Hydroquinone

I am currently using Tazorac 0.1% for acne (everynight at bedtime) and hydroquinone for uneven pigmentation (twice a day - morning and night).  Since the Tazorac causes extremely dry skin, peeling and irritaion when you first begin treatment, I would like to use a vitamin E moisturizer during the day to ease the irritation and peeling.  Will using a vitamin E moisturizer with the hydroquinone lessen the effects of the hydroquinone?  Which one should I apply first?  Also, when applying Tazorac and hydroquinone at night, which one should I apply first?  Thank you.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

April:

Vitamin E shouldn't counteract Tazorac.  I'd apply the Tazorac first.

I suspect you'd get the same Vitamin A benefit from Retin-A, with less irriation, than with Tazorac.

Best.

Dr. R

[raveni]

A related discussion, dark spots (melasma)on my face was started.

[Krissy1616]

A related discussion, Hydroquinone vs Tazorac was started.