Do you have embarrassing dark spots on your face?

It may be melasma.  If it is, you are not alone.  Millions of women suffer from this skin condition.  Many use cosmetics to cover their dark, brown spots, unaware that there is an FDA-approved medication to help fade them.

What are all the dark spots on your face?
Brown or gray-brown spots on your cheeks, upper lip, nose, forehead, or chin are typical signs of melasma.  This discoloration frequently occurs on both sides of the face. 

Experts believe melasma is caused by hormonal changes that occur when a woman begins taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy.  It can also occur during the second or third trimester of pregnancy, which is why it is sometimes called the “mask of pregnancy.”  Talk with your doctor to find out if the discoloration on your face is melasma. 

What is melasma?
Melasma is a darkening of the skin caused by excessive production of melanin-the pigment that causes skin to tan.  That’s why the sun, which increases melanin production, makes melasma worse.  Melasma only occurs in areas of skin that are exposed to the sun.  It can be mild, moderate, or severe. 

Who gets melasma? 
Melasma is a common skin condition that occurs predominantly in women.  In fact, about 6 million American women are estimated to have melasma.  Anyone can have it, though it seems to be more common in people with light brown skin, especially Hispanics and Asians.

Will your melasma just fade away? 
Sometimes it does.  If your melasma does fade without treatment, the dark patches can take a long time to lighten.  Even if melasma fades after the delivery of a baby, it can return with each future pregnancy.  If you are taking birth control pills and then stop, the discoloration on your face may start to clear gradually. 

What are the treatments available to fade melasma?
Fortunately, you don’t have to live with melasma.  Tri-Luma Cream is the only FDA-approved triple combination therapy for melasma.  No topical treatment has been proven more effective than Tri-Luma Cream for treating melasma.  It can start to work in as little as 4 weeks, and is proven safe for long-term use (6-12 months).

Follow these steps:
Keep the cream away from the corners of your nose, mouth, eyes, and open wounds. Do not use more Tri-Luma Cream or apply it more often than recommended by your doctor. 
Do not cover the treated area with anything, like a bandage, after applying Tri-Luma Cream.  If your skin gets too irritated, stop using Tri-Luma Cream, and let your doctor know. 

You may use a moisturizer and cosmetics during the day. 

Do you really need to wear sunscreen every day?
Yes.  Many people underestimate the amount of time they spend in the sun and are unaware of the need for daily sunscreen.  Use a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and wear a wide brimmed hat.  It only takes a small amount of sunlight to worsen melasma.  Even if you avoid sunburn, your melasma can get worse. 

If you do get sunburned, stop using Tri-Luma Cream until your skin is healed.  Minimizing your exposure to sunlight, even during daily activities, can help prevent further darkening of existing melasma as well as the formation of new patches.  This is especially important for women who take birth control pills or hormone replacement supplements, and for people who have had melasma in the past. 

If you are in the sun for long periods of time, you should wear a hat to protect  your face.

After completing treatment with Tri-Luma Cream, continue to protect your skin from sunlight. 

Besides sun, what should you avoid while using Tri-Luma Cream?
Heat, wind, and cold. Heat, wind, and cold tend to dry or irritate normal skin.  Skin treated with Tri-Luma Cream may be more likely to react to them.
Also avoid other skin care products and medicines.  Avoid products that may dry or irritate your skin.  These may include soaps and cleansers that are rough or cause drying; certain astringents, soaps, and toiletries containing alcohol, spices, or lime; or certain medicated soaps, shampoos, and hair permanent products.  Do not use any other topical medicines with Tri-Luma Cream unless you have consulted your doctor.  The topical medicines and products you have used in the past may cause redness or peeling when used with Tri-Luma Cream. 

How fast will Tri-Luma Cream lighten your melasma? 
Some patients had improvement of their melasma after only 4 weeks.  In about 8 weeks with Tri-Luma Cream, you should see significant lightening of your melasma.  But, remember that everyone’s skin is different.  If your melasma recurs, see your doctor to determine if additional treatment with Tri-Luma Cream is right for you. 

What have other patients said about Tri-Luma Cream?
In a study of 1076 people with melasma, most patients treated with Tri-Luma Cream reported improvement in their quality of life. 
64% were less embarrassed
61% felt more attractive
60% felt younger
56% put less effort into hiding their skin
52% used fewer cosmetics

How successful have patients been with Tri-Luma Cream?
Samantha, an actual patient with melasma, had no idea that she had the condition.  She noticed some dark areas on her face and was surprised when people commented on them, wondering if she had been bruised.  When 2 bleaching creams recommended by he doctor had no effect, she was disappointed.  Finally, she saw her dermatologist, who diagnosed melasma and prescribed Tri-Luma Cream.  After her 8 weeks of treatment, Samantha had changed both inside and out.  She said her patches were barely visible and she began to “feel normal again.”  She felt “a mask had been taken off her face.”

She recommends that other people with dark spots consult their doctors.  To hear Samantha’s story in her own words, visit www.triluma.com, click on “About Melasma,” and scroll down to “Melasma Video Library.”