What should you know about Triluma for melasma?

Melasma causes brown or grey-brown patches, often on areas exposed to light. Triluma is a combination of hydroquinone, tretinoin, and a corticosteroid in a prescription formulation. The ingredients work in different ways: one reduces pigment production, one helps skin-cell turnover, and one limits irritation and inflammation during the treatment plan.

Melasma can return after it improves, especially with ultraviolet or visible-light exposure and hormonal triggers. Irritation can also deepen discolouration in some skin types. A clinician therefore needs to confirm the diagnosis and decide whether this combination fits your skin, pregnancy plans, medical history, and other products.

Apply only as directed, usually to the areas selected by your prescriber, and keep it away from the eyes, lips, nostrils, and broken skin. Introduce no extra exfoliating products unless advised. Use a gentle cleanser and moisturiser, and protect exposed skin with broad-spectrum sunscreen, shade, and a hat. Visible-light protection may also be relevant for melasma.

Stop and contact your clinician about intense burning, swelling, blistering, marked redness, or worsening darkening. Do not continue indefinitely without review, and do not combine it casually with peels, retinoids, bleaching products, or energy treatments. Options such as <a href="/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/skin-brightening-treatment/">Skin Brightening Treatment</a>, <a href="/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/chemical-peel/">Chemical Peel</a>, or <a href="/treatments/laser-and-energy/laser-toning/">Laser Toning</a> need individual assessment.

Arrange review if the patches spread, the diagnosis is uncertain, or the skin becomes persistently irritated. Seek prompt care for facial swelling, severe pain, blistering, or a widespread reaction. Discuss pregnancy, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding before starting or continuing a prescription melasma product.

Is this definitely melasma rather than another cause of <a href="/symptoms/dark-patches-on-skin/">Dark Patches On Skin</a>? How should I apply the combination, and for how long? Which cleanser, moisturiser, and sunscreen fit my skin? What should I do if irritation develops? Would microneedling or another option be appropriate later?