Tretinoin is a vitamin-A derivative that has been available for many years. It is known for being able to treat a variety of skin conditions effectively and safely. Most frequently it is prescribed for acne but it may also be used to treat melasma, hyperpigmentation, sun spots, fine lines/wrinkles, and more. One of the more difficult-to-treat skin complaints – stretch marks – may also be helped with topically applied tretinoin…

While lightening treatments like tranexamic acid cream are gaining in popularity, hydroquinone remains the standard treatment for hyperpigmentation of various causes. Certain over-the-counter products like Porcelana cream contain hydroquinone in low concentrations – usually around 2%. The higher concentration creams with 6%, 8%, or 10% hydroquinone in combination with other ingredients can only be obtained from a compounding pharmacy. In addition, a compounding pharmacy can make customized creams with several…

Actinic keratoses (AKs) are lesions on the skin caused by exposure to UV rays. These precancerous lesions have the potential to become squamous cell carcinoma. AKs can be caused by unprotected sun exposure or from using a tanning bed and are commonly found in patients over 65. They occur most frequently on the face and the back of the hands but can be found on any area of the skin.…

Products that Are Not Commercially Available Dermatologists are frequent prescribers of compounded creams. There are many combinations of ingredients that can be made by a compounding pharmacy that are not commercially available. Higher-strength ingredients can be used including in hydroquinone creams and chemical peels. A compounding pharmacy makes medications that have been discontinued, are experiencing shortages, or are not available in the United States. Combination drug products are available to…

Hydroquinone is an effective lightening agent used by dermatologists and aestheticians. A hydroquinone cream is sometimes referred to as a “bleaching cream” because of its ability to lighten skin tone but there is no bleach in any of these products. While there are lower-strength versions of these creams available over-the-counter, the higher strengths are only available with a prescription. Additionally, the highest strength that is commercially available with a prescription…

Aging of the skin combined with symptoms of hormone decline can lead to feeling aged before being old. Premature aging of the skin can result from years of exposure to UV rays, smoking, and bad skincare habits. With age comes diminished levels of collagen in the skin, which can cause wrinkles and volume loss. Production of hormones also slows with age, which can lead to uncomfortable symptoms. There are multiple…

Rosacea flare-ups are caused by certain triggers that can be environmental, chemical, or emotional. Sun exposure, spicy food, and blushing can all lead to prolonged facial redness but triggers vary between individuals. While finding these triggers and avoiding them is an essential part of managing rosacea, medications are usually prescribed as well to get flare-ups under control. A rosacea cream is the most commonly used treatment along with laser and…

Tretinoin, also called retinoic acid, is in a group of drugs called retinoids that have been proven to be effective at treating a variety of skin conditions and in reducing wrinkles. They are frequently prescribed by dermatologists for treating acne, psoriasis, skin damage, and signs of aging. Acne in particular is a common disease that accounts for much of tretinoin’s use in dermatology. It has been a mainstay in acne…

Is There a Melasma Cure? Melasma is a skin condition that results in patches of brown and gray hyperpigmentation on the face and sometimes other parts of the body. The condition is common in women, especially those who are pregnant, with only about 10% of individuals with melasma being men. While the condition has no cure, there are both preventative measures that can reduce the risk of flare-ups and effective…