Conditions Melasma Retinol
Re
Moderate evidence

Retinol for Melasma

Speeds up how fast your skin renews itself so old, dull cells shed faster and fresher skin shows through. Builds collagen over time, smoothing fine lines.

Why it works for Melasma

Helps clear dark patches by speeding up how fast pigment-loaded skin cells shed and by spreading out clumped pigment. It is an over-the-counter retinoid that works like tretinoin but more slowly. A reasonable stand-in for tretinoin when you cannot get a prescription, just slower.

How Retinol works

Converts to retinoic acid in skin; accelerates cell turnover and stimulates collagen synthesis.