I've been using Triluma for 5 mos & was told to switch to Azelaic Acid 15% (AZA) and tretinoin. The triluma helped but it's for short term usage only. It's been 5 days since I started AZA & noticed my melasma has slowly darken. Did anyone experience darkening using AZA before it started to lighten? This occurred when I started triluma & it took approx 3 wks before I saw results. I will start adding the tretinoin in the PM today and use the AZA in the AM. Just not sure if the 15% azelaic is not strong enough, which is why its darkening. Please let me know if anyone had experience using Azelaic Acid and Tretinoin for melasma. Trying to stay off the hydroquinone for a couple months. Since I have an autoimmune disease, lasers and peels should be avoided. Any advice or suggestion is greatly appreciated.