Health insurance doesn't typically cover the cost of prescription creams for dark spots or uneven skin tone. To find out if your insurance will pay for any prescribed medications, you'll need to contact them directly. Amazon One Medical providers cannot help with insurance documentation or support prior authorizations through On-Demand Care.
Dark spot and melasma treatment
Share your symptoms with Health AI and get treatment from a provider if appropriate.
*Available only if prescribed. Medication price is for Prime members and varies based on prescription and payment method.
How it works
Check-in with Health AI
Complete a check-in with the help of Health AI.
Discuss with a provider
Review your health concern or treatment request with a One Medical provider via message.
Get treatment
Receive your care plan. If appropriate, prescriptions are sent to your pharmacy and, if you use Amazon Pharmacy, delivered to your door (if eligible).
Common prescription dark spot correctors and melasma creams
Your Amazon One Medical provider will determine which (if any) dark spot remover, melasma cream, or postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) treatment is medically appropriate for you based on your symptoms and health history. If you're prescribed medication, your provider will send the prescription to your preferred pharmacy. Choose Amazon Pharmacy for free delivery and transparent Prime pricing. The cost of your prescribed medication is not included with the treatment cost.
Prescriptions for oral tranexamic acid and kojic acid aren't available through On-Demand Care.
Tretinoin (Retin-A)
Hydroquinone 4%
Azelaic acid
What causes dark spots? Can they go away?
Dark spots, also called brown spots or age spots, are caused by sun exposure and cumulative photodamage to the skin. Because of this, they tend to become more common as people age.
You can help prevent dark spots by using sunscreen everyday. To lighten dark spots and even out skin tone, healthcare providers can prescribe topical face products that decrease pigment production in the skin.
What is melasma? What causes it?
Melasma is a chronic skin condition that causes certain sun-exposed areas like the forehead and cheeks to become darker (hyperpigmented) in patches.
Melasma can be caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays, hormonal influences like pregnancy, and genetics. The condition is more common in women than men, and it can be treated with prescription skin lightening creams like hydroquinone and azelaic acid.
Frequently asked questions
Will health insurance pay for any prescribed medication to treat dark spots and uneven skin tone?
Can I request online treatment for acne scars?
If your acne scars are flat, discolored areas that are only noticeable at a close distance, then a telehealth provider may be able to prescribe treatments to help.
If your acne scars are clearly visible and either indent into the skin or are raised, firm scars or bumps, then we recommend seeing a dermatologist to discuss options that would work best for you. Treatment options for this type of scarring may involve more intensive procedures like chemical peels, laser treatment, or microneedling.
Can you treat raised dark spots or moles that have appeared recently?
If you’ve noticed new raised dark spots or moles within the past 6 months, we recommend seeing a primary care provider or dermatologist who can check for more serious causes.
What if I'm mostly concerned about wrinkles?
If you're mainly concerned about fine lines and wrinkles on your face, we recommend that you request on-demand treatment for anti-aging and anti-wrinkle skin care, or you can see a primary care provider for further evaluation.
If you have fine lines and you're also interested in lightening any sun spots or darker patches on your face, this is a good place to start your treatment.
What are the potential risks of using hydroquinone?
Longer-term, regular use (over 3 months) of hydroquinone increases your risk of developing ochronosis, a permanent blue/black discoloration of the skin.
For this reason, Amazon One Medical providers won't prescribe hydroquinone for longer than 3 months in a 12-month period.
What is PIH?
Post-inflammatory pigmentation (PIH) is darkening of the skin that happens after an injury or inflammation heals. The skin makes extra pigment, which leaves dark spots where the problem was.
How do you prevent potential side effects of Retin-A?
Because retinoids like tretinoin (Retin-A) can cause skin irritation, redness, and peeling, healthcare providers typically prescribe the lowest active dose when you start treatment. The drug's concentration can be increased over time as your skin becomes more tolerant. Side effects tend to peak within the first 2 weeks of treatment.
When should I see a dermatologist for my melasma?
If your Amazon One Medical provider determines that you have moderate to severe melasma, characterized by very dark patches affecting a large area of your face, they may recommend that you see a dermatologist (skin specialist) for more treatment options.
Please note that TriLuma - a topical medication that combines fluocinolone acetonide, hydroquinone, and tretinoin - is usually prescribed in cases of moderate to severe melasma.
Clinical sources
1. Jiang, J., Akinseye, O., Tovar-Garza, A., & Pandya, A. G. (2017). The effect of melasma on self-esteem: A pilot study. International journal of women's dermatology, 4(1), 38–42.
2. McKesey, J., Tovar-Garza, A., & Pandya, A. G. (2020). Melasma Treatment: An Evidence-Based Review. American journal of clinical dermatology, 21(2), 173–225.
3. Wang, R. F., Ko, D., Friedman, B. J., Lim, H. W., & Mohammad, T. F. (2023). Disorders of hyperpigmentation. Part I. Pathogenesis and clinical features of common pigmentary disorders. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 88(2), 271–288.
