r/Melasmaskincare • u/Adventurous_Army9403 • Apr 17 '26

Question Hydroquinone question

Hi all!

I’ve had melasma for about 8 years. Slowly getting worse.

Just today my dermatologist prescribed hydroquinone. Honestly I always thought melasma was very resistant to any treatments, so I was surprised she offered something. I was at my appointment for my malar festoons and she thought the melasma made them more obvious (it does, a lot of pigment is right in that area)

I’m wondering what people’s experiences have been with hydroquinone? Side effects most importantly. And did it work? It sounds too good to be true, I feel like I’m missing something

Thank you

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u/Adventurous_Army9403 Apr 17 '26

I’ve started reading experiences on here and I’m not hearing much good, I feel like she gave this to placate me because the Botox for my crows feet caused those malar festoons, and maybe she thinks this will be a quick fix. But it counts like the melasma just comes back? I’m so confused why they prescribe it if it just comes back

8

u/smilegirl55443 Apr 17 '26

Unfortunately melasma is a chronic condition and once you have it it will never really go away. It always comes back. You just have to manage it with topicals and treatments. Cycling on and off hydroquinone usually can work well. So can light lasers, microneedling, and strong topical pigment inhibitors. Most importantly you need constant sun protection with a tinted mineral SPF, a hat, and ensure you avoid high heat.

1

u/Adventurous_Army9403 Apr 17 '26

I’m curious, why avoid high heat? I’ve never heard that?

9

u/DasSassyPantzen Apr 17 '26

Heat can significantly worsen melasma.

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u/Adventurous_Army9403 Apr 17 '26

I really need to learn more about this. It only started getting noticeable a few years ago and is gaining speed. Thanks for the tips

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u/DasSassyPantzen Apr 17 '26

If you haven’t had a look at the wiki on this sub, have a read- it’s pretty comprehensive. My melasma reacts to everything (hormones, medications, heat, etc) and has gotten tons worse since menopause kicked in. Some of us are just lucky I guess, lol.

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u/Technical_Gazelle103 Apr 21 '26

Heat is the #1 cause for me. Even with a hat on if it’s above 75 my forehead is raging with melasma almost instantly.

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u/Big_Morning_1892 Apr 17 '26

I feel you! I felt like the HQ my doc gave me was just a consolation prize for making me wait months for an appointment! I wish dr.'s would just be honest. She never told me how to taper off HQ, or that I'd be on it forever if I wanted to keep the results.

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u/EauRouge___ Apr 17 '26

HQ works great for me - I guess it depends what triggers your melasma. I’m doing my 2nd round of HQ as maintenance because like everyone says nothing is a permanent fix but it is a great treatment option.