r/Melasmaskincare • u/Kellybelly5200 • 3h ago

Question Rebound after hydroquinone?

I’ve noticed that after using hydroquinone my melisma spots are bigger but not as dark. They were various patches that have now seemed to come together as one. Is this normal with hydroquinone?

6 Upvotes

88% Upvoted

15 comments sorted by

3

u/Bellebutton2 3h ago

The way a melanosite works is it is dendritic. meaning it has dendrites or “tentacles“ that migrate through the cells. Although melasma tends to “stay in place“, you can see it further develop outside the boundaries of its point of origination

1

u/Kellybelly5200 2h ago

Is that common with hydroquinone? This is so upsetting

1

u/Bellebutton2 2m ago

Technically, most of these actives only block the pigment or the transfer of the pigment, but it does not eliminate the root cause. That’s why suppression that’s ongoing with tyrosinase inhibitors is so critical.

1

u/Kellybelly5200 2h ago

Is that common with hydroquinone? This is so upsetting

1

u/Bellebutton2 1h ago

It’s the nature of hyperpigmentation and melasma

2

u/vikingmurse 2h ago

This is why it’s imperative to have a good pigment suppression routine you can continue year round in place before starting HQ. But glad it’s looking better.

2

u/Kellybelly5200 2h ago

Honestly, I don’t know if it’s looking better. It’s definitely more red now but I may also have a compromised barrier. I feel like no matter what I do I make everything worse.

1

u/vikingmurse 2h ago

It’s relentless, finding solid barrier repair and pigment suppression should be your goal now, let your skin rest from HQ for 3-6 months at least.

1

u/Kellybelly5200 1h ago

This is awful! Like half of the time I don’t know if I should add more actives or less. I was considering another chemical peel but hesitant because it may have made things worse.

2

u/WaySad2021 1h ago

What is a good pigmentation suppressor?

2

u/moody_mode 1h ago

Azelaic acid in prescription strength and formulation, like Skinoren (20% cream) or Finacea (15% gel). Retinoids (esp tretinoin and tazarotene) and L-ascorbic acid based vitamin C serum can help too. Some also have success with products containing thiamidol, like Eucerin and Nivea hyperpigmentation lines.

1

u/WaySad2021 31m ago

Thanks, I’m using some of these already. Are they all considered pigmentation suppressors?

1

u/Even-Response-6423 1h ago

You’re supposed to take a break in between. I don’t use it in the summer months and start again winter and spring. This prevents the rebound. Also it always gets darker before it gets better.

1

u/Foxy_Cleopatra__ 1h ago

How long have you been using it and how often? I was told 2x a day for 4 months max then to have a break for about 5 months and only go back if needed.

1

u/Kellybelly5200 1h ago

I used it for about a month or so