The Dark Spot Solution ^Rx

The Dark Spot Solutionᴿˣ uses tranexamic acid, kojic acid, tretinoin, and niacinamide, with no hydroquinone. It is prescribed for mild to moderate melasma, and because there is no hydroquinone in it, there are no planned breaks. The Brightening Solutionᴿˣ adds hydroquinone for stronger pigment control on deeper, more stubborn melasma, and hydroquinone formulas typically require cycling protocols (use for a period, then pause) to avoid side effects from continuous use.

The two are designed to work together over time. If you're on The Brightening Solutionᴿˣ, you may transition to The Dark Spot Solutionᴿˣ during your breaks from hydroquinone. A board-certified dermatologist on our clinical team confirms which fits your pigmentation after reviewing your assessment.

No. The Dark Spot Solutionᴿˣ contains tretinoin, which is not safe during pregnancy or nursing. Melasma is extremely common during pregnancy (often called "the mask of pregnancy"), but it requires a pregnancy-safe approach, typically daily broad-spectrum SPF and trigger avoidance, with treatment starting after delivery and after breastfeeding ends. If you're pregnant or planning to be, contact our support team to discuss timing.

Melasma is deep, layered pigmentation that built up over years or decades. The pigment sits in the skin in layers, and lifting it requires the natural cell turnover cycle, which takes weeks. Tretinoin accelerates that cycle; tranexamic acid and kojic acid prevent new pigment from being produced; niacinamide reduces the transfer of pigment between cells. It is still measured in months, not weeks.

Some people notice pigmentation looking darker before it looks lighter. Temporary darkening is usually associated with insufficient sun protection, which is why daily broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher is the single most important habit during treatment.

If the darkening persists, or looks different in colour from your original melasma, contact your DermClick care team so it can be reviewed.

Yes, and this is the single most important habit for melasma treatment. UV exposure is the dominant trigger for melasma, and using prescription brightening actives without daily SPF is like draining a sink with the water still running. Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, every morning, every day (including cloudy days and indoor days near windows), is non-negotiable. Many people also wear a wide-brimmed hat and avoid direct sun during peak hours. A board-certified dermatologist on our clinical team will cover the specifics during your assessment.

Most of your routine can stay. Gentle cleansers, fragrance-free moisturizers, vitamin C serum in the morning, and daily SPF all pair well with The Dark Spot Solutionᴿˣ. What you should pause: other retinoids (you're already getting prescription tretinoin), high-concentration acids (salicylic, lactic, mandelic, glycolic), benzoyl peroxide in the same step, since it can deactivate tretinoin, and any other product containing hydroquinone. A board-certified dermatologist on our clinical team will review your routine during your assessment.

Melasma is chronic. It's driven by hormones, UV exposure, and genetics, and it tends to return whenever those triggers are active. The realistic goal isn't permanent elimination; it's consistent management. Most people do best with ongoing nightly use of The Dark Spot Solutionᴿˣ plus daily SPF. A board-certified dermatologist on our clinical team may adjust your formula as your skin shifts. If you don't see results after four to six months of consistent use, they may step you up to The Brightening Solutionᴿˣ.

Full prescribing details, including side effects, drug interactions, and who shouldn't use this treatment, are available on our Important Safety Information page. We recommend reading it before starting treatment.