Get the real deal on beauty treatments—real doctors, real reviews, and real photos with real results.Here's how we earn your trust.

My melasma is getting darker/worse with the use of retinol. Is this normal for it to get worse before it improves? (photos)

leslieanne50
I just started using the Rodan and Fields Reverse regimine. I have melasma and I've been using it for about 5 weeks. I have noticed in the past couple days that my melasma is getting darker and much worse than it was when I started this program. Is this normal that it gets worse before it gets better or should I discontinue use?

Answers (5)

From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
Anil R. Shah, MD profile photo
Dr. Anil R. Shah, MD
Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.6 | 374 Reviews
Answer
Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS profile photo
Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
4.6 | 124 Reviews
Answer
Jeff Angobaldo, MD profile photo
Dr. Jeff Angobaldo, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
4.9 | 475 Reviews
Answer
Jason Emer, MD profile photo
Dr. Jason Emer, MD
Dermatologic Surgeon, Board Certified in Dermatology
4.7 | 522 Reviews
Answer
Answer

More Laser Resurfacing Questions

See all Laser Resurfacing Q&A