Skin Treatments | Alor Wellness
Skin Health · Prescription Treatment

Clearer.
Brighter.
Prescribed.

Prescription-strength treatments for acne and hyperpigmentation — compounded to order, clinician-reviewed, and shipped to your door. Every ingredient, strength, and price made fully transparent.

Start Your Consult → Prescription required · Consultation included in first order
Rx
Acne Treatment
Clindamycin · Tretinoin · Niacinamide · Two Strengths · From $39/mo
→
Hyperpigmentation
Hydroquinone · Tretinoin · Azelaic Acid · Three Strengths · From $44/mo
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Option 01 · Clear Skin
Acne Treatment
Clindamycin 1.75% · Tretinoin · Niacinamide 4% · 30g Cream · Two Strengths

Acne is not a single-cause condition — it involves bacteria, inflammation, clogged pores, and accelerated oil production, often simultaneously. That's why single-ingredient treatments so often fall short. This compounded triple-active cream addresses all four mechanisms at once. Clindamycin, a topical antibiotic, directly kills Cutibacterium acnes — the bacteria that drive inflammatory breakouts — while simultaneously reducing the redness and swelling they cause. Tretinoin, a prescription-strength vitamin A retinoid, accelerates skin cell turnover at a rate OTC retinols cannot match, unclogging pores, preventing new blockages, and fading post-acne dark spots. Niacinamide (vitamin B3) rounds out the formula by calming inflammation, regulating sebum production, and reinforcing the skin barrier — making the formula more tolerable and dramatically reducing the initial irritation that causes many patients to abandon tretinoin prematurely. Available in two tretinoin concentrations: 0.03% for new patients or sensitive skin, and 0.067% for step-up treatment once the skin has acclimated.

4–8 wks
Initial clearance
3-in-1
Active formula
Nightly
Application
Choose Your Strength
Tretinoin Strength
SupplyFormulaPer MonthPrice

First month includes your provider consultation — no hidden fees. Results typically visible within 4–8 weeks of consistent nightly use.

Begin Consult →Prescription required · Rx fulfilled by licensed pharmacy
Results Timeline
Weeks 1–3
Purge Phase
Tretinoin accelerates the turnover of skin cells lining the pores — bringing existing congestion to the surface faster than it would appear naturally. Some patients experience a temporary increase in breakouts. This is normal and expected. Niacinamide helps mitigate irritation.
Weeks 4–6
Stabilization
Active breakouts begin to decrease as clindamycin suppresses bacterial colonization and tretinoin clears pore congestion. Skin may still feel sensitized. Consistency here determines long-term outcome — most patients who stop at this stage miss the full result.
Weeks 7–12
Active Clearance
Breakout frequency and severity drop significantly. Skin texture begins to smooth. Post-inflammatory dark spots start to fade. Most patients see their clearest skin to date in this window and begin to understand the long-term potential of the formula.
Month 4+
Maintenance
Skin continues to refine. Pores appear smaller, texture is smoother, and pigmentation continues to fade. Many patients step up from 0.03% to 0.067% at this stage. Long-term nightly use is recommended for sustained results.
Expected Benefits
Rapid bacterial clearanceClindamycin begins reducing the bacteria driving inflammatory lesions within days — noticeably fewer new breakouts within 2–3 weeks for most patients.
Unclogged poresTretinoin-accelerated turnover prevents dead skin and sebum buildup that form comedones. Both blackheads and whiteheads reduce significantly over 6–8 weeks.
Post-acne mark fadingTretinoin and niacinamide work synergistically on post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — accelerating pigmented cell turnover while suppressing further melanin deposition.
Improved texture long-termTretinoin stimulates collagen synthesis over months of use — producing a smoothing, pore-refining effect that compounds with continued use.
Possible Side Effects
Initial dryness and peelingTretinoin-induced purging causes flaking in most new patients, peaking at weeks 2–4. A fragrance-free moisturizer applied immediately after reduces severity significantly.
Temporary breakout increaseThe purge phase surfaces subsurface congestion faster — a sign the formula is working. Typically resolves within 3–4 weeks.
Sun sensitivityTretinoin significantly increases photosensitivity. Daily SPF 30+ is non-negotiable — sun exposure without it will cause redness and counteract results.
Contraindicated in pregnancyTretinoin must not be used by patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to conceive. Discuss alternatives with your provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
The 0.03% (Starter) formula is for new tretinoin users or patients with sensitive skin — meaningful results while building tolerance. The 0.067% (Advanced) is for patients already acclimated to retinoids who want a more aggressive treatment. Most providers recommend starting at 0.03% for the first 3–4 months and stepping up once the skin has stabilized.
This is the tretinoin purge — completely normal and expected. Tretinoin dramatically accelerates skin cell turnover, bringing microcomedones (subsurface clogged pores) to the surface much faster than they would naturally appear. The temporary breakout increase in weeks 1–3 resolves on its own. Patients who push through almost universally see significantly clearer skin by week 6–8.
Yes — the starter (0.03%) formula is specifically designed with sensitive skin in mind. Niacinamide provides meaningful barrier support that reduces the irritation typical of tretinoin alone. Starting with every-other-night application for the first two weeks and applying a moisturizer immediately after also significantly reduce initial sensitivity.
Not necessarily — but acne is a chronic condition driven by biology that doesn't change. Stopping treatment typically leads to gradual return of breakouts within 2–4 months. Many patients transition to a maintenance protocol (3–4 nights per week) once their skin has cleared, which sustains results with reduced product use.
Active Ingredients

What's in the
acne formula.

This triple-active cream combines three prescription-strength ingredients each targeting a different mechanism of acne — bacterial overgrowth, pore congestion, and inflammation — in a single nightly application.

Clindamycin
A topical antibiotic that directly eliminates Cutibacterium acnes — the bacteria responsible for the majority of inflammatory lesions — while reducing redness, swelling, and pain. Most effective combined with tretinoin, which enhances follicle penetration and prevents the antibiotic resistance that develops with solo use over time.
Used in · Acne Treatment
Tretinoin
A vitamin A retinoid and the most clinically studied topical prescription ingredient available. Accelerates skin cell renewal at a rate no OTC retinol can replicate — unclogging pores, preventing new blockages, fading post-acne pigmentation, and stimulating collagen production. Requires nightly application, a non-comedogenic moisturizer, and daily SPF.
Used in · Acne Treatment
Niacinamide
A form of vitamin B3 that reduces acne-related redness, calms the irritation that leads patients to abandon retinoids, regulates sebum production, strengthens the skin barrier, and independently fades post-inflammatory dark spots — improving both the tolerability and the results of the formula.
Used in · Acne Treatment
Option 02 · Skin Brightening
Hyperpigmentation
Hydroquinone · Tretinoin 0.1% · Azelaic Acid 15% · Hydrocortisone 1% · 30mL Cream

Hyperpigmentation — whether melasma, post-inflammatory marks, or sun damage — is driven by melanocyte overactivity: pigment-producing cells generating more melanin than the surrounding skin. Without targeted intervention, patches can persist for months or years. This compounded quad formula addresses all four mechanisms of abnormal pigmentation simultaneously. Hydroquinone, the only FDA-approved topical depigmenting agent, inhibits tyrosinase — the enzyme responsible for melanin synthesis — at the cellular level. Tretinoin accelerates the turnover of hyperpigmented surface cells while amplifying hydroquinone's penetration into the epidermis. Azelaic acid selectively targets overactive melanocytes without affecting normally pigmented surrounding skin, reducing the over-lightening risk of high-concentration hydroquinone. Hydrocortisone dampens the inflammatory signals that trigger and sustain melanocyte overactivity — inflammation is a primary driver of melasma — while improving initial tolerability. Available in three hydroquinone concentrations: 4%, 6%, and 8%, prescribed based on severity and depth of pigmentation.

4–8 wks
Visible fading
4-in-1
Active formula
Nightly
Application
Choose Your Hydroquinone Strength
HQ Strength
SupplyFormulaPer MonthPrice

First month includes your provider consultation. Hydroquinone is prescribed in 3-month cycles — your provider will advise on maintenance protocols after your initial course.

Begin Consult →Prescription required · Rx fulfilled by licensed pharmacy
Results Timeline
Weeks 1–2
Onset
Hydroquinone begins inhibiting melanin production at the cellular level. Tretinoin starts accelerating surface cell turnover. No visible change yet — the formula is establishing its effect in the deeper epidermal layers where pigment is produced.
Weeks 3–5
Initial Fading
Pigmented surface cells shed faster as tretinoin's cell-renewal effect accelerates. Dark spots begin to lighten at the edges. Even-toning becomes more apparent. Most patients notice a visible improvement by week 4–5.
Weeks 6–10
Active Brightening
Significant lightening of treated areas. Post-inflammatory marks and sun spots continue to fade. Melasma patches typically show the most dramatic response in this window. Skin tone becomes noticeably more uniform across the treatment area.
Month 3
Cycle Complete
End of the initial 3-month treatment cycle. Maximum results from the first course are typically achieved here. Your provider will assess your response and advise on a maintenance protocol to sustain long-term results.
Expected Benefits
Fading of dark spots and melasmaHydroquinone at prescription concentrations produces clinically significant lightening of discrete hyperpigmented areas — including post-inflammatory marks, sun damage, and melasma patches.
Even skin toneAzelaic acid selectively targets overactive melanocytes without affecting surrounding normal skin — producing brightening that is uniform rather than blotchy or over-lightened.
Improved textureTretinoin's cell-renewal effect smooths texture independently of its depigmenting action — patients typically notice reduced fine lines, pore appearance, and roughness over the course of treatment.
Prevention of new spotsHydrocortisone's anti-inflammatory action, combined with tretinoin's barrier-normalizing effect, reduces the frequency and severity of new hyperpigmentation events — particularly for patients prone to post-inflammatory marks.
Possible Side Effects
Dryness and mild peelingTretinoin-induced cell turnover causes flaking in most patients. A non-comedogenic moisturizer applied immediately after the formula significantly reduces this.
Rebound pigmentation without SPFBoth actives significantly increase photosensitivity. Any sun exposure without SPF 50+ will cause immediate rebound pigmentation — potentially worsening the condition being treated.
Ochronosis (rare, prolonged unsupervised use)Extended use of hydroquinone beyond the prescribed cycle can in rare cases cause paradoxical darkening. Prescribed in 3-month cycles specifically to prevent this.
Contraindicated in pregnancyBoth hydroquinone and tretinoin are not recommended during pregnancy. Inform your provider if pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to conceive before starting treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hydroquinone is most effective — and safest — in structured cycles rather than continuous use. Prolonged, uninterrupted use beyond 3–4 months at higher concentrations has been associated with ochronosis — a rare paradoxical darkening reaction where the skin produces an unusual pigment in response to sustained tyrosinase suppression. Cycling hydroquinone with a maintenance protocol between courses maintains the lightening benefit while allowing the skin's melanocyte activity to normalize.
Your provider will assess your pigmentation type, depth, and severity during consultation. Generally: 4% is appropriate for mild to moderate surface-level pigmentation or first-time hydroquinone users. 6% is for moderate melasma, persistent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or patients who haven't responded adequately to 4%. 8% is reserved for significant or deep-seated pigmentation. Starting lower and stepping up is always the preferred approach.
Yes, but the approach varies by skin tone. For medium to deeper skin tones, the azelaic acid component is particularly important — its selective action on overactive melanocytes (rather than blanket suppression) makes it significantly safer for avoiding over-lightening of surrounding normally-pigmented skin. Your provider will factor your skin tone into the concentration and cycling protocol prescribed.
Daily broad-spectrum SPF 50+ is mandatory — not optional. Both actives increase photosensitivity, and even brief incidental sun exposure (walking to a car, sitting near a window) can trigger rebound pigmentation that undoes weeks of progress. A mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) is preferred for patients with melasma, as chemical filters can occasionally irritate sensitized skin. Apply every morning as the last step of your routine.
Active Ingredients

What's in the
brightening formula.

This quad formula works across four distinct mechanisms simultaneously — melanin suppression, accelerated cell turnover, selective melanocyte targeting, and inflammation control. No single ingredient achieves what all four do in combination.

Hydroquinone
The only FDA-approved topical depigmenting agent. Inhibits tyrosinase — the enzyme responsible for melanin production — to reduce dark spots, melasma, and sun damage at the cellular level. Prescription concentrations (4%, 6%, 8%) are significantly more effective than the 2% OTC maximum. Prescribed in 3-month cycles to minimize the rare risk of ochronosis associated with continuous use.
Used in · Hyperpigmentation Quad Cream
Tretinoin
A prescription vitamin A retinoid that accelerates cell turnover, shedding hyperpigmented surface cells faster and enhancing hydroquinone's penetration into the epidermis — amplifying its depigmenting effect. Also stimulates collagen production and refines skin texture. Significantly increases photosensitivity; daily SPF 50+ is mandatory during use.
Used in · Hyperpigmentation Quad Cream
Azelaic Acid
Selectively targets overactive melanocytes — the cells producing excess pigment — without affecting normally pigmented surrounding skin. This selectivity is especially important for medium and deeper skin tones where over-lightening is a concern. Also independently anti-inflammatory. Prescription 15% is meaningfully more potent than OTC formulations.
Used in · Hyperpigmentation Quad Cream
Hydrocortisone
A low-potency corticosteroid with two roles: dampening the inflammatory signals that trigger and sustain melanocyte overactivity — inflammation is a primary driver of melasma — and improving tolerance of the other actives by calming initial redness and irritation. The 1% concentration is effective without the skin-thinning risks of higher-potency steroids.
Used in · Hyperpigmentation Quad Cream
How It Works

From consult
to your door.

01

Complete Your Intake

Fill out a short skin intake covering your condition, skin type, health history, and goals. Takes less than 5 minutes. All information is confidential and HIPAA-compliant.

02

Provider Review

A licensed provider reviews your intake, selects the right formula and strength for your condition, and issues your prescription — typically within 24 hours.

03

Compounded & Shipped

Your prescription is sent to a licensed compounding pharmacy where it is prepared to order and shipped discreetly to your door. No pharmacy visits required.

04

Ongoing Support

Your provider remains available for formula adjustments, strength step-ups, progress check-ins, and monthly refills throughout your treatment program.

Ready to Start

A consult
before everything.

All skin treatments require a prescription. A licensed provider reviews your skin condition and health history and recommends the right formula, strength, and application protocol. Quick, confidential, and included in your first order.

01
Submit Your IntakeFill out a short form covering your skin concerns, skin type, health history, and goals. Takes under 5 minutes.
02
Provider ReviewA licensed dermatology provider reviews your intake and prescribes the right formula, strength, and dosing protocol for your condition.
03
Rx Issued & ShippedYour prescription is sent to a licensed compounding pharmacy and ships discreetly to your door within days.
Begin Your Consult → Confidential · Quick · Included in first order

These medications are compounded pharmaceuticals and have not been individually evaluated or approved by the FDA. Available by prescription only following a licensed provider consultation. Results may vary based on individual patient factors including genetics, skin type, severity of condition, and consistency of use. Tretinoin is contraindicated during pregnancy and must not be used by women who are pregnant or may become pregnant. Hydroquinone is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Hydroquinone should be used only as directed and in 3-month cycles under provider supervision — prolonged unsupervised use is not advised. Daily broad-spectrum SPF 50+ is mandatory during tretinoin and hydroquinone treatment — failure to use sunscreen will cause rebound pigmentation and counteract treatment progress. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Alor Wellness is not a pharmacy. All prescriptions are fulfilled by a licensed compounding pharmacy. Always consult your provider before making changes to your treatment.