I didn't renew my prescription for the hydroquinone product and visited another dermatologist. He told me to stay out of the sun, which I had tried to do anyway, and just use the Renova. My brown spots have faded considerably over the last year or so, so they don't bother me as much. I did have a microdermabrasion just last week (I used to have them every six weeks but the last two years, since moving and building, haven't been taking care) and the brown spots look even better since the microderm, although I did discuss the new Fraxel laser procedure for removing the melasma. I also talked with a patient in the waiting room who plays tennis; she said the extra strength 45 sunscreen she gets from the dermatologist protects her skin much better than the 45 sunscreen she buys at the drugstore--I am a little suspicious of this, but you might check it out. My understanding is discontinuation of the Tri-Lumar means the spots will probably come back.

Everyone is different, but for me, just ensuring that I wear a hat in direct sunlight, use a good sunscreen and sticking with the Renova has made a big difference in the brown spots. Good Luck.

Yes, a dermatologist can give you a prescription; a large tube lasts me about nine to ten months. I think the cost is around $140.