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Skincare

This skincare guide provides an overview of various topical and oral formulations commonly utilized in dermatological practice, detailing their mechanisms of action, clinical advantages, potential disadvantages, adverse effects, and practical guidance for healthcare professionals. Emphasis is placed on monitoring parameters for efficacy and the identification and management of adverse events. 

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Let’s Talk Skincare That
Actually Works

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Whether you’re targeting wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, acne, or just want that "glow," the products below are powerful tools. But how you use them makes all the difference. Here's the lowdown on when to apply them, how often, what to expect, and how to pair them wisely.

1. GHK-Cu Peptide Cream (2mg/mL in W06 Base)

Use: Night or Day (your choice), once daily
Why it works: This copper peptide helps your skin heal, rebuild collagen and elastin (think firmness and bounce), and reduced inflammation.
Best for: Dull, aging, or sensitive skin needing repair
What you’ll love: It makes your skin smoother, firmer, and healthier over time — super gentle too.
Heads-up: It’s not instant. Think of it as your long-term skin bestie.
Tips:

  • Use a small amount on clean skin

  • Let it sink in before layering other products

  • Works great under makeup if you use it in the morning

  • If using at night, pair with a simple moisturizer on top

2. Kojic Acid 6% + Tranexamic Acid 6% + Tretinoin 0.05% Gel

Use: Night only, once daily (or every other night to start)
Why it works: This triple-threat targets dark spots, melasma, and uneven tone. Tretinoin speeds up cell turnover, kojic acid fades spots, and tranexamic acid calms pigment-triggering inflammation.
Best for: Stubborn pigmentation or sun damage
What you’ll love: More even, glowing skin in a few weeks
Heads-up: It can sting, peel, or cause redness at first. This is normal — go slow.
Tips:

  • Use a pea-sized amount for your whole face

  • Start every other night to see how your skin handles it

  • ALWAYS use sunscreen during the day — no skipping!

  • Layer moisturizer after to buffer irritation

3. Low-Dose Naltrexone (oral)

Use: Night, once daily (1–4.5 mg, by prescription)
Why it works: This is an internal anti-inflammatory used for stubborn skin issues like eczema, psoriasis, or inflammatory acne. It helps calm your immune system.
Best for: Chronic skin inflammation
What you’ll love: It works from the inside out, helping skin heal more effectively
Heads-up: Can cause vivid dreams or trouble sleeping — if so, consider morning dosing
Tips:

  • Start low (0.5–1 mg) and build up slowly

  • Take at the same time every night

  • Not for you if you take opioid medications (they cancel each other out)

  • Be patient — benefits often take a few weeks to appear

4. Estriol 0.3% Face Cream

Use: Night or Day, once daily
Why it works: This gentle estrogen cream helps hydrate, firm, and brighten skin — especially helpful post-menopause.
Best for: Dry, thinning, or menopausal skin
What you’ll love: It restores that youthful, dewy texture
Heads-up: It’s still a hormone, so check with your doctor if you’ve had hormone-sensitive conditions
Tips:

  • Use a small amount on clean skin

  • Consistency is key — give it time to work

  • Works well with peptide creams or tretinoin on alternate nights

 5. Tretinoin 0.025% + Spironolactone 5% + Clindamycin 1%

Use: Night only, once daily
Why it works: Great for hormonal or cystic acne — tackles oil, clogged pores, and inflammation all at once.
Best for: Breakouts that flare with your cycle or hormonal shifts
What you’ll love: Clearer, calmer skin over time
Heads-up: The tretinoin can cause peeling or irritation early on
Tips:

  • Start slow — every other night is okay

  • Always moisturize after applying

  • Use sunscreen during the day (are you sensing a theme here?)

  • If your skin’s sensitive, buffer with moisturizer first, then apply

 6. Tretinoin 0.1% + Hydrocortisone + Hydroquinone 4% Cream

a.k.a. Modified Kligman’s Formula

Use: Night only, once daily
Why it works: The power trio for stubborn melasma or pigmentation. Think of it as a short-term reset for your skin tone.
Best for: Deep or resistant melasma, sun spots
What you’ll love: Fast, visible fading of dark patches
Heads-up: This combo is strong — don’t use long-term without doctor guidance
Tips:

  • Use for 8–12 weeks max, then switch to maintenance

  • Don’t apply to the entire face unless instructed — just the spots

  • Avoid the eye and mouth area

  • Sunscreen is a must, or you’ll undo all the progress

 7. Hydroquinone Cream 

Use: Night only, once daily
Why it works: Ultra-potent skin lightener — good for super-stubborn pigmentation
Best for: Severe melasma, resistant dark spots
What you’ll love: It works when nothing else has
Heads-up: High strength formulations need a doctor’s supervision. Risk of irritation and rare but permanent discoloration (ochronosis) if overused.
Tips:

  • Use short-term (no more than 2–3 months)

  • Always pair with sunscreen

  • Consider taking breaks between treatments (like 3 months on, 3 months off)

  • Try a test spot before using it all over

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