Description
What is Tri-Luma® cream?
Tri-Luma cream with active substances fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin is a clinical strength high-quality cream for skin hyperpigmentation removal. Tri-Luma is a triple combination cream which works for melasma, skin hyperpigmentation, dark spots, freckles, dark discolorations. It lightens the skin, reducing inflammation, and increasing exfoliation. Tri-Luma should always be used in conjunction with sun-avoidance measures, like using strong sunscreens and wearing protective clothing, it dramatically improves the appearance of melasma. It is not recommended to use Tri-Luma cream longer than 5 months in a row. Tri-Luma RD should always be used in accordance with the instructions of your dermatologist.
Melasma is a skin condition that affects the appearance of the facial skin, causing brown patches to appear. These are due to excess melanin production (the pigment that gives the skin its color). It could be related to pregnancy or pills which have been taken by the affected person, sunlight is also believed to trigger it. Melasma also is known as chronic skin hyperpigmentation characterized by symmetrical, blotchy, brownish facial pigmentation. Melasma/chloasma is caused by the overproduction of melanin by the pigment-producing cells melanocytes.
Tri-Luma cream has two versions: with low-strength components – Hydroquinone 2%/Tretinoin 0.025%/Fluocinolone Acetonide 0.01% and a version with high-strength components: Hydroquinone 4%/Tretinoin 0.05%/Fluocinolone 0.01% active ingredients that is designed for topical treatment of stubborn/severe hyperpigmentation cases and skin color issues. An anti-melasma cream with 3 active ingredients, uniquely combined and more effective than solutions containing only two of the ingredients. Manufactured by reputable Galderma, a unique triple-combination topical therapy for the short-term (8-week) treatment of the dark spots associated with moderate-to-severe facial melasma:
- Hydroquinone 4% – skin depigmenting agent flawlessly blocks the melanin, and evens skin tone;
- Tretinoin 0.05% – synthetic vitamin A, it renews the skin;
- Fluocinolone acetonide 0.01% – anti-inflammatory agent, helps to heal the skin, reducing the inflammation.
Hydroquinone 4%: The production of melanin is controlled by the enzyme tyrosine, which is found in the melanosomes of melanocytes. Hydroquinone 4% in Triluma cream is a tyrosinase inhibitor that works by blocking the action of tyrosinase, which inhibits the formation of melanin by melanocytes. It also increases the breakdown of melanosomes that contain melanin. As the amount of melanin produced decreases the darkened skin gradually lightens to match normal skin color.
Tretinoin 0.05%: Tretinoin in cream is an active metabolite of Vitamin A and is a keratolytic medicated retinol that works by binding to specific retinoic acid receptors in the nucleus of skin cells and affects the way skin cells behave, which regulates cell growth and differentiation; it also has anti-inflammatory properties. Tretinoin 0.05% is thought to act by enhancing skin epithelial cell proliferation and accelerating epithelial differentiation; it also blocks the hardening processes of the outer skin layer (keratinization and cornification) and increases the shedding of old hardened skin cells, while at the same time promoting the growth of new skin cells. The combined effect of these actions is to speed up skin cell turnover which has the effect of lightening the skin.
Fluocinolone Acetonide 0.01%: Triluma cream also contains the synthetic mild anti-inflammatory component, which is a medium potency anti-inflammatory that is often used for topical application as it concentrates in the skin but does not enter the blood circulation and, therefore, has the minimal systemic effect. Fluocinolone acetonide 0.01% in the cream works by blocking the production of inflammatory chemicals, like prostaglandins and leukotrienes; and also narrows and constricts causes blood vessels that have become dilated (widened) and leaky allowing other inflammatory cells into the skin to escalate the inflammatory response. The anti-inflammatory actions of Fluocinolone in Triluma cream reduce the risk of developing contact dermatitis that may be caused by other Triluma cream components like hydroquinone and tretinoin. This combination of strong ingredients for the treatment of melasma has been found to provide better improvement than treatment with a single-component cream like plane hydroquinone or tretinoin exfoliator.
Other ingredients (excipients): butylated hydroxytoluene, cetyl alcohol, citric acid, glycerin, glyceryl stearate, magnesium aluminum silicate, methyl gluceth-10, Methylparaben, PEG-100 stearate, propylparaben, purified water, sodium metabisulfite, stearic acid, and stearyl alcohol.
Tri Luma cream key ingredients
- Fluocinolone 0.01 is classified as a mild anti-inflammatory component and it is said to work by reducing inflammation on the skin.
- Hydroquinone 4 also called dihydroxybenzene is a topical skin brightening agent that works by inhibiting the action of an enzyme called tyrosinase. This, in turn, helps to prevent the formation of melanin and contributes to skin depigmentation, allowing for the melanin patches to become brighter.
- Tretinoin 0.05 also called all-trans retinoic acid – is a form of vitamin A which plays a key role in cellular growth and regeneration. Topical application helps to rejuvenate and revitalize the surface of the skin.
How Tri-Luma Hydroquinone 4 + Tretinoin 0.05 cream works
Tri-Luma cream provides fast results for skin hyperpigmentation treatment even after the first 6-8 weeks of application, approved by FDA, and contains 3 active ingredients. The term hyperpigmentation refers to the dark, discolored patches of skin that occur when melanin is overproduced. Reasons for this overproduction include sun exposure, skin damage, hormones, and certain medications. The condition is typically harmless, though its appearance on prominent areas of the body, such as the face, can affect your self-esteem. Fortunately, there are several over-the-counter fade creams intended for home use. At-home creams and lotions lighten dark spots over time and offer a less-expensive, less-invasive alternative to professional treatments. Consult a professional to determine one that is suitable for you.
Tri-Luma cream works by decreasing melanin production in skin cells – melanocytes with the help of hydroquinone 4% salts, tretinoin 0.05% component help to shred and pill an older and darker skin part, fluocinolone acetonide 0.01% protect skin from inflammations.
Melasma condition is spread through persons who have a genetic predisposition and may be triggered by various factors including sun exposure, pregnancy, hormone treatments, some toiletries, and low thyroid hormone conditions. TriLuma cream is a powerful 3-way combination treatment that lightens the skin and reduces the risk of dermatitis, inflammation of the skin that can be associated with using skin lighteners alone to treat melasma. Tri-luma cream contains 3 different ingredients which are anti-inflammatory component Fluocinolone 0.01 + keratolytic, mild peel, and skin repair agent Tretinoin 0.05 + OTC grade topical skin lightener agent Hydroquinone 4%.
How to use TriLuma cream
Wash your face with soap and lukewarm water, then pat dry. Refrain from using harsh cleansers, as these can dry out and irritate the skin.
Apply the TriLuma cream to the treatment area. Rub it in well, making sure that the medication stays within the patches of discoloration. Hydroquinone 4% is a bleaching agent that works by preventing melanin production. It affects both abnormally and normally pigmented skin; therefore, application outside of the intended treatment area can result in spots of lighter-than-average pigmentation.
Wash your hands to remove any remaining TriLuma cream. Recommended using the treatment once a day, at least 30 minutes before bedtime. During the day, wear a broad-spectrum SPF 15 sunscreen or moisturizer to prevent hyperpigmented areas from further darkening.
Triluma cream should always be used as instructed by your dermatologist. To use the cream correctly, follow these steps:
- Apply Triluma cream at night, at least 30 minutes before bedtime;
- Gently wash your face with a mild cleanser. Don’t use a washcloth to apply the cleanser, just your fingers. Rinse and pat your skin dry;
- Put a small amount (pea-sized or ½ inch or less) of Triluma cream on your fingertip. Apply a thin coat onto the discolored spot(s). Include about ½ inch of normal skin surrounding the affected area;
- After you have used the cream for a while, you may find that you need slightly less to do the job;
- Rub the cream lightly and uniformly into your skin. The cream should become invisible almost at once. If you can still see it, you are using too much;
- Keep the cream away from the corners of your nose, your mouth, eyes, open wounds. Spread it away from those areas when applying it;
- Do not use more Triluma cream or apply it more often than recommended by your dermatologist. Too much Triluma cream may irritate your skin and won’t give you faster or better results;
- Do not cover the treated area with anything after applying the cream;
- During the use of Triluma cream, you may experience redness, peeling, burning, dryness, itching, or other skin irritation. If your skin gets too irritated, stop using the cream, and let your dermatologist know;
- Triluma cream may also cause a gradual blue-black darkening of your skin; if this happens, stop using the product immediately and speak to your dermatologist;
- To help avoid skin dryness, you may use a moisturizer in the morning after you wash your face. You may also use a moisturizer and cosmetics during the day;
- Use a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and a wide-brimmed hat over the treated areas. It requires only a small amount of sunlight—not just a sunburn—to worsen melasma;
- If you do get sunburned, stop using the cream until your skin is healed. After stopping treatment with Triluma cream, continue to protect your skin from sunlight;
- Only your dermatologist knows which other drugs may be helpful during treatment and will tell you about them if needed. Do not use other medicines unless your dermatologist approves them.
Tri-luma generic cream is indicated for topical application. Strict compliance with the instructions given by your dermatologist will be needed at all times. This cream works best if used at night, and dermatologists generally advise applying it 30 minutes before you go to bed. However, you may wish to wash your face before applying the cream, after which it should be gently patted dry.
Your dermatologist may tell you to apply a small amount (1/2 inch) of cream onto the fingertip, after which it should be thinly coated onto the areas affected by hyperpigmentation. The cream should be gently rubbed into the skin, taking care to ensure that it doesn`t get into the mouth, eyes, or nose. Generally, treatment is continued for a short period of time (8 weeks). After the full treatment period recommended using naturally derived azelaic acid 20% cream to protect, lighten, and regenerate skin upper layer.
Contraindications when using Tri-Luma cream
Tri-Luma should always be used in accordance with the instructions of your dermatologist. Pregnancy and lactation, acute inflammation (including eczema) lesions of the skin (dermatitis, seborrhea, and others), rosacea, skin lesions (wounds, burns, etc), photosensitivity, diseases of the rectum, of liver or kidney, Addison’s disease, asthma, allergic to sulfites, or to any of the components of the cream, hypersensitivity to any component of the cream (discontinue use and consult a dermatologist if you have any of these symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat).
Side effects: redness, peeling, burning, dryness, and itching at the site of application. Discontinue use and notify your dermatologist if you have any of the following side effects: darkening of the treated skin, strong irritation of the skin, the formation of bubbles, dribbling, scaling or crusting, painful burning or swelling of the skin, any type of breathing problems, irritation of your eyes, nose or mouth.
Crema Triluma side effects
If you notice any signs of side effects during application and usage of Triluma cream with main ingredients Fluocinolone / Hydroquinone / Tretinoin, ensure that you notify your dermatologist. The following side effects are widespread: acne, dry skin, erythema, itchy feeling, peeling of the skin, should you notice black-blue discoloration appearing on the skin or severe irritation visit your dermatologist straight away.
Tri Luma cream precautions
Triluma crema (Fluocinolone Acetonide/Hydroquinone/Tretinoin) is for topical use only. Do not use abrasive cleaning products, soaps, or other cosmetic products that produce a drying effect or which have high alcohol or astringent levels. Ask your dermatologist about which cleansers are safe for use during Triluma cream applications.
Application of Triluma is also known as Tri-Luma cream alternative can make it easier for your skin to become sunburned. Therefore, stay out of the sun whenever possible, and protect yourself with long-sleeved clothing, a cap, and other protective clothing if you must go outside. Also recommended to use strong SPF lotions against UV sunlight rays.
Indication: Triluma cream is indicated for the short‐term (up to 8 weeks) treatment of moderate to severe melasma of the face in the presence of measures for sun avoidance, including the use of sunscreens.
Adverse events: In the controlled clinical trials, the most frequently reported events were redness, peeling, burning, dryness, and itching at the site of application.
Warnings/Precautions: Triluma contains sulfites which may cause severe, life‐threatening allergic reactions in people allergic to sulfites. Triluma contains hydroquinone, which may cause a gradual blue‐black darkening of the skin. If you are pregnant, nursing or trying to become pregnant you should not use Triluma. Safety and efficacy have not been established in individuals with darker skin. Reversible HPA axis (adrenal function) suppression may result from exposure to the topical fluocinolone, so discontinue use if signs and symptoms of this condition occur. Avoid products that may dry or irritate the skin, such as abrasive cleansers, scrubs, or skin‐peeling agents. Exposure to sunlight, sunlamps, or UV light and extreme heat, wind, or cold should be avoided. If exposure cannot be avoided, sunscreen products [SPF 30 or more] and protective apparel should be used.
Creams to get rid of freckles
Freckles appear as small spots of skin discoloration, often dotting your face, chest, shoulders, arms, and legs. Freckles may detract from the flawless, even skin tone you want and may even be an important indicator of skin cancer risks. Several skin care creams like Triluma crema from Galderma can help you fade and lighten freckles. 2% Hydroquinone component of this cream works by inhibiting skin pigment production and bleaching the skin cells. It’s effective for fading hyperpigmented skin conditions like freckles.
Once faded, the results may last for up to one year before you need additional hydroquinone treatments. Numerous creams in the okdermo.com store contain hydroquinone at concentrations of approximately 2 percent to 5 percent and will effectively lighten your freckles within two months. Everyone has to follow the total sun avoidance program during the treatment and always consult your dermatologist prior to using Tri luma cream amazon. You can always buy Tri-Luma cream online via the okdermo.com website. Tri-Luma cream can be bought online OTC via amazon and Paypal on the OKDERMO Skincare store.
Tyrell Mosley –
I have seem amazing results in just a week when I first started using it.
Jaron Martin –
It’s working !!! It is absolutely worth it!!
Rylee C –
I’ve been self-conscious about this for far too long.
Jeramiah P. –
I was prescribed this by my dermatologist because I was developing brownish skin on my upper lip during the summer when I have more sun exposure. I have been on the same birth control for 12 years and never had an issue until now. I tried a bleaching cream from Amazon that didn’t do much. My insurance is known to be pretty good, but because this is a cosmetic issue it is not covered. I spent about $60 on this tube of TriLuma cream via okdermo. The price is reasonable to cheap, but I only need a dab at night and after a week of use my issue has been cleared! I use SPF 100 sunscreen on my upper lip and a dot of this cream at night and I am all set. It is worth it for me.
Annabella Franco –
Tri Luma is the only product out there that worked/works for me and that has made a huge difference in my life.
Killian Reid –
LOVE!
Andre Mcclure –
I am not a blogger at all but I feel it is my duty to write this review because I know there are countless other women who suffer from persistent melasma like myself. It has been almost two years that I have been fighting with ugly dark spots on my cheeks and upper lip due to contraceptions which I quit using after finding out what I thought to be harmless sunspots are actually a nightmarish side effect of birth control pills. After several visits to different doctors’ offices and a ton of useless over-the-counter drugs my last and and most understanding dermatologist prescribed Tri-luma, even though this is not a cure, in less than ten days my spots are visibly lighter and barely noticeable. It works!
Angeline Harris –
As others have noted, I too have tried many different products and procedures to reduce or eliminate my melasma. It was deep in nature and over my forehead, cheeks and upper lip. Makeup barely helped to mask the melasma. I ordered Triluma online through an okdermo and have been using it morning and night for the past month. All I can say is hallelujah!! Although the melasma isn’t completely gone is it a good 80% lightened on my cheeks & upper lip. My forehead has lightened, but not quite as much. Maybe 60 to 70% lighter. I wear a non-chemical sunscreen (zinc oxide type), and generally wear a hat when out in the sun.
Santiago Hardy –
Had so much dark spots and my doctor prescribed this medication best thing ever work in less than a Week am happy skin is flawless now
Carlie –
Tri-luma works great. Have been using it for post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Only thing is that just as soon as you stop using it the dark areas come back. You can maintain the result with an azelaic acid, kojic acid, glycolic, etc.
Dominic L. –
This product is amazing!
Lexi –
I have been suffering from a bad case of melasma on my upper lip and both cheeks for about 6 years. And I say suffering because anyone who has had melasma can understand how it makes you feel and the damage it can do to your self esteem. I did the obagi system 3 years ago and it helped but never completely got rid of it. I then tried other creams without hydroquinone and none worked and I went from cheap to expensive. I went to an esthetician and she recommended I got to my doctor and try Tri Luma before trying lasers as they could do more damage (I’m hispanic with olive skin). I started the Tri Luma reluctantly and I cant believe how fast this works! My family has made comments how much better my skin looks already. My mom said it looked like I was trying to cover bruises with makeup and now she can’t see the melasma under my makeup! I am not clear but its much much lighter in about 2 weeks.
Keagan Bridges –
I have very mild sun damage and my skin was just starting to look dull and tired. I take care of my skin, exfoliate regularly and moisturize. But I am in my early 40’s and just didn’t seem to have a “fresh” looking complexion anymore. HELLO TRI-LUMA! I just started using this product after my doctor suggested it. I don’t have enough damage or problems to warrant peels or more intense treatment options so Tri-Luma was his recommendation. And I must say, just after a few treatments, my face looks AMAZING. I am so thankful something like this exists. I highly recommend. And the cost is nothing compared to what you could spend on facials, peels and random expensive beauty creams. Who needs $500 LaMer when $100 Tri-Luma exists? Duh.
Laura Mooney –
Negative reviews seem to be people that weren’t given proper instructions (or ignored the instruction given) to say out of the sun or use strong protection when using.
Julien G. –
I’ve struggled with melasma for a long time. I was so tired of my extensive make up routine and feeling embarrassed to be bare faced in front of my boyfriend, my confidence was shot. After researching many products to see if there was any hope I stumbled upon this gem of a page. Tri luma!! I can’t praise this product enough, it’s changed my life. I went out in public with no make up on for the first time in years. It took about a month to see drastic results. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see results in one week, keep diligent with the routine and it will work. So worth the money.
Justine Mcdowell –
I have never written a review for a product before, and I fall under the category of people that had previously tried EVERY single other method out there for melasma, seeing hydroquinone products as a last last last resort. I’ve spent a good $300 bucks trying to rid myself of the melasma mustache that I received from a combo of birth control pills and sun exposure. After consulting with a dermatologist, the preconceived notions I had against hydroquinone got cleared up, and I started taking Tri-Luma. It’s been SEVEN DAYS, and my melasma is almost gone. I could not be more thankful.
Cohen –
Very satisfied and happy with the result. As long as you put sunscreen, you’re fine.
Yolanda R. –
Pretty good results, thank you!
Audrina Mcdowell –
Thank you for finally bringing it back!
Christopher I –
I’ve had melasma since 2007. I notice a small brown patch on my right side of my cheek and didn’t think nothing of it till someone else noticed that it was there and was spreading. I think I was in denial until I seen it on my forehead and then on my other cheek and also upper lip. I spent a lot of money, time, and a lot of disappoint on many products. Until 2 weeks ago when my dermatologist suggested that I try tri-luma. I was at the point to where I was so discouraged and depressed I was at my point that I just didn’t even want to try. I thought to myself. I’ll try one more item and only cuz I looked up the reviews on tri-luma and believe me it’s not cheap. But I will admit it is out of this world amazing. And it really works.
Raiden Arellano –
All I can say is Hallelujah!!!!
Jase F –
I’ve tried everything. I’ve tried Rodin and Fields, I’ve tried very expensive chemical peels, I’ve tried regular hydroquinone. This is the only thing that has given me any results. I’ve been using it for a few weeks and I’ve already seen a difference. It’s been especially effective on the melasma on my fore head, although it is also made my melasma mustache considerably lighter. You have to go to the doctor to have it prescribed, and it is very expensive if buy by rx.
Kane L. –
Amazing!
Aryana Sanford –
I’m so amazed Saw a huge difference in 4 days Today is day 16 and my cheeks are CLEAR.
Zayne –
Some people have commented that their skin actually has gotten darker a few days after beginning to apply Tri-Luma. The same happened to me, but I realized that my problem was that after I applied Tri-Luma before bed time, I would read for about one hour with a light directly on my face. The chemicals in the cream were reacting to the light. I stopped the treatment for a few days. When again I started applying Tri-Luma, I immediately turned off the lights and went to sleep. That worked! After two months I now have about 90% clearer skin (I am olive skinned).
Kinley Barnett –
God is so good, I got my skin back.
Kenya J. –
This Cream will only work when you apply it. Once you stop, Hyperpigmentation reappears even faster than it disappeared. Means that you have to use a skin lightening alterantives like kojic/azelaic/glycolic etc acids to maintain the results forever after TriLuma treatment.
Branden Byrd –
Is this product a few years ago then the company stopped making it was very disappointed because the results are awesome want to see my derm she said the pharmaceutical company is making triluma again and 4 days later my face is completely clear I was advised to continue to wear my sunscreen and hats
Braeden Spears –
I am happy that its available again!
Jason W. –
After struggling with melasma under my eyes from birth control and sun exposure I tried many different products and none even seemed to make any difference. Within a week and a half of use Triluma has reduced the darkness by probably 75%. Use sparingly and follow instructions, more isn’t better with this product. A small amount does the trick.
Holly Fleming –
I’m very disappointed, my dermatologist prescribed Triluma. After the first tube which was I got from the dermatologist, the brown spot became darker. I went back to the dermatologist and he said that I should continue using the product. I bought the second tube and the spots fade away very slightly, but as soon as I stop using it the spot just reappear.
Marjo –
I began to see results within two weeks. The dark patches and mottled appearance of my skin has almost completely disappeared. I have received several compliments on how clear my skin looks. A little goes long way so don’t use too much. The results are fantastic! The price is brllliant, youve never find cheaper triluma analogs with then in okdermo!! Thanks to you!
Monserrat Garcia –
My advice – get off birth control immediately, practice religious sun care, and don’t be afraid of hydroquinone 🙂
Luke Cooper –
So happy to see it available again with okdermo!
Ritah N. –
Been using this product for almost a month and I can say it really is clearing up my melasma, lighten up scars. I really can’t wait to see how my skin will look by December!
Kaylen Rowe –
I never had any skin problem until my first pregnancy at 27. I was not make up or any other cream user, but had the very clean face. Everyone, stops me and ask me what kind of make I use. But this became story after I gave birth to my first child. I have been struggling with it one day Dr. Simpson prescribed this cream for me. With in few days , the very brown spot on my nose went away. Good is so good!!!! Ladies with same problem, please give it try and hope you won’t regret. May glory be to the Mighty LORD!
Mommy Love –
Wow thank you! One fifth the price of tri luma , works exactly the same!
Ella Murillo –
this is a product that TRULY WORKS, I’m 58 years young and I have a a few dark spots on my cheek. After 2 weeks, all 3 spots were lighter, after 3 weeks they are nearly not noticeable. I’m on my 4th week and I couldn’t love this product any more. One expensive tube will last several months and is worth every penny of it.
Kailee H –
It’s hard to believe that there is a product out there that actually works but this is it.
John –
Within 2 weeks there was a noticeable difference. By 4 it had all gone. It was on the tip of my nose so very noticeable. I stopped using after 6 weeks as directed and noticed it coming back by a week later. I’ve started using again and disappeared within a few days. VERY happy!
valeria (verified owner) –
I had very bad melasma for 3-4 years now due to hormonal imbalance. I always had a fantastic skin and I was totally frustrated and mortified. It looked to me I had aged 20 years in a couple of months. I tried Hydroquinone alone, Retin A alone, many other bleaching products, and this is the only one that made a very marked difference in basically 1-2 weeks. I cannot believe it, because I thought if Hydroquinone and Retin A don’t do much, why a combination of them would work…but it actually does. Yes, I am aware that results will last as far as you keep using it. Melasma is often a chronic condition, sadly, unless at some point the hormones get to another balance that makes it go away. But it’s still excellent and absolutely worth the money. I now can go around without any make up and the skin will look just OK, which is incredible.
Zephyr (verified owner) –
My skin was peeling like crazy and became really red and sensitive. After I had stopped using it, the skin that grew back was noticeably darker for some reason; I had to stop using it and apply 5% hydroquinone + monobenzone to lighten it, luckily it’s returned to the original color. I strongly discourage this for long-term usage, and combining it with monobenzone would make your skin hurt like crazy so DON’T Do IT.
Sulagna Bal (verified owner) –
I received this item after a long month of wait after placing an order. The packets were open and the products were damaged. I am so dissatisfied by their customer service.