addresses my other skin issues not caused by PsA. My co- pay is $60. I use Hydroquinone on my hands and face. She has me on a compounded higher % than 2%. I was using the 2% I had left over for my hands. 😔 I see her next month. I guess we will address this at my appointment.
“Irritant contact dermatitis is a much safer side effect than mercury poisoning.” Exactly. I think it’s unfortunate, especially for POC who tend to be much more affected by PIH.
I've been using it for almost 3 months and all I can say is that it works! I've tried a lot of brightening actives but that was the only thing that made a huge difference.
I am a mid-thirties male, had serious acne marks, used 4% hydroquinone for 2 months and it has worked wonders for me. In pakistan its availble OTC no one cares about safety here, i can even buy tretinion without prescription. Also quite cheap here. Tretinoin 15mg cost around 1 usd and its enough for a month.
@@heatherleigh4630 i am actually quite devastated to know that its pulled back in the US. I cannot speak for anyone else coz everyone reacts differently but it has really helped me. I watched Dr. Dray’s 2019 videos with her using hydroquinone and that’s why started using it.
@@MoonTsubasaHime There is a cream based tret which i used its called “Skin A” but currently i am using gel based its called Isotin. I like isotin more coz it feels lighter both i used 0.05%. Also there is Adapco which is Pakistani adapelene i believe also under $1 but I have not used it personally. I started with the ordinary retinol but moved to hydroquinone and tret. I will stop using hydroquinone at the end of April.
Ever see those old commercials in which employees at a car insurance company are wearing hydration packs?? And the hydration packs are filled with coffee, which the employees sip from at will?? And a lady with a coffee pot comes around at regular intervals to refill the hydration packs?? And the employees mouth the words, “thank you”, while talking on the phone?? Well, that’s what I need, cuz I don’t think that even Dr Dray’s cup is large enough for me!🤣🤷♀️
Yes! people who work with livestock and horses, such as large animal vets, are busiest in the summer. Same is true for construction workers, swim instructors, riding instructors, gardeners, etc.
By the way Pharmaceuticals , that’s about control and profit. We’re adults and able to make our own decisions. I appreciate your research Dr. Dray and your honesty. Thank you.
Thank you for the calm and reasonable explanation of the entire topic. I have used hydroquinone many times over the years under guidance of a physician as well as using Ambi cream occasionally. Always with good results. Unfortunate that it will now be harder to get it.
She doesn't know what she's talking about. You can still get hydroquinone in the states. My mom just bought Ambi 2 weeks ago from Walmart. It contains 2% hydroquinone and my dermatologist just prescribed me Tri-luma which has 4%.
@@giggles1219 she didn't say you can't get hydroquinone at all - just not over the counter anymore; hence why you are able to get a prescription for it. Also, your mom was probably lucky and found an old bottle of Ambi that was not pulled from the shelves. It's not manufactured any longer with the hydroquinone.
I just bought the corrector on Amazon. Right before I saw this video and thread, I happen to go on Amazon to scroll through and I looked at what I bought just a few weeks ago and now it's not available anymore🤷♀️
They change it to 4% niacinamide😭😭😭. That differin darkspot corrector works for my hyperpicmentation very well than the TO alpha arbutin. I wish I buy alot that time.
For the past 2 months I've been using hydroquinone to get rid of my ugly gross hideous Sun mustache and hideous discoloration I developed from not properly taking care of my skin abusing my skin with harsh products and not using sunscreen properly and it has helped me! Hydroquinone has really helped in reversing some of that discoloration although my son mustache isn't completely gone it's lettuce noticeable than it was before, it's worked better than my other skin care products so I hope they don't get rid of it completely
Use a chemical peel also, and don’t put moisturizer over the top while using the hydroquinone, took me 12 weeks and mine was gone 100% using these steps exactly
@@nickimarie378 I want to try chemical peels but I'm not sure which one to use for acne prone skin can you recommend a brand? Do you mean that you're supposed to use hydroquinone by itself? After I wash my face I apply my serums and then I apply hydroquinone and then sunscreen over it and at night time after I apply my serums I apply hydroquinone and then moisturizer over it, is it better to use the hydroquinone by itself as a moisturizer alone?
@@daysoftheboo I just applied the hydroquinone alone with no symptoms no moisturizer and as for the chemical peel I think I just used a glycolic acid peel from ulta like Murad brand nothing super strong . Just once a week
@@CeeTee380 oh my goodness! I can definitely understand how frustrating that is yeah even if we do the right thing perfect to a T we can still have problems it's so unfair! I put on a lot of sunscreen and wear a hat also I spend a lot of time outside during the morning and afternoon I think some of the discoloration can also happen from hormones and medications making our skin weaker and more sensitive but still so frustrating 😭😥😨😓
Thank you for mentioning that this impacts people of color. 💛 I am very prone to dark spots and hyperpigmentation, and hydroquinone was very effective on my dark spots and melasma. I'm bummed that it won't be available over the counter.
Sounds to me that there's money to be made from making it prescription only.. Especially with regard to the 4% strength ingredient that was approved by the exact same body.
Thank you for this information. It shows you care about the black community. We often struggle with PIH and the market doesn’t cater to our need. I’ve tried Litera, skinceutical, alpha Arbutin, none of that sh*t works or it takes forever to see any results. Hydroquinone is still the gold standard. And I started seeing results when I started using mineral sunscreen all the time like you recommended. ❤️🙏🏾👏🏾
She doesn't know what she's talking about. You can still get hydroquinone in the states. My mom just bought Ambi 2 weeks ago from Walmart. It contains 2% hydroquinone and my dermatologist prescribed me Tri-luma which has 4%.
@@giggles1219 YOU don’t know what you’re talking about. Hydroquinone was actually taken off the counter by the CARES act. That’s still a fact. If there is still stock being sold in your local store or it has somehow bypassed the system, that is something else entirely.
My mom is Congolese and has always warned me about hydroquinone. Because there is this product called carolight/white that a lot of Congolese use to bleach their skin and it ruins their skin in the long run. I have to tell her about this.
I used to avoid the stuff like the plague, thinking it'd bleach my skin and destroy my melanin, now I use it to fade scars on my body only after I was educated on its purpose and use via YT. Hydroquinone IS heavily misused by many thinking prolonged use is their way to escape colorism, and in the end they just destroy their skin. I've seen people slather it on religiously and never use sunscreen for YEARS. In hindsight.... I'm horrified.
ITS NOT THE SAME! Bleaching cream has a whole of toxic stuff in it with hydroquinone. It makes your entire body lighten, essentially bleaching it. OTC hydroquinone is very mild and only lightens darken spots. It literally take months to see an effect. Bleaching cream works rapidly and like I said, will make your whole body light. At 6:50 she debunks your claim and addresses how it’s a problem in other countries (large amounts that can cause disfiguration and maybe cancer).
It TRULY saddens me that people of color would even WANT to lighten their beautiful skin! There are valid evolutionary responses to ancient environmental pressures, which dictate the skin colors of all of us. As someone with a degree in cultural anthropology (which was useless until recently), I beg you all not to harm your natural skin colors!💖
You don't pay doctors to buy the product. You pay them to assess what product to use. That's like saying you shouldn't have to see a doctor and just buy your own insulin
@@theywalkinguptoyouand4060 Your right its worse. You pay the doctor and hope he prescribes the product you want and if not you have just wasted your money and time. This is why I buy Tretinoin from overseas where it is over the counter in other countries, unlike here in Australia
I've been using it for over 20 years, I'm 44 and I look like 30, just by using it every other day, cleaning and moisturizing well, I think depending on the brand is the problem, I think hydroquinone doesn't match with any other products, specifically with abrasive products, if I use it I try don't apply anything else, let it do it's job and next day cleaning moisturizing and vitamins, I love hydroquinone, works %100, you will look younger period
@@farmgirl7891 I asked my doctor for dark spot corrector. No it's not covered by the insurance, it costs $90 but it's worth every penny and it last for long time
What are your thoughts on the Topicals Faded Brightening Cream as a replacement now? It has centella asiatica, kojic acid, azelaic acid, niacinamide, tranexamic acid, and licorice root in it
I’ve used tri-luma in the past. Worked great at first but the rebound melasma was awful. And yes, I wear SPF everyday. Now I use over the counter more natural remedies. It’s less worrisome and is going pretty good:)
She doesn't know what she's talking about. You can still get hydroquinone in the states. My mom just bought Ambi 2 weeks ago from Walmart. It contains 2% hydroquinone and my dermatologist prescribed me Tri-luma which has 4%.
Where I live azelaic acid 20% is sort of OTC (alongside tretinoin). I said that it's "sorta OTC" because many drugs in my country are classified as Rx only but if you wanna buy them, you can do that and nobody will really question you, even the pharmacists won't ask for your doctor's prescription. Funnily enough, hydroquinone is probably the one that's been very strictly regulated in my country and you really can't buy it without prescription. Maybe it's because in my country, hydroquinone is often misused by many people where they would apply it on a large area and they use it permanently because they wanna lighten their skin. Pretty messed up but yeah.
So basically a bunch of bureaucratic nannies looked at the worst possible outcome and removed the option of a consumer's personal responsibility. Why didn't they just require better instructions?
I'm glad to hear that! Luckily, I have insurance and my Derm prescribed 4% hydroquinone for the back of my hands. I'm using it now for prevention and so far, so good. 3 months on / 1 month off.
Coincidentally, just before I saw this post, I had reordered my Obagi Clear and Blender creams. I have been using this under the guidance of my dermatologist for 15 years. It has been effective in minimizing dark spots. Up to this point I have not had issues with long term continuous use.
I order the original Clear and Blender with hydroquinone through Skin Specialists in Nebraska. Had a virtual zoom appointment with the resident dermatologist and was given a prescription for the Obagi products including Trevino in cream.
Thanks so much for informing me on this! I’m very disappointed because as a Latina with olive skin and acne and eczema I definitely keep this in my regular skin care routine. I will check your video on alternatives💜
She doesn't know what she's talking about. You can still get hydroquinone in the states. My mom just bought Ambi 2 weeks ago from Walmart. It contains 2% hydroquinone and my dermatologist prescribed me Tri-luma which has 4%.
I was lucky enough to score Differin. I had a really hard time locating it after the video you aired recommending it. It really has been helping and feel my persistence of not giving up in locating it has paid off!!! Thx for being so forthcoming with your knowledge!!!!❤️
I found it at H‑E‑B. The very last one. I thought something was up because I ordered from several places online, only to have my order canceled. So I looked locally and happen to find the last one on the shelf. If has really helped with my freckles and light rosacea. I have been using for 1 month now and have it marked on the calendar, as to not pass the 3 month mark.🤠
The "arduous " process you described is OBVIOUSLY to protect big and old OTC manufacturers from dealing with newer more innovative better competitors and to protect them from having their products from being pulled from shelves
And I agree!! Not everyone has access to a dermatologist! Or it's really difficult to see one. I used to really struggle financially, didn't have insurance, and had very little knowledge/time/resources on navigating more "affordable healthcare options". Nadinola and Ambi were so affordable and available and AMAZING for PIH. They got rid of so many dark spots on my face/shoulders/knees and I felt so much more beautiful and confident.
Maybe if the First Lady received enough (respectful) letters, she may be able to get the President to change the FDA's ruling (especially if the impact on mental health is explained). 👱♀️❤
I have melasma over my lip due to oral contraception and laser hair removal and I've tried every over the counter cream with alpha arbutin, azelaic acid, kojic acid, and various proprietary "brightening agents" for a long time and I haven't seen any change. My dermatologist didn't even mention hydroquinone, even though my melasma is so dark that no foundation or concealer will cover the "shadow" effectively and I told him that it makes me feel very self conscious. I stumbled upon this video and found a legit lab in my country that makes 2% hydroquinone cream, so I bought some and can't wait to start using it.
@@hotcris3 I've been using it for 2 weeks and I notice it's starting to fade a little. The manufacturer recommends at least 2 months to see final results. So far I think it has worked better than other active ingredients.
I literally went straight to Walmart after watching this video. All Hydroquinone products have been removed from the shelves. I was hoping to stockpile before stores responded to the new ruling. Been using for years, based on my Mom’s beautiful skin and compliments on mine. Damn!
Wowww I just went to Target yesterday and bought the Ambi Fade Cream after watching the Lighten Dark Thighs video. Definitely going back and buying 1 or 2 more, the shelf was still fully stocked I would have never guessed 😢
Did we get the hydroquinone from strawberries? Like chemically? ☺️ I love when u talk about the places our medicines our derived from (like willow bark and salicylic acid).
Dr. Dray you and others mostly you saved my skin. I had terrible acne and hyperpigmentation and you fixed it with your advising. You do an amazing service for women. We thank you so much. Thank you for unbiased advising. Sunscreen alone helped really.
Thank you Dr. Dray for your dedication to your patients of color, and great work to the scholars at my alma mater, The University of the West Indies, in researching the effects of skin bleaching agents in the community!
@@madelinemogale2256 haha thanks! I've been her subscriber for almost 3 yrs now, its only now in quarantine that i get to be early on her videos and i must say, i enjoy the rush! One of my sources of happiness that gets me through the day 🤣
The government has no business regulating such a thing. They need to get out of the way and allow consumers to make their own decisions and businesses to use the latest, most effective technology available.
Omg I used hydroquinone for about 3 months, from differin. I go to school for laboratory science and we regularly use hydroquinone as a reagent for some reactions. It didn’t really freak me out because we also use stuff like borax and vinegar, which are totally safe. I think that the differin hydroquinone totally helped my skin and I’m sad!
Thank you for the heads up on Hydroquinone being banned in the US. Before they are permanently pulled from shelves, I just ordered one vial of Differin Dark Spot Correcting Serum, and a tube of Ambi Fade Cream to use until I figure out alternative products to take the place of the 2% Hydroquinone.
Ughh, this pisses me off so much. It's like, let people choose for themselves. Of course, inform us of the *risks* and *proper usage*, but don't take our choice away. There're so many things out there that have terrible consequences when misused. Alcohol, cigarettes, signing off on student loans at 18, etc.
I did not know about the removal of hydroquinone. I just recently started using Different spot remover for the freckles and sun spots on my neck. I have very fair skin and it was slowly working. Bummer!
Is this only used for dark spots? I only use things like hyalironic acid, vitamin c and retinol...I’m assuming I don’t use anything it’s in but I’m so new to skincare it’s mind boggling trying to figure out.
@@nolaray1062 the IPL is to support the surface by really working the under layer of the skin too. I have found overall good results reducing the dark spots and my main purpose of getting. My dark spots are under control now and I continue this treatment to be proactive - You can target any part of the body as well ie: neck , tops of hands etc., I do twice a year full face, and product application is important as well sunscreen 365 days a year. ✨
So disappointing that this is no longer available! A friend suggested microdermabrasion by an aesthetician for my melasma/acne scarring but it’s too expensive (for me).
Thank you for posting this. I've worked in the clinical skincare industry for over 20 years and have always been an advocate of Hydroquinone. I think that most of the negative claims about it do not have merit and have used it successfully in practice for years. I'm very discouraged that it is now banned because although there are alternatives, I believe it is more effective than the alternatives.
Dr Dray Just wanted to tell u that next week I'm having my 2nd laser /v beam treatment. The best money I have ever spent. I waited so long and I had to skimp on other things in life, but I finally did something for ME. It was better than a vacation, better than a new car! It took years of wear and tear and sun damage off my face. Of course now, thanks to you I wear SUNSCREEN SPF 50 and hats. Never again will I bake in the sun!
Oh man. I had a nasty burn scar 10 years ago and Ambi helped me fade it (also saw a dermatologist for help). I haven’t needed it in years but now I wish I grabbed what was left at Walmart earlier.
I'm excited as I find more Black dermatologists available locally since other dematologists seem to know nothing about Black skin. I think I will make a visit to my dermotologist to discuss additional options that contain similar ingredients. It's a shame we have to pay so much more because the FDA and our government sucks.
Could You make a video about skin cancer? People hear about the danger of skin cancer all the time but I noticed that the topic itself is not described widely enough - what are the symptoms for example, in my opinion
Hi Dr. Dray! Yes, I have used prescription strength hydroquinone with Retin A, Kojic Acid, and I think a steriod. I use it for about 6 weeks then I switch back to prescription strength Retin A. I have used Murad's hydroquinone as well, and I like it too. I have used products with hydroquinone for years, and I haven't had any major problems using it on my skin.
This is the stupidest ban that affects POC who already have a lot of problems with access to care ,imagine being able to go to Walmart and buy a cream with 2% hydroquinone for $4 to treat PIH ,now having to either go to a dermatologist and get an Rx or buying a small tube for $80 on musely for %12 ,or people buying random potions online that may or may not work and be safe
Hi Dr. Dray. I hope you can make a video comparing Tretinoin, Tretinoin + HQ, and Tretinoin + HQ + Sterioid (Mometasone Furoate or Fluocinolone Acetonide) for the treatment of Melasma and recalcitrant hyperpigmentation. :)
And there are those you want the FDA to be more involved in the cosmetic industry. Based on the brilliance of the FDA we better be careful what we wish for.
It’s already very difficult for people to deal with melasma. This just makes things worse for people who unfortunately don’t have a dermatologist. Sad really.
Or can't afford a dermatologist.
Right!!!! I have melasama and I’m very prone to hyperpigmentation. V disappointing!
I was just thinking this. Many of the folks who deal with hyperpigmentation are in communities where access to speciality care is often more difficult.
And this explains why my holy grail Paula’s Choice 2% Hydroquinone and 2% bha has been discontinued. I am now at a loss to find something that works as well for my acne & hyperpigmentation😔
@@kcstx can you please tell me which BHA 2% is discontinued?
“To ensure safety and efficacy”
Or, more likely,
“To ensure profitability and market dominance”
BINGO !!!!! all about the money! 😡
We just want the modern sunscreen filters to be approved for use but instead they've gone ahead and banned a safe and highly effective ingredient
Well dang it! Something works and is affordable... nope - gotta get rid of that! 😔
We are all a bunch of helpless, thoughtless children I guess.
Nop, it causes cancer, its already forbidden in europe too, check ewg for more information. But you are right, if it is expensive they dont forbide, even if its bad for our health
@@inira7418 I trust Dr Dray far more than EWG, and she stated that low percentage hydroquinone over the counter creams do not cause cancer.
@@inira7418 wow still believing in EWG 🙄 in 2021
@@inira7418 This is news to me. Here I am... in Europe... with my newly prescribed hydroquinone product. EWG overstates the risk of chemicals. Its how they fundraise.
Thank you for your compassion and understanding of the real struggles and dismorphia darker melanated people undergo with the slightest bit of skin inflammation. I’m grateful that I am able to see my neighborhood dermatologist with his own formulation that includes Kojic acid, Hydroquinone 4%: and cortisone. It truly works wonders for my skin.
You can have problems in the future using cortisone, it changes the normal function of skin. A person from my family become with chronic problem with skin because cortisone. Also hidroquinone can cause cancer in long term. Both are absorved in our blood. Check more at ewg
@@inira7418 ewg is a marketing scam, check any video dr Dray has on clean beauty and you’ll learn.
@@billyjean3118 you ve being brainwashed to think ewg is a scam, behind is the pharma industry planting seeds to not destroy their kingdom
@@inira7418 and the earth is flat, there are microchips in the vaccines, reptilians sit in Congress.
@@billyjean3118 think baby this doctor has plenty of videos indicating hidroquinone, she don´t want to be know as indicating things that are bad for health, that´s why she is making this video. Hidroquinine is a discussion worldwide because its bad for health. But continue thinhing doctors are angels...
meanwhile in my developing country, hydroquinone+tretinoin are just chilling on the counter
True labeled as Rejuvenating
Which is?
when i go to spain i get tons of tubes of this over the counter tretinoin and clindamycin gel... works magic on my skin. i could never understand why they ban these in the US. i guess it’s some kind of ploy to get people to pay more for prescriptions and dermatologists🙄
@@AnaFernandez-uz6ec I think that’s exactly what it is. A means of control. 😑😞
Tretinoin and Hydroquinone are also over the counter here in Dominican Republic lmao, I got my Retinoic Acid 0.05% OTC and way cheaper than in the US 🤡
"Strawberries have hydroquinone in them" Dr. Dray I think you might have just accidentally started the next TikTok trend again
Yep natural treatments
Yeah, “natural”...(sighing)
“Hi guys! I’m about to show you how to make a strawberry mask!”
*Starts to topically apply crushed strawberries on the face* 😂
I’m waiting for gimmicky serums with strawberry extracts in them 😅
haha yep
*Nadinola girls meet here! I was so pissed to find out nadinola was banned. They have that new formula now that does not work!!!! Girls what do we do now?*
But they don’t remove the cancerous sugar in all our food.
There's no proof that sugar is cancerous smh
Sugar isnt cancerous
Ambi definitely got me through some tough scars as a teen. It was great and worked for everyone I recommended it too
Did your scars come back ?
Had no idea it was removed, thankfully I recently bought the Differin dark spot corrector soon after your video. And yes, having a deeper skin tone the government just made it harder for people to safely treat their hyperpigmentation.
Ridiculous
13:20 thank you!!!! The next option for a lot of people is to go to straight up bleaching creams which is actually dangerous. Hydroquinone OTC is much safer.
That was my first thought. If they ban ambi cream im hitting up the beauty supply store for bleaching creams to use as a spot treatment
@@CeCe-os3ul they did not I bout ambi last week
@@aurelie3150 yes they still sell ambi fade cream but it DOESN'T have the hydroquinone. I noticed instantly with the last tube of ambi I recently bought that something was different and NOT in a good way. I just didn't know what the difference was @ the time. We as African Americans with acne scars or dark spots ambi with hydroquinone made a big difference
@@feliciaadams8545 mine does
@@feliciaadams8545I used Ambi for years & it worked wonders. I started back using it again & it did NOTHING for my skin like it used to. None of my dark spots lightened up Kinda made me a lil darker. Now I know why the things you find in random RUclips comment sections lol
One other thing occurs to me: prescriptions will cost more money and you need to see a doctor first in order to get a prescription for it. What a racket!
I have used hydroquinone off and on for several years on the back of my hands. It has made a dramatic difference and most of the brown spots are gone. I have one jar left and I will use it very slowly!
That's exactly what I do. Several years ago I had some sun/age spots removed by my dermatologist. New ones have started appearing this last year, so my Derm prescribed 4% hydroquinone for the back of my hands. I'm using it now for prevention and so far, so good. 3 months on / 1 month off.
@@stephaniesmith4114 I guess I will have to get mine from a doctor now😟
@@ginnygeiken2625 This "doctor" doesn't know what she's talking about. You can still get hydroquinone in the states. My mom just bought Ambi 2 weeks ago from Walmart. It contains 2% hydroquinone and my dermatologist prescribed me Tri-luma which has 4%.
@@giggles1219 Agreed, I just bought it yesterday at target.
@@PierogiRavioli1 Shhhhhhhh don't share that information... 🤣
Hydroquinone is the only stuff that worked wonders for the dark lines and spots I had all over my forehead. Used it 10 years ago and the spots have never returned and never had any issues 🤷🏻♀️
Hmmm this has me curious. The gov keeps aspartame on the shelves. Asbestos is still legal in the us. Everything is backwards.
It works almost too well for me. It lightens a lot quicker than people think. If you use it right, you will see results in a week.
It worked well for me. I used it on small areas awhile back. Since I’m now really good about my sunscreen application and hat wearing haven’t had to use it again.
@@pourquoi475 I’ve had new spots pop in new places up that have been impossible to remove and now I can’t find they hydroquinone again 😫😫😫
@@nickimarie378 I am going through the same. Can’t find anywhere, formulated well.
It was so confusing because there was like no information about this. The only source I could find about this last year was Murad who made a post about it when they reformulated their dark spot treatment.
Even here in the Philippines there are still stores that sell products containing Mercury for skin whitening. It's mind boggling
hoping those other ingredients you've mentioned will help myself and others, especially people of color, with hyperpigmentation and similar issues now that hydroquinone is practically gone. Thank you for highlighting how people of color are especially affected by this
I don’t use it but now I feel like I need to have it!
Isn't that just the way? People always want what they can't have. I have the similar urge 😂
Me too! Lol & I haven’t even finished the video to know what it even is but when my government tells me I’m not responsible enough to own something it makes me want it all the more 😃
Same
I think that in the US, where general access to specialized medical care is difficult and expensive, these products should be over the counter. Here in Brazil, where we have fairly easy access to medical care, a lot of products that are prescription only in the us are available over the counter, like hidroquinone, azeleic acid, topical tretinoin and maybe even others. I think this just makes it hard for the population to have access to good quality treatments.
Exactly. It wouldn’t necessarily be a problem if prescription topical treatments weren’t that expensive in the US. In the UK prescriptions are often cheaper than many OTC products or “medical grade” cosmetics.
yeah thats why people end up buying stuff from sketchy websites or if they have the means to go out the country on vacations they buy a bunch of prescription only products in bulk from those countries and bring them back home.
Obtaining specialized care such as a dermatologist is not and should not be difficult in the US.
It takes some patience and patient compliance but the services are there.
But then again... there are people like the gorilla glue woman...
@@truebaronesse5653 Exactly... There's a reason why these products aren't OTC.
First of all...Dermatology needs to be FULLY COVERED WITH Insursnce in the US.
I see a derm for my skin issues due to my PsA. She KINDLEY addresses my other skin issues not caused by PsA. My co-
pay is $60.
I use Hydroquinone on my hands and face. She has me on a compounded higher % than 2%. I was using the 2% I had left over for my hands. 😔
I see her next month. I guess we will address this at my appointment.
I hope it goes well!🤞🏼
“Irritant contact dermatitis is a much safer side effect than mercury poisoning.” Exactly. I think it’s unfortunate, especially for POC who tend to be much more affected by PIH.
I've been using it for almost 3 months and all I can say is that it works! I've tried a lot of brightening actives but that was the only thing that made a huge difference.
I used hydroquinone years ago in a liquid form and it really helped with my acne scars.
Yeah I was hoping to get some OTC hydroquinone when my acne heals. Damn.
@@msi8311 I hear you! Hopefully Dr. Dray will make a video on alternatives to hydroquinone/other products that will help with acne scars.
@@msi8311 things will clear up faster and better with a RX from a derm IMO.
هل هذا الكريم يحتوي على الكرتزون
I am a mid-thirties male, had serious acne marks, used 4% hydroquinone for 2 months and it has worked wonders for me. In pakistan its availble OTC no one cares about safety here, i can even buy tretinion without prescription. Also quite cheap here. Tretinoin 15mg cost around 1 usd and its enough for a month.
Wow! 😳 That's awesome! ☺
@@heatherleigh4630 i am actually quite devastated to know that its pulled back in the US. I cannot speak for anyone else coz everyone reacts differently but it has really helped me. I watched Dr. Dray’s 2019 videos with her using hydroquinone and that’s why started using it.
What is tretinoin brand called in Pakistan? Can I buy it in pharmacy?
@@MoonTsubasaHime There is a cream based tret which i used its called “Skin A” but currently i am using gel based its called Isotin. I like isotin more coz it feels lighter both i used 0.05%. Also there is Adapco which is Pakistani adapelene i believe also under $1 but I have not used it personally. I started with the ordinary retinol but moved to hydroquinone and tret. I will stop using hydroquinone at the end of April.
Same here in the gulf countries,tretinoin,azealic acid,hydroquinone just over the counter,
but goog moisturizer here are very expensive.
I swear Dr. Dray’s mug is getting bigger every upload 🤣
Unless, Dr Dray is getting smaller........ honey I shrunk the doctor🙏❤️
you guys 🤣
Bigger than her head 😂😂😂
And people think I’m joking when I say that I need a coffee the size of my head ! 😂
Ever see those old commercials in which employees at a car insurance company are wearing hydration packs?? And the hydration packs are filled with coffee, which the employees sip from at will?? And a lady with a coffee pot comes around at regular intervals to refill the hydration packs?? And the employees mouth the words, “thank you”, while talking on the phone?? Well, that’s what I need, cuz I don’t think that even Dr Dray’s cup is large enough for me!🤣🤷♀️
Could you please make a video for people who work outside in the summer all day?
Yes, Please!
Yes! people who work with livestock and horses, such as large animal vets, are busiest in the summer. Same is true for construction workers, swim instructors, riding instructors, gardeners, etc.
I’m a backpacking guide who wears UPF and ridiculous hats with wide brims.
@@LauraRaeRae I did that, too, through all the years I worked as a riding instructor!
@@barblis Oh, that's a good idea! I used to work outside and I used Cera Ve 60 SPF. It worked for me. I applied it several times a day.
By the way Pharmaceuticals , that’s about control and profit. We’re adults and able to make our own decisions. I appreciate your research Dr. Dray and your honesty. Thank you.
Big daddy government is the one making this decision for you, not pharma companies. If you don't like it vote for libertarians.
Thank you for the calm and reasonable explanation of the entire topic. I have used hydroquinone many times over the years under guidance of a physician as well as using Ambi cream occasionally. Always with good results. Unfortunate that it will now be harder to get it.
She doesn't know what she's talking about. You can still get hydroquinone in the states. My mom just bought Ambi 2 weeks ago from Walmart. It contains 2% hydroquinone and my dermatologist just prescribed me Tri-luma which has 4%.
@@giggles1219 she didn't say you can't get hydroquinone at all - just not over the counter anymore; hence why you are able to get a prescription for it. Also, your mom was probably lucky and found an old bottle of Ambi that was not pulled from the shelves. It's not manufactured any longer with the hydroquinone.
Being a person of color hydroquinone is the only thing that works effectively to remove my post inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Btw....target still has differin spot corrector online and its 15% off for circle members
Has differin been removed as well?
@@ninak8506 just the corrector
@@juneszeider5280 OK thanks!
I just bought the corrector on Amazon. Right before I saw this video and thread, I happen to go on Amazon to scroll through and I looked at what I bought just a few weeks ago and now it's not available anymore🤷♀️
They change it to 4% niacinamide😭😭😭. That differin darkspot corrector works for my hyperpicmentation very well than the TO alpha arbutin. I wish I buy alot that time.
I love the fact that you divide your video into chapters. Helps so much
For the past 2 months I've been using hydroquinone to get rid of my ugly gross hideous Sun mustache and hideous discoloration I developed from not properly taking care of my skin abusing my skin with harsh products and not using sunscreen properly and it has helped me! Hydroquinone has really helped in reversing some of that discoloration although my son mustache isn't completely gone it's lettuce noticeable than it was before, it's worked better than my other skin care products so I hope they don't get rid of it completely
Use a chemical peel also, and don’t put moisturizer over the top while using the hydroquinone, took me 12 weeks and mine was gone 100% using these steps exactly
@@nickimarie378 I want to try chemical peels but I'm not sure which one to use for acne prone skin can you recommend a brand? Do you mean that you're supposed to use hydroquinone by itself? After I wash my face I apply my serums and then I apply hydroquinone and then sunscreen over it and at night time after I apply my serums I apply hydroquinone and then moisturizer over it, is it better to use the hydroquinone by itself as a moisturizer alone?
@@daysoftheboo I just applied the hydroquinone alone with no symptoms no moisturizer and as for the chemical peel I think I just used a glycolic acid peel from ulta like Murad brand nothing super strong . Just once a week
@@CeeTee380 oh my goodness! I can definitely understand how frustrating that is yeah even if we do the right thing perfect to a T we can still have problems it's so unfair!
I put on a lot of sunscreen and wear a hat also I spend a lot of time outside during the morning and afternoon I think some of the discoloration can also happen from hormones and medications making our skin weaker and more sensitive but still so frustrating 😭😥😨😓
@@CeeTee380 oh the melasma happens from hormones also :( it can get really bad during pregnancy like mine did. Ugh I’m sorry I feel your pain!
Thank you for mentioning that this impacts people of color. 💛 I am very prone to dark spots and hyperpigmentation, and hydroquinone was very effective on my dark spots and melasma. I'm bummed that it won't be available over the counter.
Sounds to me that there's money to be made from making it prescription only.. Especially with regard to the 4% strength ingredient that was approved by the exact same body.
Thank you for this information. It shows you care about the black community. We often struggle with PIH and the market doesn’t cater to our need. I’ve tried Litera, skinceutical, alpha Arbutin, none of that sh*t works or it takes forever to see any results. Hydroquinone is still the gold standard. And I started seeing results when I started using mineral sunscreen all the time like you recommended. ❤️🙏🏾👏🏾
She doesn't know what she's talking about. You can still get hydroquinone in the states. My mom just bought Ambi 2 weeks ago from Walmart. It contains 2% hydroquinone and my dermatologist prescribed me Tri-luma which has 4%.
@@giggles1219 YOU don’t know what you’re talking about. Hydroquinone was actually taken off the counter by the CARES act. That’s still a fact. If there is still stock being sold in your local store or it has somehow bypassed the system, that is something else entirely.
I get my HydroQ at the Cancun airport for $26
My mom is Congolese and has always warned me about hydroquinone. Because there is this product called carolight/white that a lot of Congolese use to bleach their skin and it ruins their skin in the long run. I have to tell her about this.
Please do 🙌❤️
I used to avoid the stuff like the plague, thinking it'd bleach my skin and destroy my melanin, now I use it to fade scars on my body only after I was educated on its purpose and use via YT. Hydroquinone IS heavily misused by many thinking prolonged use is their way to escape colorism, and in the end they just destroy their skin. I've seen people slather it on religiously and never use sunscreen for YEARS. In hindsight.... I'm horrified.
ITS NOT THE SAME! Bleaching cream has a whole of toxic stuff in it with hydroquinone. It makes your entire body lighten, essentially bleaching it. OTC hydroquinone is very mild and only lightens darken spots. It literally take months to see an effect. Bleaching cream works rapidly and like I said, will make your whole body light.
At 6:50 she debunks your claim and addresses how it’s a problem in other countries (large amounts that can cause disfiguration and maybe cancer).
It TRULY saddens me that people of color would even WANT to lighten their beautiful skin! There are valid evolutionary responses to ancient environmental pressures, which dictate the skin colors of all of us. As someone with a degree in cultural anthropology (which was useless until recently), I beg you all not to harm your natural skin colors!💖
@@vetsai8199 white supremacy says otherwise
People don't like having to pay doctors to buy a product. Annoying that retin-a products and others are not over the counter.
You don't pay doctors to buy the product. You pay them to assess what product to use.
That's like saying you shouldn't have to see a doctor and just buy your own insulin
@@theywalkinguptoyouand4060 not comparable at all. 😂 it’s just retin-a. It’s not dangerous.
@@theywalkinguptoyouand4060 Your right its worse. You pay the doctor and hope he prescribes the product you want and if not you have just wasted your money and time. This is why I buy Tretinoin from overseas where it is over the counter in other countries, unlike here in Australia
i just use curology. it’s easier to just get a prescription sent in the mail and you don’t have to go to a derm’s office or pharmacy
I've been using it for over 20 years, I'm 44 and I look like 30, just by using it every other day, cleaning and moisturizing well, I think depending on the brand is the problem, I think hydroquinone doesn't match with any other products, specifically with abrasive products, if I use it I try don't apply anything else, let it do it's job and next day cleaning moisturizing and vitamins, I love hydroquinone, works %100, you will look younger period
OMG! She is getting prettier day by day 😍🤩
I am using a 4% a month ago and the result is AMAZING
where did you get it? did you have to get a prescription?
@@vante4684 prescription from dermatologist
@@essoesso3245 wat exactly do u ask n does insurance cover it?
@@farmgirl7891 I asked my doctor for dark spot corrector. No it's not covered by the insurance, it costs $90 but it's worth every penny and it last for long time
Thank you. I wonder which congressman decided that this was the most important item to ban in this legislation. Vote them out!
What are your thoughts on the Topicals Faded Brightening Cream as a replacement now? It has centella asiatica, kojic acid, azelaic acid, niacinamide, tranexamic acid, and licorice root in it
Thanks for mentioning this. I’m passing on the hydrquinone.
I’ve used tri-luma in the past. Worked great at first but the rebound melasma was awful. And yes, I wear SPF everyday. Now I use over the counter more natural remedies. It’s less worrisome and is going pretty good:)
rebound happened when you stopped using triluma?
Thank you, VERY interesting! I used the entire Obagi NuDerm system years ago for melasma and it worked miracles with the hydroquinone 😊💗 Lisa
What could I use now?For melasma.Please if you have any advice I would appreciate it.There is no Hydroquinone.
Did you receive the Obagi blue peel?
Hi what brand of hydroquinone i must use for my melasma??, hope you could give me advice..thank you😊
@@mariepanek3462 Obagi Vitamic C and hydroquinone 4%
She doesn't know what she's talking about. You can still get hydroquinone in the states. My mom just bought Ambi 2 weeks ago from Walmart. It contains 2% hydroquinone and my dermatologist prescribed me Tri-luma which has 4%.
I hope 20% azelaic acid will be available OTC soon.
Wouldn’t that be amazing!
Where I live azelaic acid 20% is sort of OTC (alongside tretinoin). I said that it's "sorta OTC" because many drugs in my country are classified as Rx only but if you wanna buy them, you can do that and nobody will really question you, even the pharmacists won't ask for your doctor's prescription. Funnily enough, hydroquinone is probably the one that's been very strictly regulated in my country and you really can't buy it without prescription. Maybe it's because in my country, hydroquinone is often misused by many people where they would apply it on a large area and they use it permanently because they wanna lighten their skin. Pretty messed up but yeah.
I love azelaic acid
@@MonaLisaFaceMusic What is that for? I’ve heard of it, maybe I’ve had it, I can’t remember! Is it RX?
you can get it from dermatica without a prescription :)
We need to protest this. I am PISSSEEDDD!!
Your necklace reminded me of the necklace Alexis Rose wore in Schitt's Creek!
Yess I was trying to place where I’ve seen it before!
Yep, i thought the saMe. I have one just like it.
So basically a bunch of bureaucratic nannies looked at the worst possible outcome and removed the option of a consumer's personal responsibility. Why didn't they just require better instructions?
That sounds simple but you'd be surprised at how many people don't follow even the most simple instructions.
I just bought Ambi Fade Cream, 2% hydroquinone. WTF already????
I’ve been using an OTC hydroquinone cream on the backs of my hands for a few months, just starting to see real results. I’m sorry to hear this ☹️
I'm glad to hear that! Luckily, I have insurance and my Derm prescribed 4% hydroquinone for the back of my hands. I'm using it now for prevention and so far, so good. 3 months on / 1 month off.
Coincidentally, just before I saw this post, I had reordered my Obagi Clear and Blender creams. I have been using this under the guidance of my dermatologist for 15 years. It has been effective in minimizing dark spots. Up to this point I have not had issues with long term continuous use.
I just started the Obagi clear. Should I use Blender, as well?
I used to use the Clear but noticed it no longer contains hydroquinione?
@@AllyKit Yes - they took it out... :( in Canada can't get either.
I order the original Clear and Blender with hydroquinone through Skin Specialists in Nebraska. Had a virtual zoom appointment with the resident dermatologist and was given a prescription for the Obagi products including Trevino in cream.
Thanks so much for informing me on this! I’m very disappointed because as a Latina with olive skin and acne and eczema I definitely keep this in my regular skin care routine. I will check your video on alternatives💜
She doesn't know what she's talking about. You can still get hydroquinone in the states. My mom just bought Ambi 2 weeks ago from Walmart. It contains 2% hydroquinone and my dermatologist prescribed me Tri-luma which has 4%.
@@giggles1219 right I was confused because I got two products one rom AMBI WITH it
Cancun airport has a Farmcia and it sells for $26
I was lucky enough to score Differin. I had a really hard time locating it after the video you aired recommending it. It really has been helping and feel my persistence of not giving up in locating it has paid off!!! Thx for being so forthcoming with your knowledge!!!!❤️
Yeah, good for you because it's been discontinued on the website Dr. Dray recommended
I found it at H‑E‑B. The very last one. I thought something was up because I ordered from several places online, only to have my order canceled. So I looked locally and happen to find the last one on the shelf. If has really helped with my freckles and light rosacea. I have been using for 1 month now and have it marked on the calendar, as to not pass the 3 month mark.🤠
I got Differin from Walgreens in the skincare aisle
The "arduous " process you described is OBVIOUSLY to protect big and old OTC manufacturers from dealing with newer more innovative better competitors and to protect them from having their products from being pulled from shelves
And I agree!! Not everyone has access to a dermatologist!
Or it's really difficult to see one.
I used to really struggle financially, didn't have insurance, and had very little knowledge/time/resources on navigating more "affordable healthcare options".
Nadinola and Ambi were so affordable and available and AMAZING for PIH. They got rid of so many dark spots on my face/shoulders/knees and I felt so much more beautiful and confident.
For Black women with a lot of black spots it's really sad to hear that. I am sorry, but if I found I safe website I will buy it
Maybe if the First Lady received enough (respectful) letters, she may be able to get the President to change the FDA's ruling (especially if the impact on mental health is explained).
👱♀️❤
I have melasma over my lip due to oral contraception and laser hair removal and I've tried every over the counter cream with alpha arbutin, azelaic acid, kojic acid, and various proprietary "brightening agents" for a long time and I haven't seen any change. My dermatologist didn't even mention hydroquinone, even though my melasma is so dark that no foundation or concealer will cover the "shadow" effectively and I told him that it makes me feel very self conscious. I stumbled upon this video and found a legit lab in my country that makes 2% hydroquinone cream, so I bought some and can't wait to start using it.
Let us know how it works please 😀
@@hotcris3 I've been using it for 2 weeks and I notice it's starting to fade a little. The manufacturer recommends at least 2 months to see final results. So far I think it has worked better than other active ingredients.
I literally went straight to Walmart after watching this video. All Hydroquinone products have been removed from the shelves. I was hoping to stockpile before stores responded to the new ruling. Been using for years, based on my Mom’s beautiful skin and compliments on mine. Damn!
On Amazon, there is an Ambi cream with 2% hydroquinone for oily skin that is still selling for $4.97
Buy it online!
Whelp! They are back on the shelves as of 9/8/2022!
Wowww I just went to Target yesterday and bought the Ambi Fade Cream after watching the Lighten Dark Thighs video. Definitely going back and buying 1 or 2 more, the shelf was still fully stocked I would have never guessed 😢
I’ve seen it all over the place!
Yea I just got some from dollar general 2weeks ago 🥴
No way! Maybe they’re getting rid of any final stock of it
I was in CVS today and it’s still on she shelves.
Did we get the hydroquinone from strawberries? Like chemically? ☺️ I love when u talk about the places our medicines our derived from (like willow bark and salicylic acid).
My Dermatologist prescribed me 8% Hydroquinone/ 0.1 % Tretinoin/ 1%Kojic Acid/ 4%Niacinamide and it’s working amazingly on my Melasma. Thank goodness!
OMG you got a mug with your freaking catchphrase!!! Iconic.
Your profile picture and comment compliment each other 👌
Off topic: I love how you divide your vids into chapters!
Yea my mom used 2% for years and years. She never had any issues using it but they stopped selling the product here in Canada years ago.
I miss Ultraquin. Cheap, effective and easily found at the drugstore.
Dr. Dray you and others mostly you saved my skin. I had terrible acne and hyperpigmentation and you fixed it with your advising. You do an amazing service for women. We thank you so much. Thank you for unbiased advising. Sunscreen alone helped really.
So glad!
Thank you Dr. Dray for your dedication to your patients of color, and great work to the scholars at my alma mater, The University of the West Indies, in researching the effects of skin bleaching agents in the community!
I swear, whenever Dr. Dray uploads a video, my world stops for a while and I go to her video asap to comment 🤣
Good Day, everyone! ❤️
Join the club darling 😂😎😙
@@madelinemogale2256 haha thanks! I've been her subscriber for almost 3 yrs now, its only now in quarantine that i get to be early on her videos and i must say, i enjoy the rush! One of my sources of happiness that gets me through the day 🤣
The government has no business regulating such a thing. They need to get out of the way and allow consumers to make their own decisions and businesses to use the latest, most effective technology available.
Already midnight here but still watch dr dray's lesson 😅
Where are you from?
Omg I used hydroquinone for about 3 months, from differin. I go to school for laboratory science and we regularly use hydroquinone as a reagent for some reactions. It didn’t really freak me out because we also use stuff like borax and vinegar, which are totally safe. I think that the differin hydroquinone totally helped my skin and I’m sad!
Thank you for the heads up on Hydroquinone being banned in the US. Before they are permanently pulled from shelves, I just ordered one vial of Differin Dark Spot Correcting Serum, and a tube of Ambi Fade Cream to use until I figure out alternative products to take the place of the 2% Hydroquinone.
Aww man. I bought the Eucerin Q-10 bc of your recommendation! Wish this info was out sooner
Ughh, this pisses me off so much.
It's like, let people choose for themselves. Of course, inform us of the *risks* and *proper usage*, but don't take our choice away.
There're so many things out there that have terrible consequences when misused. Alcohol, cigarettes, signing off on student loans at 18, etc.
I did not know about the removal of hydroquinone. I just recently started using Different spot remover for the freckles and sun spots on my neck. I have very fair skin and it was slowly working. Bummer!
I have as well for a long time used it.. I have found IPLs procedures to be very helpful.
Is this only used for dark spots? I only use things like hyalironic acid, vitamin c and retinol...I’m assuming I don’t use anything it’s in but I’m so new to skincare it’s mind boggling trying to figure out.
@@nolaray1062 the IPL is to support the surface by really working the under layer of the skin too. I have found overall good results reducing the dark spots and my main purpose of getting.
My dark spots are under control now and I continue this treatment to be proactive - You can target any part of the body as well ie: neck , tops of hands etc., I do twice a year full face, and product application is important as well sunscreen 365 days a year. ✨
Hope you are having a great day, Dr. Dray
So disappointing that this is no longer available! A friend suggested microdermabrasion by an aesthetician for my melasma/acne scarring but it’s too expensive (for me).
Thank you for posting this. I've worked in the clinical skincare industry for over 20 years and have always been an advocate of Hydroquinone. I think that most of the negative claims about it do not have merit and have used it successfully in practice for years. I'm very discouraged that it is now banned because although there are alternatives, I believe it is more effective than the alternatives.
Ambi products are still available I just bought the Ambi fade cream at Walmart. It contains 2% Hydroquinone and I’ve seen it many other stores
Me too
happy Tuesday everyone xo
Enjoy your day 😊
Thanks .. Same to you
Late but hope you had a great one!
Well.. They took away hydroquinone.. But didn't approve all the Unvibols, Tinosorbs and all those modern stuff?!,😒
Dr Dray
Just wanted to tell u that next week I'm having my 2nd laser /v beam treatment. The best money I have ever spent. I waited so long and I had to skimp on other things in life, but I finally did something for ME. It was better than a vacation, better than a new car! It took years of wear and tear and sun damage off my face. Of course now, thanks to you I wear SUNSCREEN SPF 50 and hats. Never again will I bake in the sun!
Dr Dray notification on
Stop everything and watch. 🤩
I use Ambi hydroquinone and it works for me! It’s banned here in Canada so I order mine online from the US.
I brought mine from Cloré 🤷🏿♀️
Oh man. I had a nasty burn scar 10 years ago and Ambi helped me fade it (also saw a dermatologist for help). I haven’t needed it in years but now I wish I grabbed what was left at Walmart earlier.
Love the intro with the coffee cup. So cute and so Dr.Dray!! 🥰
I see Ambi fade cream in shelves of Walmart stores. I wonder whether it has hydroloquine. Will check. In USA
Yep. They still do.
Ramadan Mubarak ☪️ to all sisters and brothers,peace be upon us all 🙏🏻🤲💜💜
Thanks have a great day 😀
@@marizzy63 💜🙏🏻
@@marizzy63 hey Mary Ann!
@@sable7114 🥰🥰 hi
Ramadan Mubarak to you also
Happy Tuesday!!!! lots of love from the UK 🥰🥰
Happy Tuesday
I'm excited as I find more Black dermatologists available locally since other dematologists seem to know nothing about Black skin. I think I will make a visit to my dermotologist to discuss additional options that contain similar ingredients. It's a shame we have to pay so much more because the FDA and our government sucks.
Could You make a video about skin cancer? People hear about the danger of skin cancer all the time but I noticed that the topic itself is not described widely enough - what are the symptoms for example, in my opinion
Yes! Please. What to look out for... what does it feel like.... when should we go to the doctor?
i have a video on skin cancer
@@DrDrayzday I didnt know, thanks!
pls do a video on alcohol in skincare...the good and bad ones ... ❤️
she has a couple videos on this, just search "dr dray alcohol in skincare"
Getting rid of everything that works
Hi Dr. Dray! Yes, I have used prescription strength hydroquinone with Retin A, Kojic Acid, and I think a steriod. I use it for about 6 weeks then I switch back to prescription strength Retin A. I have used Murad's hydroquinone as well, and I like it too. I have used products with hydroquinone for years, and I haven't had any major problems using it on my skin.
This is the stupidest ban that affects POC who already have a lot of problems with access to care ,imagine being able to go to Walmart and buy a cream with 2% hydroquinone for $4 to treat PIH ,now having to either go to a dermatologist and get an Rx or buying a small tube for $80 on musely for %12 ,or people buying random potions online that may or may not work and be safe
I was wondering why Palmer’s changed their ingredients. Now I know
I absolutely loved Palmer's fade milk. It leaves a glow/shine that was perfect. Now I have to find an alternative product.😭
Hi Dr. Dray. I hope you can make a video comparing Tretinoin, Tretinoin + HQ, and Tretinoin + HQ + Sterioid (Mometasone Furoate or Fluocinolone Acetonide) for the treatment of Melasma and recalcitrant hyperpigmentation. :)
She has a video from a few years ago on retin-a for melasma and hyperpigmentation, if that would help.
And there are those you want the FDA to be more involved in the cosmetic industry. Based on the brilliance of the FDA we better be careful what we wish for.
Thanks for always explaining the tests and science behind ingredients.