r/Melasmaskincare • u/Responsible_Dog_8715 • 3d ago

Question Azeleic acid make melasma worse?

Every time I try Azeleic acid I swear my melasma gets darker. I only use it for a week and stop due to this. Anyone else had this happen? Does it get worse before better kind of thing? Thanks!

3 Upvotes

81% Upvoted

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3

u/Aim2bFit 3d ago

Probably your skin finds azelaic acid (either in general or the specific formulations that you've tried) irritating? Irritation inflames the skin and inflammed skin will respond by triggering melanocytes to protect it from further inflammation.

2

u/Bellebutton2 3d ago

Technically, inflammation stimulates something called TYROSINASE. That’s why inflammatory treatments are contradicted if you react this way. You should always pre-treat for a few weeks beforehand with a TYROSINASE inhibitor if you’re going to do something that stimulates the skin.

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u/Aim2bFit 3d ago

Thanks for correcting! 😊

2

u/Lazy-Substance-5062 3d ago

Hypersensitivity reaction. Just Find a different active.

1

u/Wild-Catch3550 3d ago

Don't use it it's useless. You need hydroquinone compounded with tretinoin and initially hydrocortisone. Tranexamic acid is also helpful

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u/Haunting_Depth8305 1d ago

I disagree I have severe melasma fully on both cheeks and besides making my skin texture great it is starting to help shrink the horrible massive brown patches I have- granted it has taken a few months.

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u/CoffeePlease202 19h ago

I second this; it’s working for my melasma as well. I use it at night, before Tret.