Apply Hydroquinone in the evening after Retin-A and in the morning for 2 to 6 weeks prior to the procedure. It helps to stop the production of pigment in the skin and will help prevent the skin from hyperpigmentation (darkening of your skin) after the procedure.
Can I use tretinoin and hydroquinone together? Yes, Dr. Mohta says that it is possible to use tretinoin and hydroquinone together, whether it is by having two separate medications or by getting a combined medication.
Tretinoin should be applied to the entire face nightly — AFTER washing your face and in combination with a moisturizer.
You can begin treatment by applying to clean dry skin. If you notice increasing dryness or slight redness, you can apply moisturizer before applying tretinoin and after or you can mix moisturizer with tretinoin.
Tretinoin should always be paired with a moisturizer and sunscreen with a SPF 50. In addition to these two items, you can also pair it up with Vitamin C (applied before your sunscreen in the morning) and hyaluronic acid or niacinamide 10 minutes after applying your tretinoin cream.
Option one: The sandwich technique
After washing your face, apply a layer of moisturiser. Allow it to dry down for 5-10 minutes. Then, apply a pea-sized amount of tretinoin to your entire face. Allow this to dry down for 5-10 minutes.
Tretinoin works in a number of ways to get rid of hyperpigmentation. Firstly, it accelerates skin cell turnover which helps exfoliate the skin. This sped up renewal process helps to shed the top layer of the skin that contains the excess pigment, leading to a reduction in the appearance of dark spots over time.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, it is especially important to avoid using the following skin products on the same area as tretinoin: Any other topical acne product or skin product containing a peeling agent (eg, benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, or sulfur).
Once you've massaged the Tretinoin onto your skin, you can apply your serums and/or moisturiser if you use these at night. There isn't a golden rule about how long to wait before applying these as different formulations of Tretinoin take different times to absorb. If in doubt, wait for 15-20 minutes.
However, for best results, wait one hour in between if possible. Hydroquinone 4%: This cream/medication should be applied twice daily after cleansing. Apply Hydroquinone in the evening after Retin-A and in the morning for 2 to 6 weeks prior to the procedure.
Most cosmetics, sunscreens, and moisturizing lotions may be worn over this medicine. Wait several minutes after application of this medicine before applying them.
Tretinoin is an anti-aging powerhouse, meaning it should have no problem dispatching fine lines and wrinkles. It does not work for deeper wrinkles. Hydroquinone doesn't work at all against fine lines and wrinkles, so stick to the collagen-boosting power of tretinoin.
Hydroquinone and retinols work well together because retinols help hydroquinone penetrate deeper into the skin to work more effectively. Retinols can also protect hydroquinone from oxidation, which can cause it to degrade.
Avoid using harsh cleansers, exfoliants, or other products that can cause irritation or sensitivity while using hydroquinone. Follow a skincare routine: Incorporate hydroquinone into a basic skincare routine that includes gentle cleansing and moisturising.
Best for Dark Spots: Wisp Firm Up!
The pre-made formula pairs 0.04% tretinoin (a middle-of-the-road concentration) with azelaic acid and niacinamide, both of which work to fade discoloration and even out skin tone.
In general, Hydroquinone is a powerful skin-lightening agent often compounded with Tretinoin to target hyperpigmentation and melasma. In addition to its own skin brightening effects, Tretinoin also enhances Hydroquinone's penetration. As such this duo work well together to tackle dark spots and uneven discolouration.
Conclusion: After 48 weeks of once-daily treatment, the continued use of tretinoin emollient cream 0.05% at a dose of three times per week maintains and, in some cases, may further enhance improvement in photodamage.
Retinoids have been implicated in causing mild-to-moderate elevations in routine liver tests, but these elevations are usually asymptomatic and transient, resolving spontaneously even with continued therapy.
The time it takes to start fading hyperpigmentation varies depending on severity and whether you're using Tretinoin alongside Hydroquinone. Noticeable improvements in skin tone may start after as little as 6-8 weeks or as much as 3-6 months of regular use.
Like so many other questions in life, the answer is: It depends. The choice should come down to what you're looking to do for your skin. While vitamin C is most notable for helping to brighten and improve hyperpigmentation, retinol is typically considered best-in-class for wrinkles and fine lines.
Hydroquinone and Retin-A (Tretinoin)
When used with Hydroquinone, it can speed up the process of fading hyperpigmentation. These two ingredients can be found together in compound preparations or used as separate products for more control.
Moisturizer first, wait, then tretinoin: Apply your moisturizer, wait at least 15 minutes to allow it to absorb, and then proceed with tretinoin to avoid irritation. Then it's 'lights out'. Follow the tretinoin skincare routine steps below in this guide to build a regimen that will work for your complexion.
Tretinoin is best combined with other topical creams including antioxidants, niacinamide & targeted skin care products.
Yes you can apply tretinoin on your face, neck, chest and hands if you want to combat signs of anti-aging in those areas. However, you should only apply a very thin layer of the product to clean, dry skin to avoid irritation. If your neck becomes more sensitive, skip the application for one or two days.