Products to add to routine to protect skin barrier when starting tretinoin and hydroquinone?

I’m 46 and my skin tends to be dry and can be sensitive at times. I have battled melasma on and off since I was 10 years old. I have used hq and retinol in the past (as young as 13) and I am NOT making this decision to use them again lightly. I’m desperate to lighten this melasma mustache. Please don’t lecture me on HQ

I am looking for any product recommendations that will help maintain my skin barrier as I start these. (Yes I plan to go slow with them) A few years ago my skin was very dehydrated and sensitive. I’d hate to end up back there.

Currently, I’m using AM: Purerb caviar lime cleansing foam (I plan to switch this to a Cetaphil cleanser.)

Rhonda Allison brightening tonic (plan to switch this to a hydrating toner. Any recommendations?)

Lactic acid serum 3x wk (plan to stop this)

15%niacinamide peptide serum with 20% vit c (will pause this and add back in if tolerated)

Hyaluronic serum (will continue)

Vanicream daily

Is clinical 50+spf

Evening:

Purerb caviar lime cleansing foam (I plan to switch this to a cetaphil cleanser)

Skin Script glycolic retinol pads (will stop using)

15% niacinamide (will stop)

Hyaluronic serum (will continue)

A heavy cream (thinking of vanicream in the tub?)

You could skip morning cleanser altogether. The routine looks fine to me, the most important product for barrier repair will be the moisturizer

Think the vanicream daily in the AM and the vanicream in the tub in the PM will suffice?

Yes that would probably work