Q: What is hyperpigmentation?
A: Hyperpigmentation is a common condition that produces dark spots or patches on your skin. The spots are caused by excess melanin, the substance in your body that gives your skin its color. Hyperpigmentation can be in the form of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) or melasma.
In the case of PIH, dark patches develop after a trauma to the skin that causes inflammation. Traumas that can cause this type of hyperpigmentation include:

• Inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis, eczema and acne
• Complications with cosmetic procedures such as chemical peels, electrolysis or laser skin resurfacing

Melasma is a common form of noninflammatory hyperpigmentation that occurs primarily in the facial area of women of childbearing age. Melasma appears exclusively on sun-exposed areas of the skin such as the face or forearms. You can blame a lot of the condition on hormonal activity due to the use of oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy or the second or third trimesters of pregnancy.

Q: How do I know for sure that I have hyperpigmentation?
A: Only a doctor can know for certain that you have hyperpigmentation. Skin problems can be very difficult to diagnose and should never be self-treated.

Q: I just had a baby and now have dark patches on my face. What caused that, and will it go away?
A: You might have hyperpigmentation--only a doctor can tell for sure. But it is common to develop hyperpigmentation during pregnancy because of hormonal changes in your body. That's why hyperpigmentation is sometimes called the "mask of pregnancy." The dark patches may go away over time as your hormone levels return to pre-pregnancy levels. If not, your doctor may wish to treat the hyperpigmented areas. It is important that you consult a doctor about this and not try to treat it yourself.

Q: How long does it take for hyperpigmentation to go away?
A: It depends on the cause and the type of treatment approach your physician chooses. Realistically, it could take from weeks to months before hyperpigmentation disappears completely. It is important that you closely follow the treatment regimen your doctor prescribes and learn how to lower your risk for developing hyperpigmentation in the future.

Q: My doctor told me to use a sunscreen all the time, but I work in an office and don't see why I have to bother doing that.
A: Fifteen minutes walking to a meeting. An hour outside at lunch. A short walk to go for coffee. You'd be surprised at how much ultraviolet radiation you can get, even if you are inside most of the time! Everyone should use sunscreen to protect against damaging ultraviolet radiation, but if you have hyperpigmentation, it is especially important. Even the lights in your office or sunlight coming through a car or building window can expose your skin to ultraviolet radiation. Follow your doctor's advice and use the sunscreen recommended or prescribed to protect your skin. Sunscreen is not just for the beach, it's for every day.

Q: Where can I get EpiQuin Micro?
A: Be sure to discuss your questions about hyperpigmentation disorders and EpiQuin Micro treatment with your physician. Only your physician can determine if EpiQuin Micro is the right treatment for you.

Q: How long will it take for EpiQuin Micro to work?
A: EpiQuin Micro delivers results in as few as 4 weeks, with continued improvement over time. Available in a 30-gram tube, EpiQuin Micro is easy to use.

Q: How do I use EpiQuin Micro?
A: EpiQuin Micro should be used as directed by your physician. EpiQuin Micro should be applied to the affected areas of the face or body twice daily, once in the morning and once before bedtime. We suggest that you always wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen during daylight hours. (We can't say this enough.) Even brief periods of sun exposure through a car windshield or near an office window is enough to increase hyperpigmentation.

Q: How is EpiQuin Micro different from other hydroquinones?
A: EpiQuin Micro is the only hydroquinone with Microsponge® technology. The microsponges are round, microscopic particles made of a synthetic polymer. These tiny sponges remain on the surface of the skin and hold the hydroquinone and retinol in reserve so that the skin can gradually absorb them in small amounts over time. The entrapment and gradual release of ingredients appears to reduce side effects, such as irritation, and increase the elegance of the formulation without reducing efficacy.

Q: How is EpiQuin Micro supplied?
A:EpiQuin Micro is supplied in a 30-gram tube, which helps protect against discoloration and contamination.

EpiQuin Micro should be tested for skin sensitivity prior to use. Excessive inflammatory responses are contraindications to further use, while minor redness is not. Hydroquinone may produce unwanted effects if not used as directed. The safety of topical hydroquinone use during pregnancy has not been established.

View full prescribing information. (PDF)

The product information provided in this site is intended only for residents of the United States.