Pigment Control + Blending Creme

1. Preparation (When to Use)

• Frequency: PM (Evening) Only. Hydroquinone should never be applied during the day due to potential sun sensitivity and interaction with UV light.
• Routine Order:Cleanse and tone/prep the skin.Wait for the skin to be completely dry.

2. The Blending Process

This cream is designed to be blended with a retinoid (such as ZO Retinol 1.0 or prescription Tretinoin) to maximize penetration and results.

1. Dispense: Dispense one pump of the Pigment Control + Blending Creme into the palm of your hand.
2. Add Retinoid: Add the prescribed amount of your retinoid (usually 1-2 pumps of your specific retinoid product) to the same palm.
3. Mix: Gently mix the two products together with a clean finger.
4. Apply: Apply the blended mixture evenly over the entire face, avoiding the eye area.

3. Usage Schedule (The "Cycle")

Hydroquinone (HQ) is generally used in short, defined treatment cycles to prevent side effects like rebound hyperpigmentation or resistance. A common cycle is:

• Treatment Phase: Use every night for 3–5 months.
• Rest/Maintenance Phase: Stop using the HQ Blending Creme for 2–3 months (and switch to a non-HQ product like ZO Brightalive).

4. Crucial Precautions

• Sun Protection is Essential: Hydroquinone makes your skin extremely vulnerable to sun damage and can negate the effects or cause paradoxical darkening if exposed to UV light. You MUST wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every single morning and reapply as directed.
• Irritation: Expect some redness, dryness, and peeling (especially when mixing with a strong retinoid). If irritation becomes severe, contact your prescribing professional, who may advise you to reduce frequency or stop for a few days.
• Pregnancy/Nursing: Hydroquinone is generally contraindicated (not allowed) during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

-Helps even skin tone
-Helps optimize delivery of active ingredients
-Helps reduce irritation associated with hydroquinone
-Hydrates newly exposed skin

4% Hydroquinone: Suppresses pigment production
Glycolic Acid and Ascorbic Acid: Purges appearance of surface pigmentation
Glycerin: Hydrates newly exposed skin
Saponins: Modulates the unwanted appearances from inflammatory response
Vitamin E and Butylated Hydroxytoluene: Provides antioxidant properties
Ethylhexyl Palmitate: Skin conditioner, barrier restoration
Phenyl Trimethicone: Barrier film, penetration enhancement

Aqua/Water/Eau, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C derivative), Beta-Glucan, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Extract, C10-16 Alcohols, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetyl Alcohol, Chlorphenesin, Dioscorea Villosa (Wild Yam) Root Extract, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexyl PalmitatGlycerin, Glycolic Acid, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Maltodextrin, Phenoxyethanol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract, Smilax Aristolochiifolia Root Extract, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Metabisulfite, Stachys Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Stearyl Alcohol, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E derivative), Yucca Schidigera Root Extract