Fortunately, hydroquinone treatments typically work for most people. For example, one study revealed that after a 12-week treatment plan, 85% of participants were satisfied with hydroquinone treatments, and 90% of participants no longer felt the need to hide their skin discoloration (Grimes). Your doctor may start you at a lower dose/application frequency for the first week of treatment to determine how your skin reacts before instructing you to increase your dose.