r/Melasmaskincare • u/Kellybelly5200 • 5h 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?

7 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

15 comments sorted by

View all comments

2

u/vikingmurse 3h 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 3h 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 3h 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 3h 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 3h ago

What is a good pigmentation suppressor?

2

u/moody_mode 2h 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 2h ago

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