I have melasma (after pregnancy) Wondering if Tri-Luma is a good product to use to treat it? (photo)

Question

I developed melasma after pregnancy and 3 days ago I went for an IPL treatment. After reading how IPL isn't supposed to be used to treat melasma; I am now wondering if Tri-Luma is a better option that will actually treat my melasma? What other name brand creams should I ask about when going to the dermatologist? I also just started (about a month ago) to use Trentinon .1% cream twice a week and seen great results.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our ideal protocol includes light chemical peels, Clear and Brilliant laser, and the Kareskin Brightening Kit with Melarase creams to control melasma. Best, Dr. KaramanoukianLos Angeles

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

There is no "cure" for melasma but there are great treatments. We are doing a clinical trial now on clear + brilliant with bleaching and microneedling and getting amazing results. I suggest you see an expert. You will need lifelong treatment, sun protection, skin care. But these treatments can give you improvement and then you maintain. Best , Dr. Emer.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Sensitive nd dark skin is prone to melasma. Melasma needs long term commitment with skin care and avoidance of skin factors such as sun exposure (Spectrase Sun Block) which has wide UV spectrum and SPF 30+ protection. 
Daily good habits with topicals may well help you chieve your goals with a good skin system like the Brightening Kit from KareSkin (see link). You may want to start with Melarase and Pigmentation Correction Complex. Scler-X from another vendor is for PIH relief (see link). 
Melarase AM is non hydroquinone based. 
Clear + Brilliant laser can be added once you start your pretreatment with topicals. 
Best
H Karamanoukian MD FACS

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

Melasma is best treated with a combination of treatments such as bleaching creams, chemical peels, and Cosmelan.  Please consult an expert.  Best, Dr. Green

Anita Saluja, MD · Answer

Hello,

Triluma is an effective topical cream
when pigment is superficial and, also, when
inflammation is a component of the melasma but cannot be used while
breastfeeding. It is a prescription cream so please
see your dermatologist. Sun protection is extremely important. In
addition to SPF 30 with zinc or titanium
ingredients daily each morning, I
recommend over the counter Heliocare. Heliocare is a supplement taken by mouth
daily that contains antioxidants and provides
additional protection and benefit in melasma.

Benjamin Barankin, MD, FRCPC · Answer

There are many good treatment options for melasma. Most critical is diligent & lifelong sun avoidance and protection. Triluma is an effective treatment option and certainly better than IPL for most people. Retin-A as you've used (and a component of Triluma is a great idea). Your dermatologist can get you on the right program for your melasma.

Sophia V. Mai, MD · Answer

Hi there and thank you for your question. Melasma is notoriously difficult to treat and no one treatment is completely effective for every patient. With that said, IPL would not be my first-line treatment for melasma, especially in someone with darker skin such as yourself. Tri-Luma or any product with prescription strength hydroquinone and tretinoin would be a safe place to start and maintain, in addition to aggressive sun protection. As stated above, microneedling and clear + brilliant can be excellent adjuncts to topical therapy.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Melasma can not be completely cured, however effective treatment are possible. This is because your skin is extremely sensitive to UV and even the smallest amount can stimulate your pigment cells to produce colour. The mainstay of treatment is strict UV protection- hats, sunglasses and SPF every 4 hours.

I prefer to use a combination of creams and laser for melasma. Hydroquinone can be used (5-8%), along with vitamin A creams. I usually start my patients on laser (low dose Q switch or Picosure) a few weeks after they commence on creams.

In some cases I combine glycolic AHA peels, and in other cases I use a tablet called Tranexamic acid to help.

All the best, Dr Davin Lim. Laser, surgical and aesthetic dermatologist. Brisbane, Australia

I have melasma (after pregnancy) Wondering if Tri-Luma is a good product to use to treat it? (photo)

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