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The Daily Insight

Does Tri Luma treat acne?

Author

James Craig

Updated on March 05, 2026

Wexler, two topical brands are often prescribed for scars that won't seem to go away: Tri-luma (which features Retin-A, hydroquinone and anti-inflammatory hydrocortisone) and Aczone (which is often used to combat acne but can be prescribed for scarring, too, since it has "growth factors that will spur collagen,"

Also to know is, how long does it take for Tri Luma to work?

It may take up to 4 weeks to notice significant improvement. However, this medication is not recommended for long-term use (e.g., longer than 8 weeks) without stopping the medication for short periods. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens after 4 weeks of treatment.

Additionally, can you use Tri Luma under eyes? Trilima cream is perhaps the most well publicized lightening agent and is primarily used for hyperpigmentation but can be used for dark circles. Triluma contains 4% hydroquinone as well as a mild steroid and tretinoin. See below for instructions on its use.

Additionally, what does Tri Luma treat?

Tri-Luma (fluocinolone acetonide 0.01%, hydroquinone 4%, tretinoin 0.05%) is a combination of three medications (a steroid, a skin bleaching agent, and a form of vitamin A) used to treat melasma (dark skin patches) of the face. Tri-Luma Cream should be applied once daily at night.

Why was Tri Luma taken off the market?

Tri-Luma is nearly identical and just used a different steroid, but since it is commercially made, it ends up being less expensive. The problem is that production was brought to a halt for years because of the same backlog at the FDA that has taken many other medications off the market.

Related Question Answers

Is Tri Luma effective?

Several studies comparing Tri-Luma to hydroquinone 4% alone show that Tri-Luma has a 30% better rate of complete clearing. Despite the fact that Tri-Luma has been shown to be the most cost-effective treatment for melasma it's still not covered by most insurance companies, and it's expensive.

What hormones cause melasma?

When melasma occurs during pregnancy, it is also called chloasma, or "the mask of pregnancy." Pregnant women experience increased estrogen, progesterone, and melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) levels during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Melanocytes are the cells in the skin that deposit pigment.

Can you put moisturizer over Triluma?

Do not cover the treated area with anything after applying TRI-LUMA Cream. If your skin gets too irritated, stop using TRI-LUMA Cream, and let your doctor know. 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.

What is the cost of Tri Luma?

The cost for Tri-Luma topical cream (0.01%-4%-0.05%) is around $221 for a supply of 30 grams, depending on the pharmacy you visit. Prices are for cash paying customers only and are not valid with insurance plans. Tri-Luma is available as a brand name drug only, a generic version is not yet available.

How do you get rid of melasma fast?

Hydroquinone: This medicine is a common first treatment for melasma. It is applied to the skin and works by lightening the skin. You will find hydroquinone in medicine that comes as a cream, lotion, gel, or liquid. You can get some of these without a prescription.

How can I remove brown spots from my face?

How to Remove Dark Spots on Face and Neck
  1. Aloe Vera Gel. Apply aloe vera juice or natural aloe vera gel directly to the dark spots for 30 minutes in the morning and evening.
  2. Apple Cider Vinegar.
  3. Buttermilk.
  4. Castor Oil.
  5. Horseradish.
  6. Hydrogen Peroxide.
  7. Garbanzo Beans.
  8. Lemons.

Is lemon good for melasma?

Lemon juice as the citric acid in lemon is a natural bleaching agent, which can help to lighten the skin. – Squeeze the juice from half a lemon and dilute with water. Next, dip a cotton ball in the liquid and apply the lemon juice to your face, or where you wish to lighten the skin.

How do you permanently treat melasma?

Doctors often use hydroquinone as the first line of treatment for melasma. Hydroquinone is available as a lotion, cream, or gel. A person can apply the hydroquinone product directly to the patches of skin that are discolored. Hydroquinone is available over the counter, but a doctor can also prescribe stronger creams.

What do doctors prescribe for melasma?

In fact, the only topical ointment currently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of melasma is a triple-combination cream, a composite of hydroquinone 4%, tretinoin 0.05%, and fluocinolone acetonide 0.01% (Tri-Luma).

Does hydroquinone cause skin thinning?

Melanin gives our skin (and eyes and hair) pigment; less melanin means lighter skin. But hydroquinone has some serious side effects. Additionally, many skin-lightening products contain prescription-strength steroids, which can cause acne and the thinning of the skin to the point where veins and bruises show easily.

What happens when you stop using hydroquinone cream?

Side effects of hydroquinone products Side effects that should warrant stopping the cream and seeking medical advice immediately include severe burning, itching, crusting, or swelling of treated areas (possible allergic contact dermatitis) and any unusual skin discolouration.

What is the generic for Tri Luma?

Tri-Luma is a cream used to treat melasma. It does not cure melasma but is a short-term treatment that can approve the dark spots associated with the condition. Currently, there is not a generic form of Tri-Luma available. The average retail price for a 30 g tube of Tri-Luma is $206.

Is hydroquinone safe to use on the face?

To date, hydroquinone is deemed safe in the United States. There isn't any clinical evidence currently to suggest that hydroquinone is harmful to humans. However, minor side effects are still possible. It may cause a temporary uptick in redness or dryness at first, especially if you have sensitive skin.

What is the highest strength of hydroquinone?

Most prescription-strength hydroquinone formulations contain 3–4%, but concentrations as high as 10% may be available through compounding pharmacies. When prescribed by a physician, it is often combined with other actives, such as tretinoin, retinol, vitamin C or glycolic acid.

What causes melasma?

Causes and risk factors of melasma This means birth control pills, pregnancy, and hormone therapy can all trigger melasma. Stress and thyroid disease are also thought to be causes of melasma. Additionally, sun exposure can cause melasma because ultraviolet rays affect the cells that control pigment (melanocytes).

Does hydroquinone make your skin red?

However, like most other skin medications, excessive or improper use of hydroquinone can and often does cause side effects. The most common side effects of hydroquinone are itchiness, redness, stinging and other forms of skin irritation. These are typically mild and temporary.

What is hydroquinone 4% cream used for?

Uses. Hydroquinone is used to lighten the dark patches of skin (also called hyperpigmentation, melasma, "liver spots," "age spots," freckles) caused by pregnancy, birth control pills, hormone medicine, or injury to the skin. This medicine works by blocking the process in the skin that leads to discoloration.

Can hydroquinone be used under the eyes?

Hydroquinone creams have demonstrated success in lightening under-eye hyperpigmentation. Dermatologists also can use peels with hydroquinone or retinoic acid for an added lightening benefit. • Intense pulsed light (IPL) can help minimize under eye pigmentation, particularly UV-induced pigmentation.

How long does a tube of Tri Luma last?

TRI-LUMA Cream is for SHORT-TERM (up to 8 weeks) treatment of moderate to severe melasma of the face.

Does insurance cover Triluma?

It is used on the skin to treat melasma. Tri-Luma is the most popular melanin synthesis inhibitor/retinoid/corticosteroid combinations. Tri-Luma is covered by most Medicare and insurance plans.

Is hydroquinone good for the skin?

"Hydroquinone is a topical skin treatment for melasma, freckles, age and sun spots, and even acne scars," Shafer says. "The effect is temporary, as discontinued use and exposure to the sun can lead to renewed production of pigment and the return of dark spots." The effect also isn't immediate.

Can I use Tri Luma after chemical peel?

One to two weeks after the procedure: This is not used on every patient, but if it is part of your treatment, expect to use it for approximately three months. Note: Patients using Tri-Luma are using a combination cream with tretinoin and a bleaching agent and do not need additional products.

Can I buy Tri Luma cream online?

No. There is currently no therapeutically equivalent version of Tri-Luma available in the United States. Note: Fraudulent online pharmacies may attempt to sell an illegal generic version of Tri-Luma.

Can hydroquinone cause headaches?

? Exposure can cause headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, dizziness, and muscle twitching. ? Hydroquinone may cause a skin allergy.

What is Acretin?

Tretinoin is a form of vitamin A that helps the skin renew itself. Tretinoin topical (for the skin) is used to treat acne, to smooth rough facial skin, and to reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles and mottled skin discoloration.