I had been using the Obagi NuDerm product line that contained hydroquinone combined with the usage of Retin-A 0.1% for many years. I started using the Obagi products (suggested by a dermatologist) to clear a few brown spots left from acne.
About a year ago, I noticed melasma starting on the left side of my face. I continued to purchase and use Obagi NuDerm (with hydroquinone) along with Retin-A. The melasma started getting worse. I continued to purchase and use Obagi NuDerm. The melasma kept getting worse and worse and began to show up on my forehead, chin, and right side of my face. Now my face is covered with melasma. I contacted the seller of the Obagi NuDerm product and was told that the product no longer contained hydroquinone as an ingredient.
The Obagi product line is not cheap. I was paying about 325.00 per order, spending that much money for something that no longer worked.
I search the internet for a solution, and there are many.
The last thing I tried was Porcelain no.1 solution combined with Retin-A, after cleansing with Kojic Acid Soap, for two weeks and all that did was parch and dry my skin and made the melisma look even darker.
The parched dead skin would not peel off. I tried just about everything to remove the burned skin. I remember someone at a doctor’s office talking about using Vicks Vapor Rub to treat toe nail fungus. I thought, what da’heck, try the Vicks. I put a pile of Vicks on my face at night and went to sleep. Wake up the next morning and wash it off.
By the third day, the dead burned skin began to peel away. After another few days, my face returned to what it was before the Porcelain no.1 solution, Retin-A, and Kojic Acid Soap nightmare.
I threw up my hands and went to see a dermatologist, that had the bedside manner of a dust bunny, but he gave me a prescription for Tri-luma; didn’t even tell me how to use it or even what I should expect; just handed me the prescription, charged me 35.00 and issued me out the door; the unconcerned twit!
When I got home, I Googled Tri-luma and found the information I should have been given by the unconcerned twit. I also found discount coupons for Tri-luma, thinking "uh-uh, this must be expensive".
The next day, I had the prescription filled; $166.00 and my insurance did not cover the cost, but thank goodness, I had printed one of the coupon from the Internet. With the coupon, I saved $50.00.
Tri-luma is a combination of Fluocinolone acetonide 0.01% (mild corticosteroid that reduces inflammation), 4% Hydroquinone and Tretinoin 0.05%.
I started using Tri-Luma on August 20, 2016.
I still had the Obagi NuDerm products from my recent purchase, so I used Tri-Luma at night before bed.
In the mornings, I cleanse with Obagi NuDerm Foaming Gel and Toner. I pour a little toner in my hands and pat on my face until dried in (you waste a lot using cotton balls). Then I mix Obagi NuDerm Clear and a little Tri-Luma in the palm of my hand and rub into my skin. Then rub in a small amount of Obagi NuDerm Exfoderm Forte until dry.
Before going outside, I put on the Obagi NuDerm Sun Shield 50 SPF. There is no way I’m throwing out the Obagi products I had on hand.
Back to Tri-luma: it is not a final cure for melasma. If I stop using Tri-luma, the melasma may come back. So it looks like tri-luma and Obagi NuDerm will be the regimen for me as long as I can get a prescription for Tri-luma. When I have used all of the Obagi products, I will continue to purchase Obagi Foaming Gel and Toner to use along with the Tri-luma.
The pictures I upload with this post show progress after three days of my regimen of Tri-luma and Obagi NuDerm. I am happy with what I see after three days; can’t wait to see my skin after two weeks.