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Hydroquinone vs. Tretinoin

Hydroquinone cream is used to bleach dark spots or patches on your skin (hyperpigmentation, or skin discoloration) from certain skin conditions, such as freckles, melasma, and aging. Hydroquinone cream is applied to the skin, typically twice daily. It's important to protect yourself from the sun while you use this skin-lightening medication because it makes your skin more sensitive to the sun. The most common side effects of hydroquinone cream include redness and stinging on the skin. Currently, hydroquinone cream is available by prescription only. The FDA no longer approves the sale of over-the-counter (OTC) hydroquinone cream.

• Lightening or bleaching of dark spots on skin (hyperpigmentation)

• Skin dryness
• Skin redness
• Cracking of the skin
• Stinging

• Allergic reaction
• Blue-black skin discoloration
• Skin darkening

Retin-A (tretinoin) is a retinoid medication that's used to treat acne in adults and children 12 years and older. It's available as a cream or a gel that's applied onto the skin once a day. Side effects include skin irritation, redness, and peeling. Your acne might get worse at the beginning of treatment, but it should get better as you continue using the medication. You must have a prescription for Retin-A (tretinoin) from your primary care provider or dermatologist; this medication isn't available over the counter.

• Acne

• Skin peeling or discomfort
• Warm feeling or stinging after applying
• Skin redness
• Sensitivity to sunlight (sunburns)
• Worsening of acne in the first few weeks of treatment

• Sunburns
• Skin irritation in extreme weather
• Skin reactions