Glycolic Acid (AHA) for Melasma
Glycolic acid can worsen melasma in the wrong hands.
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go slower than usual.
Glycolic acid can worsen melasma in the wrong hands.
how to use it. Use only in a supervised protocol or at low concentration with strict mineral SPF.
why it works. Irritation-triggered melanogenesis is a common mechanism of melasma flare.
Reviewed with 1 source on 2026-07-03.
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Azelaic acid is a well-tolerated melasma option, especially in pregnancy or hydroquinone-sensitive users.
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Hydroquinone is the gold-standard melasma treatment.
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Kojic acid is a useful melasma adjunct.
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L-ascorbic acid is a useful adjunct for melasma but rarely sufficient alone.
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Retinoids assist in melasma treatment but can worsen it if used aggressively or without strict SPF.