Skin Care Review: Tri-Luma

Rating
Adverse Effects

Benefits
faster than otc with hydroquinone alone

Drawbacks
Requires Rx; caused scarring cystic acne. Bleaching effects all areas of the skin.

Details
Combining hydroquinone with tretinoin and flucinolone acetonid gives this product more oomph than typical otc bleaches. The product did work to lighten up what was an undiguiseable case of hyperpigmentation, but at the same time gave me two painful and scarring acne cysts on my upper lip, and bleached the entire skin area such that I still had odd appearing complexion of lighter spots on lighter skin than the rest of my face. I tried applying with a fine art brush to target the spots only, but had to give up when the second cyst showed up- it just wasn't worth the side effects. I still have a reddish scar 2 yrs later from that experience to complement my hyperpigmentation. The best thing I have done for the melasma is become obsessive about sunscreen and hats- and searching for cosmetics to blend it all in a natural looking way.

Conclusions
Works fast but unacceptable side-effects

Price (paid by reviewer)

Where to find it
by prescription only