Melasma - How to Apply Tretinoin and Hydroquinon Creams

Melasma is an incredibly frustrating condition. While there is no "cure" for melasma, it can be managed with topicals such as the ones you are using. We generally recommend that patients apply the hydroquinone on a freshly washed face and allow it to dry completely before applying your moisturizer. In the evening, you can mix the Retin-a and HQ together and again wait for it to dry completely before following with additional creams. And as Dr. Lupo mentioned,... more

Retin A can be inactivated by the preservatives in other creams. Aldehydes and other preservatives are found in some creams which destroy vitamin A. Retin A should be applied at least 5 minutes after any other cream has been applied.

Triluma is the only FDA approved combination for this problem and the results for this combination product are better than the sum of its parts. Please make sure you are getting no sun exposure, even through windows. If after 4 weeks you do not see improvement, please consider peels or Fraxel Dual.