Shereene IdrissBoard Certified Derm, Founder and Chief Nerd

Dermatologist’s Melasma Routine #darkspots #hyperpigmentation #skincareroutine

11 Mar 2025 · 0 min

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Shereene Idriss, a dermatologist with melasma, walks through her nighttime routine. She uses an exfoliating mask with glycolic and lactic acids, prescription azelaic acid 15%, tretinoin on alternating nights, a brightening serum with alpha arbutin and kojic acid, and a vitamin C moisturizer with peptides and ceramides.

Melasma and hyperpigmentation. Follow this nighttime routine from a board certified derm who has melasma. First, an exfoliating acid mask with glycolic and lactic acid. Next, prescription azelaic acid at 15% because 15% is better for melasma than OTC10. Next up, on the nights that you're not exfoliating, use a retinol, but in my case, a prescription tretinoin followed by a brightening serum that's loaded with actives like alpha arbutin, Kojic acid, niacinamide, licorice root. The list goes on. And finally, finish it off with a vitamin C moisturizer with peptides and ceramides to lock in moisture and plump up your skin.