Skin Care Medications Guide

Tretinoin — Applied once daily in the evening to clean, dry skin. Available in 0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1% strengths. Most providers suggest starting at the lowest concentration and gradually increasing as tolerated.

Adults looking for the most well-studied prescription retinoid for fine lines, uneven skin tone, and texture improvement

Various (tretinoin, niacinamide, azelaic acid, tranexamic acid, etc.) — Applied once daily, typically in the evening. Specific instructions vary by formula. Providers generally recommend starting slowly and increasing frequency as tolerated.

People with multiple skin concerns who want a single product combining several prescription-strength actives

Hydroquinone — Applied to affected areas once or twice daily, typically in the evening. Generally recommended for cyclical use — on for 3 to 5 months, then off for a period — rather than continuous long-term application. Always use with sunscreen.

People with melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or stubborn dark spots that have not responded to other treatments

Retinol (vitamin A derivative) — Applied once daily in the evening to clean, dry skin. Start with a lower concentration (0.25% - 0.5%) two to three times per week and gradually increase to nightly use as tolerated. Always use with daily sunscreen.

Skincare beginners or those with sensitive skin who want retinoid benefits without a prescription or the intensity of tretinoin