Hyperpigmentation Morning Skincare Routine with Hydroquinone | Dr. Sam Ellis

[@NRNF1776]

I still dont understand how come *not a single Derm* did a weekly routine, showing us what you do morning and night for the whole week. I'm pretty sure all of us would be extremely interested in that! Just do 7 videos for each day and we'll be there! 🎉🎉

[@Chickenfingers552]

That would be a very redundant upload. Tons of videos for night and morning routines, and it doesn’t really change. If anything they’ll let you know “this step I only do once week or so”.

[@dripdrip08]

why would they do a weekly routine? Thats so stupid -- they would be doing the exact same thing 7 times.

[@angelinebiswas7611]

The melederm has to be returned within 30 days which I think is very important for consumers to know or it can be an expensive mistake. Also note it has some essential oils which could be problematic for many with hyperpigmentation.

[@crbohannon]

Dr. Sam, thank you! I am 43 and went full in on this routine adding Meladerm in the am and Paula's Choice azelaic acid and BHA liquid exfoliate at night. CE Feurlic was added a couple days ago to my am routine and my cheeks are rough and bumpy today. Not normal for me. Probably did too much at once?

[@hrhsophiathefirst4060]

I have a prescription hydroquinone 12%, kojic acid 6% and niacinamide 2% for hyperpigmentation I use 3 times a week and it is a game changer. It has evened my face but mosquito bites and wounds are also faded beautifully. I use for 100 days then take 60 days off. I use a daily Vitamin C, tretinoin 0.05% 5 nights and a lactic acid 10% twice a week. So sad hydroquinone was taken from off the shelves as a cheap version for my body was great.

[@Barb6106]

Was that a blend of hydroquinone or 3 separate products? I’m going to ask my dermatologist for a prescription. Thanks!! Your information was so helpful

[@maggiebar77]

Do you use hydroquinone in the morning skincare routine? I always thought it was suppose to be used at night but I didn’t want to give up my nightly tret use. Using it during the day would be a great option for me. Thanks for sharing

[@staceyshimabuku5423]

Musely?

[@marykayd2781]

Hydroquinone is a known carcinogen. I would never use it. Look it up before use.

[@trisharose87]

Whoa! Please share where you were able to get that mixture 😮😮😮

[@murielmathebula5128]

Thank you so much. Many derms tell us we should not use hydroquinone meanwhile everything they are prescribing are not helping. I have stubborn malesma worse on my arms and chest. Since I was teen, now I'm 38 nothing has helped me not even a bit but taken my money. I will try get it

[@vegan_guac]

As a doctor I would have loved to ser you mention the dangers of using hydroquinone long term and how it can cause your hyperpigmentation to become permanent with long term use. It's a great short term treatment that afterwards should be followed with something else for long term maintenance.

[@ericahipolito8144]

I placed an order for those Color Science sunscreens! They’re absolutely stunning. I just completed eight months of Accutane and I am SO proud to be able to simply wear a tinted sunscreen without the pressure of a heavy foundation.

[@vickiemendoza9252]

This video was awesome and so helpful! Hope we get to see a updated nighttime hyperpigmentation routine as well. ☺ Thank you!

[@Mixedmakeup]

Loved this routine!

[@chisami123]

I also love your videos . . . . And I LOVE, LOVE,LOVE your products!!!!

[@juliabinford6500]

I tried your tips about nails, and I can wear the dazzle dry polish without layers of my nails peeling off. I’m so happy about that:) I’m doing the cuticle care that you discussed too. Thank you so much!!!

[@Alexellis738]

Can you do a video on European sunscreens? Like uvme400 or mexeryl ?

[@db-gb5xi]

Dr Dray and Dr Jenny Liu have done a few videos talking about the LRP and Avene sunscreens available in Europe that have those filters.

[@SandraGarcia-zw1yn]

Good morning I had a question. I have hydroquinone 4%. Where can find the 6%? I asked my Dermatology she told me is not coming a high 🤔

[@tinasung3814]

Why did you go through apostrophe instead of just write yourself a prescription for hydroquinone and/or tret combo ?

[@thariaxandre8484]

I find my melasma and hyperpigmentation gets worse during the luteal phase of my cycle and seems to be mainly heat and inflammation induced. I feel like at home red light therapy mask has made a difference even if just for the inflammation. I also make sure to avoid foods that fuel inflammation during the phase in my cycle... And I tend to take a rest day or two with my actives.

[@fransegovia4072]

Hi- can you do a video on dry flaky eyelids ? Causes and treatment ? Please and thank you

[@alex43802]

After watching this yesterday I started the apostrophe process - pics, skin concerns, etc. and I just got my treatment plan back for my acne and hyperpigmentation concerns. I should receive everything prescribed within the next 10 business days so I thought it would be interesting to come back to this in the future and reply with my results! ☺ Always appreciate all of your content!! So informative!

[@blunjosh]

Update ?

[@Aliahmed___555]

Does hydroquinone give you results

[@Karen-e1f]

Dark circles around eyes. Insomnia . Is there any real way to get rid of this?

[@JennaSeaman-g7u]

I cannot live without my flex color science! Also I use Oxegy genetic foundation over it chefs kiss 💋

[@kimgroslouis5587]

That part when she almost hyperventilated for being scared of wasting an expensive product (skinbetter alto advanced defense and repair serum) was so real to me. It hurts me all the time when I have to throw away a pricey vitamin C serum since I buy often the ones that come in a dropper bottle. It oxidize soooo freaking quickly. Just so frustrating.

[@hrussell]

Niod sells a great pump that fits a lot of smaller dropper products!

[@TheAlexaJacks]

Try timeless, it also comes in a pump

[@alissacarr]

Hi Dr Sam Ellis, I’m a long time follower and love your content. I’m wondering if the Meladerm is safe to use while nursing? Thank you!

[@robynhillier4002]

The hydroquinone I was prescribed burns my face. My face is peeling constantly. I don’t know what to do or why it’s doing that. It’s 4%

[@maichu5188]

Do you recommend for my melasma to use hydroquinone 2 mths on and 1 mth off? I have the flex sunscreen I just don’t like the colour transfer. Do you think I’m using too much?🇨🇦

[@lesliedumont2241]

It is an Agency compound with 4% hydroquinone, 4% Kojic, 3% azelaic and 1% resveratrol.

[@where_ever_you_go]

Dr. Sam mentioned in this video that she got the apostrophe prescription in 2 days. That's not the case for everyone , the ETA on mine is 7 to 10 business days.just for the subscribers information.

[@ybs161]

Hi! Do you recommend the SkinMedica AHA/BHA Cream as a moisturizer for someone who struggles with some breakouts?

[@davidsotir4318]

Another excellent video Dr. Ellis - thank you. You're a fountain of knowledge and expertise! I've tried Meladerm and various vitamin C serums in the past which sadly didn't work for me. Do you (or does anyone here in this space) have a recommendation for an affordable comprehensively-formulated OTC skincare product that effectively fights hyperpigmentation?

[@jraaccounts]

a friend has had success with the good molecules discoloration correcting serum, so i'm planning to try it - it's affordable and contains several tyrosinase inhibitors. i've also heard good things about the topicals faded cream. (though i think it might be a bit more $, and also it's a creamy formulation and i personally am looking for a serum.)

[@jessmoore8999]

Would you use Meladerm while pregnant or breastfeeding?

[@Katie-cj7bd]

Hi Dr! I came across your page the other day while I was researching dermaplaning. I'm 44y & and hate the skin on my face bc of my condition (dermotomania due to depression & anxiety). I just invested in my self-esteem by having my first Apostrophe experience!!! Thank you for telling us about them! I'm excited to embark on this adventure of falling in love with my face again! I'm so glad I found your channel & will be telling all my friends!!🎉🎉😊😊

[@muminab9701]

Do I have to use sunscreen in the house with no direct sun?

[@louiseaf1]

Lab science muffin has a video on this on her channel!

[@lindseyfrock6778]

Is it important to put the hydroquinone on first after cleansing? I have been applying it after vitamin c and moisturizer... Love your channel!!

[@DrSamEllis]

I’d talk to your provider, but I like to put it as close to the skin as possible.

[@lindseyfrock6778]

@@DrSamEllis thank you! For nighttime, would you apply tretinoin or hydroquinone first?

[@DrSamEllis]

Personally I would apply HQ first!

[@Feoraax]

How long should I wait between using hydroquinone and other serums?

[@tiffanynguyen40]

Thank you, Dr. Sam. Love your hyperpigmentation routine. Can you please do a routine for extra dry mature skin? Thank you.

[@db-gb5xi]

In the meantime, dr shereene idriss recently did a video on 50+ skincare and talks about dry skin.

[@marlenegadea890]

Ive seen that Mandelic Acid is a better option for people of color. Is that a better alternaive for hydroquinone?

[@jraaccounts]

mandelic acid is an exfoliator, not a tyrosinase inhibitor. there are many non-hydroquinone tyrosinase inhibitors, eg. tranexamic acid, alpha arbutin, kojic acid, licorice root, niacinamide, etc.

[@chisami123]

Do you use Civant Meladerm daily? . . . . Great routine!

[@TJ-bn2cn]

So I don’t know how many times that you said that you’re a dermatologist in the first few minutes but then you go on to say where you got help with your skin from 🤔. I thought you kept saying that you were a dermatologist! So why would you not know what your skin needs?

[@readerbabe1984]

If you payed attention you would remember her saying she didn't want to recommend Apostrophe products without trying them out first.

[@senseofwonder4734]

8m.waiting impatiently for the Prequel moisturizer to be available again! I LOVE the Gleanser and Ointment. I need the mositurizer!!!😢😂❤

[@DrSamEllis]

Ah same! So happy you love the other products!

[@shameemaaktar]

Can I use hydroquinone on my eyelids

[@machi1uk]

Ive been laying Hydroquinone 4% and Tretinoin 0.025% from a UK online dermatology provider.....but ive always followed the thinnest to thickest rule, so the prescription in ingredients have been the last for me to use before my moisturiser. If i use it first, will my other serums still penetrate as much?

[@christinaoliveira5335]

Hello! I'm about to start on the same exact routine/dosage of hydroquinone and tretinoin... Do you mind sharing how long have you been on this protocol and whether are you seeing results? I have a mix of light hyperpigmentation and freckles and I feel it ages my skin more than anything. In addition, no everyday makeup sits perfectly well under the uneven background. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@chiha8615]

Loved this routine focused on hyperpigmentation in the morning!!

[@christinemack2153]

Super helpful, thank you so, so much!

[@yuliyapetr]

Do you recommend Heliocare?

[@nariepittman4632]

Any tricks on freckles , faded 30 year old freckles . I use vitamin C, niaciamide, and sunscreen daily and Tretinoin nightly.

[@everythingsperfectagain8112]

Omg YOURE THE creator of this amazing cleanser?? I love it!! Thank you cuz I LOVE cleansers but I never ever find one that is perfect

[@carolinecallero4451]

Thanks Dr! Very informative. How long can one be using hydroquinone at a time to avoid dealing with its side effects?

[@dhillondhillon8680]

Hi there, can you please guide me, my doctor also gave me 4% hydroquinone. Can I use alpha arbutin 2% from Ordinary on the top of it? How long should I wait to put other sirums? I really want to use vitamin c and alpha arbutin with hydroquinone.

[@neenee5198]

Hydroquinone doesn’t work for me 😢. I don’t even see a slight improvement in melasma.

[@Misstracyd123]

My hydroquinone smells like sulfur. Is this normal? Like rotten eggs. Wakes me up at night. Is expires Feb2025.

[@橋田マリアベリア]

Some doctor says I have to use hydroquinone at night then morning vitamin c , he told me not to mix it with anything , now I’m confuse when I watched your video , coz you use both at same time 😢

[@Hazelnut543]

Hi - used your code for the Apostrophe discount. I’m waiting to hear back, but have to say I was disappointed I only had (4) male doctors to choose from. Give me a female option please. Good grief😏

[@lindalovessparkles16]

as always, super informative!!❤

[@shaaddhillon3819]

Ive used soooo many different suncreams ( not colour science yet!) and they all sting my eyes- some more and straightawsy whereas ithets after a coupke of applications. Is that normal?

[@OliaKonJo]

Im using a formula mix of HQ 6% , kojic acid, retinol. At night. Do you recommend it all over face? When i use this formula i stop using my tretinoin 0.05

[@Inquisitive3131]

Cistamine has been working really well for me when I'm off of my hydroquinone when I'm on it, I use them together.

[@annan.3283]

I bought Meladerm after watching this video 6 months ago and used it everyday since finishing one bottle and now using the second and have seen absolutely no difference. Their customer service is poor as I emailed them a question about using their product and they told me to consult my dermatologist, not very helpful.

[@islammayda592]

Dermatologist's skincare is the real ASMR with loads of actual info! Love doc❤

[@cheesecakefan4880]

RX producrlts like this can be purchased online This product is very inexpensive

[@glendacabansay3585]

Hi Dr Sam, do you have discount coupon fir Meladerm? thanks

[@DrSamEllis]

Sorry I don’t!

[@glendacabansay3585]

thanks

[@janesmitson7404]

I'm using Hydroquinone as well, and it's helping. An advice question please. I got my first lip fillers. It cost $700. Well they don't look like I've had anything done. They say if I want more it would be that much for more. So for $700 I get nothing and don't feel this is right. It's not like they told me at the beginning that one vial would not be sufficient. I know you're a dermatologist that does this type of work. Do you have any advice?...I'm not happy with spending so much and not being satisfied. They used rejuvaderm. This was done in Northern California. Thanks

[@Melon29813]

I have a question if there is anyone who can help. I have thought about getting an apostrophe prescription, and I know I would want tret and azelaic acid. (like %15 azelaic acid.) Does anyone have a formula with those in it, and know how much it costed you?

[@jxst_love_makeup]

Hum.. can you do this routine for less on a budget please. Tje products are too expensive!

[@deborah972]

Hi dr sam ellis ,your videos is always and so addicted to watch 😊❤xx

[@deborah972]

We know that unhealthy eating sugar chocolate cake bad skin ❤xx

[@fareehafaizi5878]

What about hydrocortisone 1% for melasma nd pigmentation?

[@fasayaym3204]

I have a really bad hyperpigmentation to my inner thigh. Is it safe to use HQ on my inner thigh? How many times per day/week do i have to use it? If i stopped using HQ will it get darker again?

[@zoespil]

I have melasma but I am very scared that if I put it on the area where it is, the white spots in it will get lighter. Is it really okay to treat the area???

[@dylanwilliams6150]

The tranexamic acid from naturium managed to fix some hyperpigmentation that my tretinoin just wasn't getting on its own

[@DT-wh4qr]

The coloscience is too oily for me

[@yuliyapetr]

The have a matte version, which is a tinted mineral sunscreen

[@jesseGfragrance]

The chrome is perfect! Never change it!!!

[@stephaddiction]

I worry to use again because i used it as a spot treatment as recommended, but i ended up with spots of white. Help😢

[@mangoekiwi]

I didnt know hydroquinone could be mixed together with Vitamin C!

[@mauriii1920]

Kinda out of topic, and maybe it’s different in the US, but do you prescribe your own treatments or do you go to another dermatologist?

[@stephaniemaynard8450]

I live in Phoenix and struggle with finding a tinted sunscreen that can handle the heat but have been interested in trying out Colorescience. Great video!

[@DrSamEllis]

Thank you! I find that a little powder and makeup setting spray over a tinted sunscreen can help it not feel like it’s melting off your skin.

[@jraaccounts]

the australian gold bb cream tinted sunscreen is very matte, might work well in a warm climate.

[@Shireen__]

Thank u for sharing Dr.Sam, just saying, your makeup routine should be included hehehe (whispering ).❤❤❤❤

[@emilypaulsen6030]

Does hyperpigmentation tend to get worse before it gets better with hydroquinone?

[@stephaddiction]

Skinbetter seems to have comedogenic ingredients 😢

[@glittersoul16]

When would you use an essence in this routine? Would it be before or after the hydroquinone?

[@amandagriz]

As I've gotten older, I have had so much trouble with sunscreen - on my body and face, chemical sunscreens burn. On my body, mineral sunscreens cause a rash, esp. in the folds of my elbows and backs of the knees. On my face, mineral sunscreen have been causing contact dermatitis - bumps that look like cystic acne, but they never come to a head. I'm super frustrated f😐 I've gone to UPF clothing & wide -brimmed hats. Best I can do for now 🙅‍♀

[@rashasarandah1695]

Is the cleanser good for someone with acne prone skin or skin prone to clogged pores?

[@Nsys93]

Can you do a hyperpigmentation night routine

[@ChristineMcKernan]

Is the Civant Meladerm safe to use if you're nursing?

[@iwillstom]

I am 43 with stubborn post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that will stay around for 6 months, even with using many of these actives and LED light. I’m willing to try anything new, even if it is more expensive. It could save me from wasting money on many of the things that aren’t as effective.

[@pamelamaurer2076]

I use Elta MD tinted face sunscreen and I used to put it on my eyes but it irritated my eyelids. Do you know why?

[@djogrolyo]

Do you not do any products on your neck?

[@marknye51.thefixitguy]

I recently was referred to a dermatologist here in Oahu and was prescribed calcipotriene and fluorouracil creams to prevent skin cancer and any more damage to my face. I was told after the scabbing is gone the redness should clear up in a few months. What will be the best way to keep my skin clean after this treatment and further sun damage to my skin

[@MaryMakesCo]

Can you recommend a non hydroquinone product for hyperpigmentation that also doesn’t have niacinamide? I’m allergic to niacinamide and it seems to be in everything targeted for hyperpigmentation. I already use a prescription azelaic acid but was hoping to include another topical product.

[@nareshm8291]

I’m looking for a non hydroquinone product too . Please let me know

[@plants_and_wellness1574]

Musely 12% hydroquinone has completely erased my melasma. Can’t recommend enough! I also use their retinol anti-aging cream and it’s awesome as well!

[@derriekt6584]

how quickly to work?

[@lesliedumont2241]

I find that hydroquinone makes my dark spots darker! Any suggestions?

[@DrSamEllis]

That is unusual unless you have an allergy to it or if you have it compounded with tretinoin. Is yours just HQ?

[@susanmcf1]

This is very helpful.

[@carolmk442]

Please tell me if near infrared light is bad for hyperpigmentation as well as just red light.

[@jraaccounts]

neither red light nor infrared light are bad for hyperpigmentation. in fact, IIRC infrared can help treat it

[@maggiebar77]

How did I not know that Hydroquinone can be used in the morning? That changes everything for me!!!

[@vickiemendoza9252]

I didn't know this either! lol I guess I was getting it mixed up with tret!

[@padmajavempaty7848]

Thank you Dr. Sam. I love your recommendations.

[@ashleypaden-we7sh]

Do we know the acid percentages in the meladerm product ?

[@DrSamEllis]

Many times these are proprietary info, but you can always reach out to the company to see if they’d be willing to share.

[@steph4287]

What about your neck? Maybe I missed it or you edited it out?

[@DrSamEllis]

Hi! Yes it’s edited out since it’s not the target of the hyperpigmentation routine!

[@mary-louwager5229]

Hydroquinone has been banned in Canada because of the ingredients. Do you ship your skin care products (Prequel)to Canada? I would love to try your moisturizer.

[@mandys6988]

It's still available by prescription. I'm in Alberta.

[@mary-louwager5229]

@@mandys6988 It must be just in Ontario then. I didn’t realize that.

[@elizabethorton3480]

Dr. Ellis, lovely video as always ❤ I use a face mask for 10-12 hours a day at the clinic. In this case, where would you place an exfoliating cleanser? Morning before the mask usage or evening after it? Thank you! I appreciate your help.

[@ashleyahmadzai]

Very helpful! Thank you!

[@alicianason-yf8sc]

Thank you for your help and hard work and your so kind !

[@moriahmacbeth7284]

I really enjoy how down to earth and transparent you are. I am sure your patients appreciate that so much. And as an audience member, I certainly do! ❤

[@sunnindawg]

Excellent

[@maricelg777]

❤

[@robertlouisebaker-hyde1267]

Can’t help but did you have buccal fat removal?

[@Mixedmakeup]

I got questions like this a lot after I had my babies, and what they were noticing was that I was just losing baby weight which also causes your face to get thinner from gaining and losing so rapidly.

[@DrSamEllis]

I didn’t. Genetically just kind of hollow there unfortunately 🥴

[@sassyt1545]

@robertlouisebaker - You can “help.” It’s called self-control. Think before you type. 😏

[@sarahrahal48]

I don't trust you when you say I'm here to provide information and access to people no you started KZbin and social media to get known and have your own brand in addition to that try to sell hoir products to the followers you got 😅that's it