Can Retin-A or Hydroquinone Be Used on the Eyelids?

Question

Can you use Retin-A and/or Hydroquinone on the eyelids? What should you do if you experience severe dryness?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Tretinoin and Hydroquinone can both be used on the eyelids to reduce wrinkles and improve color. Since these are both prescription items in the US, it is advisable that you do this under the supervision of a physician knowledgeable about both medications and who can address problems such as dryness.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

The package inserts typically advise you not to do this and doing so would be an off-label indication. More importantly, these are extremely sensitive areas and adverse reactions are very common if applied too vigorously or enthusiastically in these areas.
Hypoallergenic moisturizers, with 100% pure petrolatum jelly being the most cost effective, are useful as moisturizers.

Mary P. Lupo, MD · Answer

I love the benefits of retinoids for the reversal and prevention of aging of the skin, but the soft, very sensitive skin of the eyelids is no place for retinoids. This area is notorious for dermatitis, presenting as dry, thick-flaking red patches that can burn and itch. I do like retinoids on the lateral orbital bone where crows feet deepen with age. Retinoids here complement the benefits of Botox or Dysport.

Bryan K. Chen, MD · Answer

We do generally recommend against applying hydroquinone or tretinoin cream on the thin, sensitive skin of the eyelids.  At this point, I would discontinue the hydroquinone and tretinoin cream, and frequently apply a moisturizer (e.g. Aveeno or Aquaphor) until the dryness resolves.
Good luck.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

Why would you apply  Retin-A or hydroquinone to your eyelids (the thinnest skin in the body) when every package insert and doctor instructions tell you NOT to do exactly that?
At this point, stop this "treatment", keep the skin moisturized and allow it to heal.

Can Retin-A or Hydroquinone Be Used on the Eyelids?

Answers (5)

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