Tri-Luma®

What is Tri-Luma?

Tri-Luma is a cream that combines three different active ingredients that work together to reduce the appearance of dark spots associated with melasma. It’s currently the only FDA-approved topical treatment for melasma over the short term (up to eight weeks).

How does Tri-Luma work?

Tri-Luma’s three active ingredients each work in a different way to help reduce the appearance of dark spots that characterize melasma. The first is a corticosteroid, which helps manage inflammation and reduce irritation caused by the other two active ingredients (especially if you have sensitive skin).¹

The second is a depigmenting agent that blocks melanin production.¹ Melanin is a pigment that’s produced by cells in your skin, and an overproduction of melanin is thought to be associated with melasma.

The final active ingredient is a retinoid that increases the turnover of new skin cells, which can help reduce the pigmentation of your skin. It also helps the other active ingredients penetrate your skin better, and reduce their side effects.¹

What are the active ingredients in Tri-Luma?

Tri-Luma contains three different active ingredients. Fluocinolone is a corticosteroid, to help manage inflammation and reduce any irritation from the other two ingredients. Hydroquinone is a depigmenting agent that helps to reduce melanin production, to lighten your skin’s pigmentation. Tretinoin is a retinoid that speeds up how quickly your skin cells replace themselves, to help facilitate pigment reduction.

How do Tri-Luma doses work?

Tri-Luma cream is available in one dose. It contains 0.01% fluocinolone acetonide, 4% hydroquinone, and 0.05% tretinoin. That means every gram of treatment contains 0.1 mg of fluocinolone, 40 mg of hydroquinone, and 0.5 mg of tretinoin.

How to use Tri-Luma

You should always follow your prescriber’s instructions when you’re using Tri-Luma cream.

You’ll apply a thin layer of Tri-Luma to the affected area once per day, around 30 minutes before you go to bed at night. Make sure to gently wash your face and neck with a mild cleanser, and then rinse and dry the skin before application. Apply Tri-Luma to the hyperpigmented areas of skin, including around half an inch of normal skin surrounding the melasma.

It’s also really important to protect your skin from the sun, because it can make melasma worse. Avoid sunlight exposure where possible, and use SPF 30 sunscreen and protective clothing to prevent melasma from worsening.