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Home / Melasma Cream Prescription treatment

Get a melasma cream prescription

Price Tag  Consultation price: $59

Time  Response time: 1-2 working days

  • Board-certified dermatologists
  • Commercial or customized formulas
  • No appointment needed
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treatment of hyperpigmentation online

Table of Content:
Get a custom formula for melasma | What is melasma? | Signs of melasma | Causes of melasma | How to get a prescription? | What medications can you get? | Evidence-based creams | How else can you treat melasma? | FAQ


Dermatologist  Dr. Eric Howell
Medically reviewed by:
Dr. Eric Howell
Dermatologist

Why get a melasma treatment cream via Miiskin?

price details

First consultation is $59 and medication refills are $39.

urgency details

No subscriptions, order your treatment on-demand.

topicals details

You can get a customized melasma cream.

*The Miiskin-affiliated dermatologists are independent healthcare providers. Miiskin does not interfer with their practice of medicine.

skincare backed by science

Get a customized melasma treatment cream

Request a prescription for a customized melasma treatment cream and treat discoloration with a solution tailored to your skin. Whether you’re dealing with dark patches, uneven pigmentation, or stubborn spots, a personalized treatment targets the root causes of melasma for more effective and long-lasting results.

No subscriptions needed—order medications on demand and save by paying only for what you need, when you need it.

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What is melasma?

Melasma is a common skin condition marked by brown or gray-brown patches, usually on the face (forehead, cheeks, nose, upper lip, and chin). These irregular, symmetrical patches are caused by excess melanin production.

Key triggers include sun exposure, hormonal changes (like pregnancy or birth control use), and genetics. Often called “the mask of pregnancy,” melasma is especially common in women during hormonal shifts.

Though it can be stubborn, treatment typically involves prescription topicals like hydroquinone, tretinoin, or azelaic acid. Daily sun protection is essential for managing and preventing melasma.

Signs and symptoms of melasma

pigment spots on skin

Dark patches on your skin

Melasma causes patches that are darker than your natural skin color.

dark patches on the face

Both sides of face

The dark patches are somehow symmetrical on both sides of your face.

large face area covered

Covers a large area

The melasma dark patches can cover a large area of your face.

sunlight exposure

Worsens in the sun

Melasma becomes more noticeable if you spend more time outdoors.

harmless condition melasma

It is harmless

Melasma is harmless and it does not feel painful or itchy, it is just bothersome.

melasma is hormone related

Related to hormones

Melasma may appear when you go through hormonal changes in your life.

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What melasma treatment creams can I get prescribed?

A skilled dermatologist will collaborate closely with you to offer the best dermatology care. This can include prescribing melasma treatment creams that you’re interested in, if they are a safe and optimal fit for your condition.

See the most common melasma creams used in treatmens.

Tretinoin (Retin-A / Altreno)

cream containing tretinoin
Request medication

Hydroquinone

get hydroquinone drug prescription
Request medication

Azelaic acid

azelaic acid drug
Request medication

Provider & Prescription Information

Miiskin connects patients with independent dermatologists who provide care through their own private practices. Miiskin does not employ dermatologists and does not sell or distribute medications. Any prescriptions issued by the dermatologists can be filled at third-party pharmacies of the patient’s choice.

Causes of melasma

sun exposure duration

Sun exposure

modify your technique of contraception

Hormonal changes

genetic predisposal

Genetic predisposition

growing older and melasma

Aging

What else can you do to get rid of melasma?

Addressing melasma effectively can be a complex process, however, a multifaceted approach that includes a prescription-strength melasma cream together with sun protection and in-office treatments can significantly improve your outcome.

uv protection

Sun Protection

Use a sunscreen with SPF 50 all year round and reapply often when outdoors.

chemical peels eliminate the skin's outermost layer

Chemical peels

Chemical peels remove the outer layer of the skin and get rid of excessive pigmentation.

reduce the melanin accumulation

Laser therapy

Fractional lasers or intense pulsed light therapies target and reduce the melanin accumulation.

How to get a melasma treatment cream?

How can I get a melasma treatment cream? If you have tried over-the-counter melasma creams and you did not get the results you had hoped for, you can consult a dermatologist via Miiskin to get a prescription for melasma treatment cream.

How long will it take to get a prescription for the melasma treatment cream?
A photo- consultation via Miiskin takes less than two work days to be assessed and the price starts at $59. You need to pay for your melasma treatment cream separately.

Where can I buy the melasma treatment cream? It depends on what dermatologist prescribes. If you get a prescription for Tri-Luma or generic hydroquinone, you can buy it at a local pharmacy. If you get a prescription for a compounded melasma treatment cream, you can buy it via Skin Medicinals.

What patients say about Miiskin

Very happy with this service. Quick and easy. With someone with not the greatest insurance and super busy. This was perfect. Got my prescription next day and great advice for my condition.

Marcus Liniarski,
Patient Review →

10 of 10stars

I had a great experience with Miiskin – I was able to get my prescription very quickly and their app is easy to use. It was very convenient and their team is very responsive. I highly recommend them and will likely use them in the future for other skin issues.

Susie Tse,
Patient Review →

10 of 10stars

What a technology! I was very impressed by the speed of communication with a doctor using the Miiskin app. Losing my hair has been my biggest concern, but I didn’t have the courage to reveal my bald spot to a doctor in person. Miiskin solved all my issues instantly. I just took a photo in my own room, uploaded it, and wrote about my concerns. That’s it. The best part is that without insurance, the consultation fee was much lower than any health insurance. I submitted my photo at midnight and received a prescription the very next morning. The doctor at Miiskin was very professional and empathetic, which really helped ease my emotional distress. Although I’m just at the beginning stage of my treatment and haven’t seen significant results yet, I feel reassured and supported. I will definitely upload my progress in 3 to 4 months to show my appreciation for the prescription from Miiskin.

Jiyeon Kang,
Patient Review →

10 of 10stars

My dermatologist was extremely quick, reviewed my consultation request within 2hrs and I had my Rx the next day! The Miiskin team also responds within minutes and are very polite and communicated concisely. I’ll never make a in person appointment again after experiencing this outstanding and affordable telehealth service!

Dion H,
Patient Review →

10 of 10stars

Quick response from the dermatologist — I wanted a fast turnaround for a skin concern that would be more immediate than going through health insurance, making an appointment, traveling to the doctor.

Timothy C.
Patient Review →

10 of 10stars
melasma management and therapy

Evidence-based melasma treatment creams

IncludedStudies show that 72% of patients with melasma who used hydroquinone for 4 months saw an overall improvement2.



IncludedStudies show that 77% of patients applying hydroquinone, tretinoin and fluocinolone acetonide a were almost clear of dark spots by week 83.



IncludedStudies show that patients using azelaic acid over a 24-week treatment period significantly reduced the intensity of pigmentation.4. 



Frequently asked questions about melasma treatment creams

Does insurance cover melasma treatment?

Most likely not. To keep consultations affordable without relying on insurance coverage, providers on the Miiskin platform offer rates as low as $59 for new patients, with even lower charges for follow-up visits. Unfortunately, many states still do not have sufficient insurance coverage for online consultations. Paying the reasonable consultation cost upfront ensures a quicker and smoother experience, avoiding complex insurance paperwork and potential delays.

How do you get rid of melasma?

According to Dr. Eric Howell, dermatologist, removing melasma from the face involves a combination of treatments including topical medications, chemical peels, and laser therapy. Topical treatments often include hydroquinone, tretinoin, and corticosteroids, either individually or in combination. Chemical peels with glycolic acid or salicylic acid can help exfoliate the skin and reduce pigmentation. Laser treatments, such as fractional lasers, can also be effective but should be approached with caution to avoid worsening the condition. In addition to that, consistent sun protection is very important to manage and prevent melasma.

How to cure melasma permanently?

Dr. Howell says that unfortunately melasma cannot be cured permanently, however with adequate treatment you can reduce its appearance significantly and keep it under control. However, factors such as sun exposure, hormonal changes, and certain medications can trigger its return. The long-term management of this harmless skin condition involves the ongoing use of sunscreen, topical treatments, and procedures done in a dermatology clinic.

What is the 3 cream for melasma?

Dr. Howell says one of the most effective treatments for melasma is a combination cream which includes hydroquinone, tretinoin, and a corticosteroid. This prescription cream is sold under the brand name Tri-Luma or can be purchased through a compounding pharmacy.

Is vitamin C good for melasma?

Dr. Howell says that vitamin C is useful for the management of melasma as it is a potent antioxidant that helps brighten the skin and reduce pigmentation. It works by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, which is involved in melanin production. Regular use of vitamin C can improve skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots associated with melasma.

What makes melasma worse?

Dr. Howell says that melasma can be worsened by sun or UV exposure to ultraviolet, hormonal fluctuations, certain medications (like oral contraceptives), and skin irritation from inadequate skincare products.

Why am I getting melasma on my face?

Melasma on the face is often triggered by sun exposure, hormonal changes (such as pregnancy or use of oral contraceptives), a genetic predisposition and other contributing factors can include thyroid disorders and certain medications that increase skin sensitivity to the sun.

Why did my melasma go away?

Dr. Howell says that  melasma can fade when the triggering factors, such as hormonal fluctuations or sun exposure, are removed or reduced. For example, if you stop taking your birth control pills, you give birth, or during the winter season (as you are less exposed to the sun). Unfortunately, simply stopping birth control does not usually resolve the problem entirely once it has started, so to ensure your symptoms are kept at bay, you should use sunscreen consistently.

Does retinol help melasma?

Dr. Howell says that retinol can help melasma to some extent, however there are many superior melasma treatments such as hydroquinone, tretinoin, azelaic acid, and tranexamic acid to name a few.

Why is my melasma getting darker?

Dr. Howell says that melasma may get darker due to increased sun exposure or hormonal changes. It is essential to use gentle, non-irritating products and protect the skin from sun with a sunscreen with SPF 50 to prevent darkening.

Can you go in the sun with melasma?

Dr. Howell says people with melasma should minimize sun exposure and always use broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF 50 to protect their skin. Wearing hats and seeking shade are also important measures. UV light can exacerbate melasma, so diligent sun protection is crucial to manage and prevent worsening.

How to reverse melasma?

Dr. Howell says that to reverse signs of melasma, he usually recommends a combination of treatments like topical creams (hydroquinone, tretinoin), chemical peels, laser therapy, the consistent use of sunscreen with SPF 50 and antioxidants like topical vitamin C.

What is the difference between melasma and hyperpigmentation?

Dr. Howell says that melasma is a specific type of hyperpigmentation characterized by symmetrical, brownish patches, often due to hormonal changes and sun exposure. General hyperpigmentation can result from various factors such as inflammation, acne scars, or injury. Both conditions involve excess melanin production, but melasma is typically more persistent and challenging to treat.

Can lemon remove melasma?

Dr. Howell says that you should not use lemon juice to remove melasma as it can cause skin irritation or worsen pigmentation. While lemon juice has natural bleaching properties, it should not be applied directly to the skin.

Does honey clear melasma?

Dr. Howell says that honey is not an effective treatment against melasma. While honey has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties, it does not have the ability to reduce pigmentation. Effective treatments include prescription creams, chemical peels, and laser therapy under a dermatologist’s supervision.

Can stress cause melasma?

Dr. Howell says that it may be possible for stress to affect your hormonal balance, which can in turn worsen the condition. However, melasma is not directly related to stress.

Is niacinamide good for melasma?

Dr. Howell says that niacinamide is effective for melasma as it has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce pigmentation. It works by inhibiting the transfer of melanin to skin cells, leading to a more even skin tone. Regular use of niacinamide can improve skin texture and lighten dark spots associated with melasma.

At what age does melasma go away?

Dr. Howell  says that melasma is not related to a specific age and it can be a lifelong condition. It often fades after the removal of triggers like pregnancy or discontinuation of oral contraceptives, but ongoing management with sun protection and treatments is usually required.

Which hormone causes melasma?

Dr. Howell  says that estrogen and progesterone are the hormones most commonly associated with melasma. Hormonal changes during pregnancy (known as chloasma or “the mask of pregnancy”), the use of oral contraceptives, and hormone replacement therapy can all trigger or exacerbate melasma by stimulating melanocyte activity.

What is the fastest way to get rid of melasma?

Dr. Howell  says the fastest way to get rid of melasma involves a combination of treatments including prescription topical creams (such as hydroquinone, tretinoin), chemical peels, and laser therapy, along with strict sun protection. Consulting a dermatologist for an individualized, aggressive treatment plan can help achieve the quickest and most effective results.

EXPLORE ARTICLES

best melasma treatment
melasma and hyperpigmentation skin conditions
Is hydroquinone otc
hydroquinone for hyperpigmentation
tri luma cream treatment
chemical peels for melasma

References:
1https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5724303/
2https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12709008/
3https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16901182/
4https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0149291898800763

Teledermatology Clinic Online Do you want a prescription for melasma?
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Teledermatology Clinic Online Learn more about the most efficient melasma treatment.
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