NEED 2 KNOW: DEPIG CREAMS

Monobenzone Creams

CONTENTS3 • CAUTION4 • DO’s & DON’Ts5 • Depigmentation6 • What is Monobenzone?7 • Monobenzone Cream Uses8 • Side Effects9 • Glossary10 • About Benoquin (Monobenzone Cream 20%)

CAUTION

The name “Benoquin” is a brand name for Monobenzone Cream 20% sold by ICN Pharmaceuticals. Benoquin has been unavailable in the US for a long while and on backorder for about three years with several pharmaceutical franchises nationwide & in Canada. There are many vendors selling what you may think is Benoquin, Monobenzone Cream or even Monobenzone Powder (4-Benzyloxyphenol).Truth is, those creams may not have not been manufactured by a pharmaceutical company/trained professional or the chemicals from a reputable chemical supplier. Those creams are very raw & very toxic homemade creams produced by the vendors themselves using Monobenzone powder (at very high doses 40%-65%). Some venders even scam consumers by sending powder that isn’t monobenzone powder or monobenzone cream that hasn’t been made with monobenzone at all. Monobenzone Creams (sold by reputable companies) come in doses no higher than 20% (20% refers to the active ingredient Monobenzone). Doses higher than this are dangerous & can cause irreparable damage to your skin (i.e. chemical burns).We do not recommend buying Monobenzone Powder to mix your own creams. Monobenzone is a powerful chemical that should only be handled by a trained professional.

DON’T• Mix Monobenzone Cream with other chemicals or prescription med’s

• Use more than recommended (wait until your skin is acclimated to using this cream before trying this)

• Use if you are allergic to products containing Monobenzone, skin lightening agents or other ingredients contained in this cream.

• Use on cracked ,raw, broken or already irritated skin • Use if pregnant or breast feeding

• Abuse this product

DO• A patch test (put small amount on inner forearm and wait 24hrs to test skin sensitivity)This cream does cause some redness & stinging temporarily after application until skin becomes acclimated to regular use, BUT extreme

redness and swelling could indicate an allergy to Monobenzone or other ingredients.

• Follow the instructions that comes with this product.

• Use a Sunscreen/Sunblock while using this product before going outside (will hinder results if you don’t)

• Wait until your skin gets use to this Monobenzone Cream IF you decide to use it more than directed (not

recommended)

• Be patient ( Positive results will definitely happen so please don’t abuse this product)

DEPIGMENTATION

Depigmentation of the skin is commonly linked to people who suffer with vitiligo who then apply a topical cream containing the organic compound monobenzone to remove the remaining pigment. The brand drug incorporating 20% monobenzone is Benoquin, made by ICN. Increasingly, people who are not afflicted with the disease vitiligo have been experimenting with lower concentrations of self compounded mono creams in the hope of lightening their skin tone evenly. An alternate method of lightening is to use the chemical mequinol over an extended period of time. Both monobenzone and mequinol produce dramatic whitening of the skin, but react very differently. For stubborn pigmented lesions the Q-switched ruby lazer, cryotherapy or TCA peels can be used to ensure the skin remains pigment free. Mequinol leaves the skin looking extremely pale however, tanning is still possible. Monobenzone applied topically completely removes pigment in the long term and vigorous sun-safety needs to be adhered to for life. People using monobenzone without previously having vitiligo do so because standard products containing hydroquinone or other lightening agents are not effective for their skin and due to price and active ingredient strength. However, monobenzone is not recommended for skin conditions other than vitiligo. Although using such agents are controversial, the outcome most users report outweighs the risk.

LINK TO THIS ARTICLE

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depigmentation

WHAT IS MONOBENZONE & MEQUINOL?

(see http:www.isis-cosmeceuticls.com/importantinfo.htm)

Monobenzoneis a compound used as a topical drug for medical depigmentation. Mequinol:is a drug used in combination with the drug tretinoin in the treatment of liver spots. Mequinol used alone and in higher doses is used as a topical drug for medical depigmentation.

MONOBENZONE CREAM USES

People whom don’t have Vitiligo use Monobenzone Cream 20% to:• Depigment• Lighten Certain areas of the body• Lighten entire body a few to several shades

DEPIGMENTMonobenzone Cream 20% is used to depigment normal skin in individuals with vitiligo over more than 50% of their body (it looks like they have brown spots all over their bodies rather than the vitiligous patches of skin (patches of light skin). Monobenzone Cream 20% just removes the remaining pigment from the dark skin that is left (since the vitiligo affected skin has no pigment) so that individuals that suffer from vitiligo can look & feel normal. There are individuals whom are not affected by vitiligo whom have made the sound decision to totally remove pigment from their skin (depigment) so they can have very fair skin. These individuals (like vitiligo sufferers) have to wear sunblock every time they go outside because they will be sun sensitive for the rest of their lives.

EXTREME SKIN WHITENERAlthough pharmaceutical manufacturers discourage and do not recommend Monobenzone Cream 20% to be used as a skin lightener/whitener (hydroquinone creams) some individuals have chosen to use it as such. Regular skin lighteners are not strong enough and there are individuals that want to lighten hard to fade areas (like knees elbows, buttocks, genitals, or even nipples). There are also individuals that have chosen lighten their entire body a few or several shades lighter. If is not your intention to “depigment” and to use Monobenzone Cream 20% as an extreme skin lightener, please use caution when using this cream. If Monobenzone Cream 20% depigments skin from 1-4 months, mild to moderate “skin lightening” can occur a lot sooner - within days to 1 week. So we suggest using Monobenzone Cream 20% ONCE per day to start, rather than 2-3 times per day as the package instructions state. When desired skin lightening occurs discontinue use at that point, and save the rest for future use.

DARK SKIN vs LIGHT SKINThe time frame in which you would see your desired results does depend on skin darkness. If you are already med-brown to light-skin, desired results will of course be seen sooner than a dark-skinned individual whom would have to use the product a little longer. That’s why the time range for “depigmentation” is 1-4 months. Those that are just lightening up certain areas (1 area or whole body) would of course differ per the individual. Proper skin exfoliation, lightening enhancers & sunscreen also effect results time frame (please read “TIPS 4 BEST RESULTS” section).

*****************There are some individuals that claim to have mixed their Monobenzone Cream with their favorite moisturizer. One individual in particular used to mix their 20g tube of Benoquin Cream 20% (when Benoquin was still available)with an 8oz bottle of “Almond Glow” and said that they were able to achieve complete “depigmentation” within 1 month using this diluted mixture. We don’t recommend mixing Monobenzone Cream with anything, but in your research on this product we are sure you will come across articles of people stating these types of claims.*****************

ARTICLESA female that mixed Benoquin with “Almond Glow” to Depighttp://excoboard.com/brightskin/69494/314396

SIDE EFFECTS USEMonobenzone Cream 20% is meant for use on people affected with vitiligo (over 50% of their body effected), to remove any remaining pigment from their skin. Those that chose to use this product to depig their skin, do so at their own risk. Those that chose to use this product as a skin lightening cream, do so at their own risk. COMMON SIDE EFFECTSIn general, there are common side effects associated with using monobenzone cream. Those include: Redness, itching, rash or swelling. Not all people experience these side effects, and those that do, experience this during initial use before skin becomes acclimated. Isis Cosmeceuticals monobenzone cream is known to be a very gentle hypo-allergenic brand not causing the common itching/irritation/burning associated with monobenzone creams. If you are allergic to monobenzone you will experience the above side effects regardless. UNEVEN LIGHTENINGA lot of people experience patchy or uneven skin lightening. This is due to a few reasons. Not properly exfoliating the skin & not applying an even layer of cream to all areas. Also, once monobenzone cream is applied to skin it works all over, meaning you can apply it to your legs & start seeing patches of lighter skin elsewhere. People whom are either effected with vitiligo or those that have chosen to depig don’t mind this. Because those with vitiligo are lacking pigment over 50% of their body & are just removing the remainder. Those that are depiging are removing ALL of their pigment and soon will have no color left to see any patches. USING MONOBENZONE CREAM AS A SKIN LIGHTENERThere are people who have successfully lightened their skin using Monobenzone cream 20%. These people have lots of experience with monobenzone creams and through “trial & error” have developed their own regimen of using. Their application usually involves diluting their monobenzone 20% cream with body lotions to make a weaker dosage, and only applying a few times a week to 1ce a day. I would suggest this method to anyone who has made the conscious decision to lighten their skin using monobenzone creams. Also to those that have chosen to depig their skin. Starting out with a lower dosage only a few times a week then slowly graduating to higher doses & then more frequent applications (max:2ce/day MB 20%) to prevent any unwanted side effects. NEW USERS/NON-Vitiligo SUFFERERS We suggest you do lots of research before you get involved with using monobenzone creams and don’t expect the merchants you’re buying from to provide ALL and every bit of information need be known. Customers who purchase our Monobenzone Cream 20% are those that have experience and extensive knowledge about monobenzone & have long ago made the conscious decision to use this cream for whatever reason.

GLOSSARY ALBINISMlack of melanin pigment in the skin, hair & eyes

DEPIGMENTTo remove all pigment from pigmented skin

HYDROQUINONEHydroquinone has a variety of uses principally associated with its action as a reducing agent which is soluble in water. It is a major component in most photographic developers where, with the compound Metol, it reduces silver halides to elemental silver. In human medicine, hydroquinone is used as a topical application in skin whiteners to reduce the color of skin.

MELININ (PIGMENT)Also called pigment, melanin is a substance that gives the skin and hair its natural color. It also gives color to the iris of the eye, feathers, and scales. In humans, those with darker skin have higher amounts of melanin. By contrast, those with less pigment have lighter or fairer skin coloring. Melanin provides a natural protection against the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Generally, those with darker skin tones and more melanin are able to tolerate exposure to the sun for hours without getting sunburn. By contrast, a person with lighter skin may get sunburn after spending only minutes in the midday sun.

MEQUINOLIs a compound used as a topical drug for medical depigmentation. MEQUINOL (4-methoxyphenol) is the monomethyl ether of hydroquinone, and an isomer of guaiacol. Methoxyphenol is a depigmentation agent, like benzyloxyphenol (monobenzone), it is the active ingredient in some depigmenting creams and ointments. A formulation of 20% 4-methoxyphenol ointment causes depigmentation in animal tissue.

MONOBENZONEIs a compound used as a topical drug for medical depigmentation. Monobenzone(4-benzyloxyphenol) is the monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone. Monobenzone occurs as a white, almost tasteless crystalline powder, soluble in alcohol and practically insoluble in water.

SKIN WHITENERIs a term covering a variety of cosmetic methods used to whiten the skin. Some brand name skin whiteners include Ambi, Skin Success, Palmers & Black Opal.

VITILIGOOr Leukoderma is a chronic skin disease that causes loss of pigment, resulting in irregular pale patches of skin. ***Pictures Below***http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Story?id=4535420&page=2http://www.bio.davidson.edu/Courses/Immunology/Students/Spring2003/Leese/Vitiligo.htmhttp://www.ecureme.com/atlas/data/dis_images/Vitiligo550_ab.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Vitiligo03.jpghttp://www.nature.com/jid/journal/v120/n1/images/5601705f5.gifhttp://www.bagofnothing.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/bwthomasap.jpghttp://www.vitiligo-english.de/mediac/400_0/media/Vitiligo$20Bild$202.jpg

(The information below comes from a package insert from a tube of prescription Benoquin)

BenoquinGeneric Name: Monobenzone CreamDosage Form: 20% cream, USP

Benoquin - Clinical PharmacologyBenoquin Cream 20% is a depigmenting agent whose mechanism of action is not fully understood. The topical application of monobenzone in animals, increases the excretion of melanin from the melanocytes. The same action is thought to be responsible for the depigmenting effect of the drug in humans. Monobenzone may cause destruction of melanocytes and permanent depigmentation. This effect is erratic and may take one to four months to occur while existing melanin is lost with normal sloughing of the stratum corneum. Hyperpigmented skin appears to fade more rapidly than does normal skin, and exposure to sunlight reduces the depigmenting effect of the drug. The histology of the skin after depigmentation with topical monobenzone is the same as that seen in vitiligo; the epidermis is normal except for the absence of identifiable melanocytes.

Indications and Usage for BenoquinBenoquin Cream 20% is indicated for final depigmentation in extensive Vitiligo. Benoquin Cream 20% is applied topically to permanently depigment normal skin surrounding vitiliginous lesions in patients with disseminated (greater than 50 percent of body surface area) idiopathic vitiligo. Benoquin Cream 20% is not recommended in freckling; hyperpigmentation caused by photosensitization following the use of certain perfumes (berlock dermatitis); melasma (chloasma) of pregnancy; or hyperpigmentation resulting from inflammation of the skin. Benoquin Cream 20% is not effective for the treatment of cafe-au-lait spots, pigmented nevi, malignant melanoma or pigmentation resulting from pigments other than melanin (e.g.: bile, silver, or artificial pigments)

Benoquin Dosage and AdministrationA thin layer of Benoquin Cream 20% should be applied and rubbed into the pigmented area two or three times daily, or as directed by physician. Prolonged exposure to sunlight should be avoided during treatment with Benoquin Cream 20%, or a sunscreen should be used. Depigmentation is usually accomplished after one to four months of Benoquin Cream 20% treatment. If satisfactory results are not obtained after four months of Benoquin Cream 20% treatment, the drug should be discontinued. When the desired degree of depigmentation isobtained, Benoquin Cream 20% should be applied only as often as needed to maintain depigmentation (usually only two times weekly). Keep this, and all medications out of the reach of children. In case of accidental ingestion, call aphysician or a Poison Control Center immediately.

ContraindicationsBenoquin Cream 20% contains a potent depigmenting agent and is not a mild cosmetic skin bleach. Use of Benoquin Cream 20% is contraindicated in any conditions other than disseminated vitiligo. Benoquin Cream 20% frequently produces irreversible depigmentation, and it must not be used as a substitute for hydroquinone.Benoquin Cream 20% is also contraindicated in individuals with a history of sensitivity or allergic reactions to this product, or any of its ingredients.

(Continued......)

PrecautionsGeneralBenoquin Cream 20% is for External Use Only. Following depigmentation with Benoquin Cream 20%, the skin will be sensitive for the rest of the patient’s life. He/she must use sunscreens during exposure to the sun.

Adverse ReactionsMild, transient skin irritation and sensitization, including erythematous and eczematous reactions have occurred following topical application of Benoquin Cream 20%. Although those reactions are usually transient, treatment with Benoquin Cream 20% should be discontinued if irritation, a burning sensation, or dermatitis occur.

Pregnancy: Category CAnimal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Benoquin Cream 20%. It is also not known whether Benoquin Cream 20% can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman, or can affect reproduction capacity. Benoquin Cream 20% should be given to a pregnantwoman only if clearly needed.

Nursing MothersIt is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when Benoquin Cream 20% is administered to a nursing woman.

Pediatric UseThe safety and effectiveness of Benoquin Cream 20% in pediatric patients below the age of 12 years have not been established.