How long should I use Hydroquinone 6% and Tretinoin 0.1% for my pigmentation? (Photo)

Replace your regimen with Melarase Brightening creams twice daily, followed by light fractional laser and light chemical peels. Wear sunscreen. Avoid hormonal exposure. Best, Dr. KaramanoukianLos Angeles

Thank you for your question nguyet pham. Melasma is a condition characterized by dark patched on the skin. Common areas affected include the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. Topical products used include hydroquinone, tretinoin, kojic acid, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, vitamins C and E, arbutin, licorice extract, and more. For my patients I recommend starting with a good skin care regimen for six to eight weeks before reassessing and determining what treatments to do. Please consult with a doctor for specific recommendations. Good luck!

Dermal pen is not a good treatment for melasma and can make it worse. The main stay is with creams and gentle lasers. 
Melasma can not be completely cured, however effective treatment are possible. This is because your skin is extremely sensitive to UV and even the smallest amount can stimulate your pigment cells to produce colour. The mainstay of treatment is strict UV protection- hats, sunglasses and SPF every 4 hours.

I prefer to use a combination of creams and laser for melasma. Hydroquinone can be used (5-8%), along with vitamin A creams. I usually start my patients on laser (low dose Q switch or Picosure) a few weeks after they commence on creams. Another laser I use is the Clear and Brilliant in the Permea setting combined with creams.

In some cases I combine glycolic AHA peels, and in other cases I use a tablet called Tranexamic acid to help. Melasma treatments should be tailored to each patient.

All the best, Dr Davin Lim. Laser, surgical and aesthetic dermatologist. Brisbane, Australia