For brown spots, how should I apply hydroquinone cream with my other products?

My dermatologist prescribed Hydroquinone for some brown spots on my face. There are no directions on how to use this with my makeup. Do I wash my face, apply the whitening cream, moisturizer, sunscreen and then makeup? Thanks so much! I love your website and you weekly emails.

Thank you for reading!!   Generally, try to apply the prescription hydroquinone cream first after washing, wait a few minutes, then moisturzier or sunscreen or both, then makeup.   Remember though that a small percentage of people get irritated with hydroquinone creams which can make the brown spots worse.  

 If you think you might be getting irritated after using it, please call you dermatologist.  He/she may want you to change the way  you apply it, or stop it altogether.   Hope this helps,  Dr. I

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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