I am surprised to fine Dr Baumann recommends products containing hydroquinone for lightening the skin - doesn't this have some serious downside side effects?   Whilst I think the book is great,  this recommendation makes me question some of its vailidty. Also - if one of the recommended products for OSPT contains ingredients that are not suitable - how thorough has the research been?

I am surprised to fine Dr Baumann recommends products containing hydroquinone for lightening the skin - doesn't this have some serious downside side effects?   Whilst I think the book is great,  this recommendation makes me question some of its vailidty. Also - if one of the recommended products for OSPT contains ingredients that are not suitable - how thorough has the research been?

I haven't read anything about hydroquinone being bad for your skin -- do you have a link to any info about its being a problem? Regarding some of Dr. B's recommendations containing ingredients that are on the list of ingredients she says to avoid, I'm assuming the products she recommended must have such low amounts of those ingredients (some of which I think are in tons of products) that she must've thought they should be fine for most people in the amounts contained in those products. But, again, maybe I'm wrong... ???

rachey - that is a very good question and I've wondered the same thing. I have always read that if you are using a stronger hydroquinone (4%) it should only be used 3 months and then your skin needs a rest from it. I wonder if it causes breakdown like a hydrocortisone would or if it just becomes ineffective. ???

Derms prescribe this for evening out skin tone for people who are healing from active acne.

The Philosophy Pigment of Your Imagination says on the label to use for only three months also. I thought it was Dr. Baumann's book, but maybe I read this somewhere else: it works best in 3 month cycles. Also, Paula Begoun discusses in length the actions and risks of it in her books. You may be able to find the info on her website (cosmeticscop.com).