Acne and melasma, treated together
Acne and melasma often show up together, and the treatments overlap. Tretinoin helps unclog pores and also supports more even skin tone, so many people start with a single topical.
Melasma (brown or gray-brown patches, often on the cheeks, forehead and upper lip) usually needs a dedicated brightening cream and daily sun protection. Our triple-action melasma cream combines tretinoin, hydroquinone and a mild steroid in one compounded formula.
If you have both conditions, your physician may prescribe one custom combination topical instead of two separate products, or sequence treatments so your skin can adjust.
Topicals your physician may prescribe
- TretinoinTopical cream for acne, texture and toneYourMDRx savings →
- Custom combination topical (acne + pigment)Compounded; not FDA-approved. Prepared by a licensed 503A compounding pharmacy; the dispensing pharmacy is named on your prescription label.
- Triple-Action Melasma (tretinoin + hydroquinone + fluocinolone)Compounded; not FDA-approved. Prepared by a licensed 503A compounding pharmacy; the dispensing pharmacy is named on your prescription label.
- DoxycyclineOral, short courses for inflammatory acne when appropriateYourMDRx savings →
Avoid tretinoin and hydroquinone during pregnancy or when planning pregnancy. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is part of every melasma plan.
Pricing & plans
Tretinoin Standard
$39 / month
Physician care for acne and skin renewal with tretinoin, including photo-based reviews. Sent to a pharmacy that works for you: a local retail pharmacy such as Walmart, or a low-cost online pharmacy. You pay the pharmacy directly; YourMDRx Savings shows cash prices and coupons.
Billing: Renews every month at the displayed plan price. Review renewal and cancellation terms before enrolling.
Separate costs: Care fee only. Medication and outside testing are paid separately.
Use your patient portal for treatment questions and updates. For plans with included async care, no appointment is needed; your clinician may request a phone or video visit. This is not emergency or immediate-response care.
Tretinoin Custom Combo
$39 / month
Physician care for a custom compounded tretinoin combination prescribed for your skin. Compounded medication add-on: once your physician selects the compounding pharmacy, you receive a final price proposal (medication, shipping and our care fee) to accept before anything is made. You make one payment to YourMD for that proposal; the licensed compounding pharmacy prepares and ships it. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.
Billing: Renews every month at the displayed plan price. Review renewal and cancellation terms before enrolling.
Separate costs: Care fee only. Medication and outside testing are paid separately.
Use your patient portal for treatment questions and updates. For plans with included async care, no appointment is needed; your clinician may request a phone or video visit. This is not emergency or immediate-response care.
Not currently accepting new enrollments.
Triple-Action Melasma
$39 / month
Physician care for melasma and hyperpigmentation with a compounded triple-action cream and daily sun protection. Compounded medication add-on: once your physician selects the compounding pharmacy, you receive a final price proposal (medication, shipping and our care fee) to accept before anything is made. You make one payment to YourMD for that proposal; the licensed compounding pharmacy prepares and ships it. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.
Billing: Renews every month at the displayed plan price. Review renewal and cancellation terms before enrolling.
Separate costs: Care fee only. Medication and outside testing are paid separately.
Use your patient portal for treatment questions and updates. For plans with included async care, no appointment is needed; your clinician may request a phone or video visit. This is not emergency or immediate-response care.
Not currently accepting new enrollments.
Acne Care
$39 / month
Physician-led acne care with monthly async photo updates, prescription management and lab ordering/results review. Choose a local retail pharmacy and lab. Medication and lab charges are separate.
Billing: Monthly care subscription. Renews at $39 / month. Review cancellation terms before enrolling.
Separate costs: Medication and lab costs are not included. Your chosen retail pharmacy and local lab bill you or your insurance separately. YourMD does not pay or reimburse these charges; coverage is not guaranteed.
Monthly async photo and progress updates are included at no additional consult fee. Submit through the patient portal even when your clinician is offline. Your clinician reviews your update and may call with questions or arrange a live visit. This is not immediate-response or emergency care.
Not currently accepting new enrollments.
Each plan is a monthly physician care fee, billed at its own price; medication is never included in the care fee. Tretinoin and doxycycline are sent to a pharmacy that works for you: a local retail pharmacy such as Walmart, or a low-cost online pharmacy. You pay the pharmacy directly; YourMDRx Savings shows cash prices and coupons. Custom Combo and melasma creams: Compounded medication add-on: once your physician selects the compounding pharmacy, you receive a final price proposal (medication, shipping and our care fee) to accept before anything is made. You make one payment to YourMD for that proposal; the licensed compounding pharmacy prepares and ships it. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. If you need both acne and melasma care, your physician may recommend the Custom Combo so you are not paying for two separate plans.
How it works
- Complete a free online screening and share photos or history where asked. No appointment is needed.
- A board-certified physician reviews your screening and contacts you if a phone or video visit is needed.
- If treatment is appropriate, your prescription is sent to the pharmacy for your plan.
- Send updates and questions through your secure patient portal; your physician adjusts the plan over time.
Is this right for me?
Often a good fit:
- Adults with mild to moderate acne, adult acne or post-acne marks
- Melasma or sun-related uneven tone
- Texture and early photoaging
Not a fit for telehealth:
- Severe cystic or scarring acne that needs isotretinoin or in-person care (we will help you find it)
- Rapidly changing, bleeding or irregular moles: see a dermatologist in person
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding when retinoids or hydroquinone would be needed
Frequently asked questions
Can one prescription treat acne and melasma?
Often, yes. Tretinoin helps both, and your physician can prescribe a custom combination topical when that suits your skin. Some people do better starting one condition first; your physician will explain the plan.
How long does melasma treatment take?
Many people notice gradual lightening over several weeks to a few months. Melasma can return with sun exposure, so daily sunscreen and maintenance are part of the plan.
Is the melasma cream FDA-approved?
No. The triple-action melasma cream is compounded; it is not FDA-approved. It is prepared by a licensed 503A compounding pharmacy named on your prescription label.
What about the purge with tretinoin?
Some people see temporary breakouts or irritation in the first weeks. Your physician can adjust strength and frequency; send a photo update through the portal.
Related reading
- Adult Acne Doesn't End at 18: How Prescription Treatment Can Help at Any Age
- What Is Tretinoin and Why Do Dermatologists Recommend It?
- Tretinoin Purge: Timeline and What to Expect
- Tretinoin vs Retinol: What's the Actual Difference?
- What Does My Rash Look Like? A Physician's Guide to 8 Common Skin Rashes
Related programs: Acne Care membership · Hair Restoration · Tretinoin guide
Adults 18+ in Nevada, Washington, Oregon and Wisconsin. A physician reviews every request; prescribing is at physician discretion and is not guaranteed. Not for emergencies — call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.