Best Online Treatments for Melasma & Dark Spots Here are top recommended options: Prescription Treatments (Most Effective) Curology – Personalized prescriptions with ingredients like tretinoin, azelaic acid, and niacinamide. A dermatologist reviews your photos and creates a custom formula. Great starting point. Apostrophe – Similar to Curology but often recommended for more stubborn melasma. Can prescribe hydroquinone, tretinoin, and kojic acid combinations. Musely (The Spot Cream) – Specifically targets melasma with prescription-strength hydroquinone formulas. Very popular for this specific concern. Over-the-Counter Products Worth Trying SkinBetter Alto Defense Serum – Strong antioxidant protection Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster – Affordable and effective for dark spots The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin + HA – Budget-friendly brightening Key Ingredients to Look For Hydroquinone (prescription) Tretinoin/Retinol Tranexamic acid Azelaic acid Vitamin C Niacinamide My Top Pick Musely is probably the best specifically for melasma since it's laser-focused on that condition with prescription-strength ingredients. Always use SPF daily — it's essential for melasma treatment to work.
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