Am I going to see results in 14 days?
Dr. Burgess: Hydroquinone fades hyperpigmentation gradually.
In a clinical study, a test panel of women saw an average of 34% visible reduction of dark spots in 14 days while using the New and Improved Fade System.
An average of 49.9% visible reduction in dark spots was noted over 4 weeks.
What is Bio-Affinity Skin Complex?
Dr. Burgess: It is Black Opal's proprietary formula recommended for sensitive skins. It combines a proven lightening ingredient derived from lipoamino acids, a natural substance found in the skin, with our rich blend of natural ingredients to brighten and soothe your
overall complexion.
What is Bio-Intensive Skin Complex?
Dr. Burgess: It is Black Opal's proprietary formula which combines the fading active hydroquinone in the maximum strength allowable without a prescription, with a rich blend of natural ingredients to brighten and soothe your overall complexion.
How do I use the Black Opal Fade System?
Dr. Burgess: The products in the Black Opal Fade System create a 24-hour fading cycle and have been developed to work together synergistically.
Always cleanse your skin with either Black Opal Pre-Fade Gentle Cleanser or Black Opal Pre-Fade Cleansing Bar prior to applying fade treatment products. If you do not cleanse your skin beforehand, the product will not effectively absorb into the skin.
Apply the Daily Fade Creme with SPF 15 evenly over face in the morning and the Advanced Dual Complex Fade Gel, only on the areas you wish to fade, in the evening.
These products should be left on the skin. Do not rinse off. As with all products, discontinue use should serious irritations occur. After applying any fade product, we recommend that you wait at least 5 minutes before applying other skincare or cosmetic products to your skin.
When I use fade products is there anything specific I need to know?
Dr. Burgess: When hydroquinone is used to treat hyperpigmentation, it should be used with sun protection. Very often a fade product containing hydroquinone is applied at night. A sunscreen should be applied every morning to protect the skin from darkening during the lightening process.
Are there any side effects to using Black Opal fade products?
Dr. Burgess: Test your skin's sensitivity to hydroquinone by applying it to a small test area.
Wait 24 hours.
If you do not experience any side effects, continue to use as directed. Generally, side effects such as a slight burning sensation, will lessen as you continue to use hydroquinone and you skin builds a tolerance level.
If side effects continue, discontinue use. If you experience an extreme burning sensation or skin swelling, stop using the product immediately.
It is essential to use a sunscreen daily to help prevent hyper or hypo pigmentation. Do not use this product if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.
I still have products from the old system, can I use them with
the New Black Opal Fade System?
Dr. Burgess: For best results, we recommend that you do not combine products from Black Opal's New and Improved Fade System with any other brands or with products from the old fade system. All of the products from the New & Improved Fade System have been formulated to work together synergistically. You will not obtain the same results if you mix with other products from other brands.
Can I use fade products nonstop without side effects?
Dr. Burgess: The purpose of fade products is to even out the skin tone. Using them over a long period of time is not recommended.
If you have not received the results you are looking for within four months, I recommend you visit a board certified dermatologist who specializes in ethnic skin.
How did I get these dark spots?
Dr. Burgess: Acne and eczema are two of the most common dermatologic conditions that result in discoloration of the skin. Skin discoloration (hyperpigmentation) usually occurs at sites of skin inflammation, trauma or irritation.
Stimulation of the pigment cells produces excess pigment in the skin that can persist for weeks to months following an irritation.
Can dark spots and dullness return?
Dr. Burgess: Treatment with hydroquinone is not permanent correction for dullness, age spots or dark marks. Exposure to UV light will trigger the return of the abnormal and uneven pigmentation.
That is why Black Opal's Fade Creme with SPF15 should be used every day to help prevent the recurrence of dark spots.
What is Hydroquinone?
Dr. Burgess: Hydroquinone has been used by dermatologists for more than 40 years to lighten hyperpigmentation.
It is found naturally in a wide variety of foods, including, berries, pears, wheat, and coffee making it likely that we ingest far more hydroquinone than we absorb topically from skin creams containing 2% hydroquinone.
How does hydroquinone reduce dark spots and brighten skin?
Dr. Burgess: Excessive amounts of melanin (pigment) production result from exposure to UV radiation (sunlight), heat and other sources of injury to the skin, such as healing from acne. Excessive melanin production may appear as age spots, post-acne dark marks, or general dull appearance. Hydroquinone works by inhibiting tyrosinase, a key enzyme that produces excessive pigmentation.
Are there any alternatives to Hydroquinone?
Dr. Burgess: Yes. Black Opal has developed a
new generation of fade products without hydroquinone containing our exclusive Bio-Affinity Skin complex. This propriety blend of gentle fading actives and natural calming ingredients work together to lighten, brighten and soothe the skin.
When used according to directions, you could see visible reduction of dark spots and improvement in skin brightening in just 4 weeks.
Is hydroquinone safe? Is it sold worldwide?
Dr. Burgess: The FDA creates regulatory standards for non-prescription drugs following a three-phase rule making process to determine safely and effectiveness.
Black Opal's Fade System products comply with all applicable FDA regulations. Europe and Asia currently allow hydroquinone at 2-5% if prescribed by a physician.
The drug is valued worldwide but is regulated to protect against misuse and poor formulations.
