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Topical use. Adapalene 0.1% (OTC) or 0.3% (prescription) gel/cream is applied as a thin layer to the whole affected area once daily, usually at night, starting every other day and building to nightly as tolerated. Full benefit takes ~8-12 weeks. There is no oral or systemic dose — it is not ingested. It is most effective combined with benzoyl peroxide. This library does not provide an ingestion protocol.

Evening

Adapalene 0.1% gel/cream (OTC), applied nightly to the whole area

Prescription topical. Hydroquinone is used at 2-4% (often as the triple-combination with a retinoid and a mild corticosteroid), applied to pigmented areas usually at night, in time-limited courses (commonly with treatment breaks) under clinician supervision, always with daily sunscreen. There is no oral or systemic use. Avoid indefinite continuous use because of ochronosis risk. This library does not provide an ingestion protocol.

Evening

Hydroquinone 2-4% cream or the triple-combination (with retinoid + mild steroid), under a clinician

• For topical (skin) use only — not for ingestion, not for injection
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding — retinoids are generally avoided as a precaution
• Known allergy/sensitivity to adapalene or formulation excipients

• Other irritating actives (other retinoids, AHAs/BHAs)
• Benzoyl peroxide

• For topical (skin) use only — not for ingestion, not for injection
• Prolonged continuous or high-strength use (ochronosis risk) — use time-limited courses
• Known allergy/sensitivity to hydroquinone

• Peroxides (benzoyl peroxide, hydrogen peroxide)
• Other irritating actives (retinoids, acids)