Science & Skincare

Have you heard about the Tri-Luma cream on social media recently? I have seen it cropping up everywhere!

The origin of this trend is something I am not entirely sure of. However, I can discuss whether or not it can help your hyperpigmentation.

What Is Tri-Luma Cream Used For?

From what I’ve seen, social media has it right this time. Tri-Luma is a cream that targets hyperpigmentation.

Specially, Melasma.

It has three, fluocinolone acetonide, hydroquinone, and tretinoin, powerful ingredients in it. Each ingredient has a very specific function.

Fluocinolone acetonide is a corticosteroid that is used in skincare to reduce inflammation. Hydroquinone is a well-known melanin synthesis inhibitor. This makes it useful in evening out the skin tone.

Lastly, you can find some tretinoin in this product. Tretinoin is a vitamin A derivative that is commonly prescribed by dermatologists for the treatment of acne and acute promyelocytic leukemia. It is sold under varies names including (but not limited to); Altreno, Atralin, Avita and Refissa.

The cream is normally used for the short term treatment of melasma and is not recommended for long term maintenance of the skin condition.

There haven’t been many studies into it’s benefits and the most recent study (I could find) on it’s uses in comparison to other treatments found that it isn’t the most useful way to treat melasma or PIH.

The study found that, while Tri-Luma is US FDA approved, there are many non-HQ brightening/lightening agents, including antioxidant and botanical cosmeceuticals, that can improve the skin, with less potential irritation.

The study also found that combining topical therapy with procedures such as chemical peels, intense pulsed light (IPL), fractional non-ablative lasers or radiofrequency and/or micro needling produces the most enhanced results.

Another potential limitation of the cream to consider before purchase, is that melasma usually recurs upon discontinuation of Tri-Luma.

Conclusion

The pro’s of this cream seem to be that the combination of strong ingredients could provide you with quick, drastic improvements of melasma. However, this cream is not for continued use and therefore any improvements could be lost.

It would seem to be more beneficial to use a variety of more gentle, OTC products if you are not sure what the right treatment to invest in is.

For more information on this cream please speak to a dermatologist.

References

Melasma and Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: Management Update and Expert Opinion, 2016, STL Volume 21 Number 1, Bryan Sofen, MD¹; Giselle Prado, BS²; Jason Emer, MD³

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