Dermatica tret 0.05% and 4% hq

[Yumchips]

I Have been prescribed the above and I find it hard to use the 0.05% Tret everyday - I use it more like every 2 or 3 days as that's what I tolerate best. It is prescribed for melasma which is all over my face. Not in just a patch. I'm worried that I'm not getting enough HQ using it every 2/3 days and it'll take forever to get anywhere with this. Am I overthinking it or should the Tret and the Hq be prescribed separately so I could the Hq more? Hope someone can come along and advise! Thanks

You could ask to reduce the tret strength.

What is your regime? There are ways to help tolerate it better, for example buffering with moisturiser before and afterwards.

I use hyaluronic acid serum with moisturiser and then once it's all settled, put on the dermatica and the use moisturiser again a bit later on. Seems to be fine but I couldn't use the Tret every night. Every 2nd night would probably be fine...

Your skin should normally build up to it eventually. I tend to use tret before moisturiser though. Between all of my actives, I sometimes annoy my skin. I always keep a tube of La Roche Posay Cicaplast to keep things settled. I tend to use it every Sunday and any time things get a bit stingy. It's totally fine to use with your tret. It might help ease you in. I reckon every second day should be fine. That's how often I use it because I alternate between two night time routines.

Also, Vitamin C is reeealy great for melasma. It completely got rid of mine on my cheeks. I was already using Tret for other reasons but that wasnt doing much for it. Vitamin C is quite tricky as a lot of the serums aren't worth the money or they aren't strong enough to get the full benefit. I use Garden of Wisdom 23% during the day. It's quite strong and it can tingle/irritate your skin the first couple of times. I really would recommend it for hyperpigmentation though. If your already prone to irritation, you could try a weaker Vit C to build up. I honestly swear by Garden of Wisdom and it's only £12. If you keep it in the fridge, it lasts much longer as good Vit C can go off if it isn't stored right.

Also, don't use Vit C at the same time as tret. Vit C is a daytime and Tret is an evening for me.

@divinededacende thank you so much for your post! I will order the GOW serum now!!

The 4% HQ makes me think the OP is getting hers from a uk based dermatologist. I use Dermatica because their formulations are really good - and light. I used to buy from online pharmacies abroad but I found Tretinoin creams too heavy.

Skinorac looks interesting though, I see they do a gel version. Don't suppose you've ever tried that? I'd be interested to know how it feels vs the cream.