Important Safety Information

The Dark Spot Solution^Rx

Please read this information carefully before using your prescription. Keep it for reference, and message your DermClick care team if you have any questions.

What it is

The Dark Spot Solution^Rx is a compounded prescription topical medication, formulated by a licensed compounding pharmacy for individual patients under the direction of a licensed dermatology provider, working from protocols built by DermClick's founding board-certified dermatologists.

Active ingredients

Tranexamic acid - an antifibrinolytic active used in dermatology to calm pigment-producing signalsKojic acid - a melanin-inhibiting active for brightening uneven toneTretinoin - a prescription retinoid that accelerates cell turnoverNiacinamide - a barrier-supporting vitamin B3 derivative that reduces pigment transfer

What it treats

The Dark Spot Solution^Rx is prescribed for the treatment of:

Mild to moderate melasma
Sun-related dark spots, also known as solar lentigines
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Hormonal pigmentation from pregnancy, birth control, or perimenopause
Uneven skin tone associated with photoaging

Your dermatology provider has determined this formulation is appropriate for your specific skin based on the assessment you completed.

Who should not use it

Do not use The Dark Spot Solution^Rx if any of the following apply to you. If your situation changes after your assessment, contact your DermClick care team before continuing use.

You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing, as tretinoin is FDA Pregnancy Category C and not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
You have a known allergy or sensitivity to tretinoin, tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, or any other listed ingredient
You have used oral isotretinoin, commonly known as Accutane, within the past 6 months
You have a history of severe blood clotting disorders or are on anticoagulation therapy, so discuss with your dermatology provider before starting (oral tranexamic acid has clotting precautions; topical risk is much lower but disclosure applies)
You have an active skin infection, severe eczema, or open wounds in the application area
You have severe sunburn or any skin damage in the application area
You are under 12 years of age

Warnings and precautions

Pregnancy and nursing

Do not use during pregnancy, while planning a pregnancy, or while nursing. Tretinoin is FDA Pregnancy Category C and not recommended during these periods. Melasma is extremely common during pregnancy but requires a pregnancy-safe approach, including daily broad-spectrum SPF and trigger avoidance, with prescription treatment starting after delivery and breastfeeding ends. If your pregnancy status changes during treatment, contact your DermClick care team immediately.

Sun sensitivity

Tretinoin makes skin significantly more sensitive to sun. UV exposure is also the primary driver of melasma. Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher is non-negotiable. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning beds, and sun lamps. Many patients also wear a wide-brimmed hat during peak sun hours.

Skin barrier sensitivity

Tretinoin causes initial dryness, peeling, and sensitivity for most patients during the first 2 to 4 weeks. This is expected and typically settles. If sensitivity persists beyond 4 weeks or worsens significantly, contact your DermClick care team.

Realistic expectations

Melasma treatment is slow, steady work. Pigmentation that took years to deposit doesn't lift overnight. Meaningful change typically develops over 8 to 16 weeks of consistent nightly use plus daily SPF. If you don't see results by 4 to 6 months of consistent use, your dermatology provider may step you up to The Brightening Solution^Rx.

Melasma is chronic

Without ongoing treatment and consistent SPF, melasma typically returns. The Dark Spot Solution^Rx is designed for long-term use, with adjustments as your skin shifts.

Eye, lip, and nostril contact

Avoid contact with eyes, lips, the corners of the nose, and any mucous membranes. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with cool water.

Waxing and laser treatments

Do not wax, undergo laser treatments, or use chemical peels on areas where you apply this medication. Pause use for at least one week before and after any such procedure, and consult your DermClick care team.

Paradoxical pigmentation

In rare cases, melasma treatment can cause temporary darkening before fading, especially if SPF is not used consistently. Daily SPF discipline is essential.

Drug interactions

Tell your dermatology provider about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you use, especially:

Other topical retinoids, including additional tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene, or retinol
Hydroquinone, which should be discussed with your dermatology provider before stacking, as The Brightening Solution already combines tretinoin with hydroquinone
Other alpha-hydroxy or beta-hydroxy acids at high concentrations
Benzoyl peroxide products, which can deactivate tretinoin if used in the same step
Topical or oral corticosteroids in the application area
Anticoagulants, such as warfarin, heparin, or similar medications, which should be disclosed to your dermatology provider

Possible side effects

Common side effects

These may happen especially in the first 2 to 4 weeks of treatment.

Dryness, peeling, or flaking at the application site
Mild redness or warmth
Tingling or stinging on application
Increased sensitivity to sun and environmental triggers
Temporary skin sensitivity to skincare products that did not bother you before

Less common side effects

Persistent dryness, peeling, or sensitivity beyond the adjustment period
Contact dermatitis or allergic reaction at the application site
Temporary worsening of pigmentation, known as paradoxical darkening, usually associated with insufficient SPF
Acne breakouts or purging during the first 4 to 6 weeks
Mild localized burning or itching

These are typical of tretinoin-based prescription treatment and usually settle within the first 2 to 4 weeks as your skin adjusts. Your DermClick care team can adjust your application frequency if these symptoms become uncomfortable.

Rare but serious

Contact your DermClick care team or seek emergency care if you experience:

Severe rash, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Difficulty breathing
Signs of severe allergic reaction
Severe blistering or skin sloughing at the application site
Persistent severe darkening, which is extremely rare; contact your DermClick care team immediately

How to use it

Application

Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin in the evening, after washing your face and patting it dry. Wait at least 20 minutes after washing before application. Apply across the full face, not just as a spot treatment, unless your dermatology provider directs otherwise.

Frequency

Start with every other night for the first 1 to 2 weeks. Increase to nightly use as your skin tolerates it. Your DermClick care team will adjust your ramp-up plan based on how your skin responds.

Amount

A pea-sized amount is enough for the entire face. More is not better and can cause peeling without improving results.

Storage

Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep the cap closed when not in use. Do not freeze.

Shelf life

Use within the period indicated on your prescription label. Do not use after the expiration date.

Morning

Gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, then moisturizer, then broad-spectrum SPF 30+ (essential, every morning, every day)

Evening

Gentle cleanser, then The Dark Spot Solution^Rx on dry skin, then a barrier-supporting, fragrance-free moisturizer.

If you have a reaction

For mild irritation

Reduce application frequency to every other night or every third night, apply a fragrance-free, barrier-supporting moisturizer 10 to 15 minutes after the medication, and message your DermClick care team. We can adjust your formula or your ramp-up plan.

For moderate to severe reactions

Stop using the medication. Message your DermClick care team. Send photos if you can so your dermatology provider can review and respond.

For medical emergencies

For severe rash, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, or signs of severe allergic reaction, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.

Contact your DermClick care team

Phone: 1-833-496-4045
Email: support@dermclick.com
Account dashboard: message your care team directly at app.dermclick.com

Message your care team

About compounded medications

Compounded medications are prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy for individual patients, based on a prescription written by a licensed dermatology provider. They are not individually evaluated or approved by the FDA.

The active ingredients in The Dark Spot Solution^Rx- tretinoin, tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and niacinamide - are well-established ingredients used in clinical dermatology, individually and in combination. Compounding allows your dermatology provider to combine them into a single nightly formulation tailored to your skin, rather than asking you to layer multiple separate products. The supporting ingredients aren't optional extras - they are what makes prescription tretinoin livable for ongoing melasma treatment.

Your prescription is compounded by a 503A licensed compounding pharmacy and shipped directly to you.

The Dark Spot SolutionRx