Viva Woman

I’ve been very careful while using the Tri-Luma Hydroquinone Cream that my dermatologist has prescribed to me last month.   And since yesterday, after seven weeks of usage, I stopped applying anymore of it on my face because I noticed that some of my spider veins were more obvious than usual, which is a sure sign that my skin have become thinner. 

No more than eight weeks of usage for Tri-Luma
Now, Tri-Luma Cream should not be used for longer than eight weeks, as the steroid component may cause the skin to become thinner.  However, I was very cautious and examined my facial skin very closely on a daily period while using this product because it contains 4% hydroquinone.  Actually, my dermatologist didn’t tell me to stop using this after eight weeks.  Rather, I found out through my own reading on the Net and this just goes to show why we can’t always depend on advices of the so-called experts but be proactive in terms of reading up and doing our research as well.

Observe your skin while using a product with hydroquinone
For those who are new to hydroquinone, this is a skin bleaching ingredient to reduce pigmented age spots and blemishes.  Tri-Luma Cream specifically, has been said to be effective for those with Melasma.  I was careful with this product because I’ve long read that hydroquinone may act as a carcinogen or cancer-causing chemical, although its cancer-causing properties have yet to be proved in humans.


However, my main concern was that hydroquinone also has been linked with the medical condition known as ochronosis in which the skin becomes dark and thick.  And my concern was compounded by the fact that most products only contain 1.5% to 2% hydroquinone but here, I’m given with one containing 4%.  I was prepared to take the risk only because I know my skin condition.  It is fairly resistant.  I’ve tried products containing 2% hydroquinone once but it didn’t do a thing for my spots so I thought I’ll try this.  And the results?

Considerable lightening of my age spots
Tri-Luma Hydroquinone Cream did lighten up some of my age spots considerably, but none of them were erased entirely.  I also need to qualify that I’m also using a vitamin C topical so that may have aided the lightening process.  I suppose some of my spots could disappear if I continue using it but no way am I going to take the risk of thinning out my skin and suffering worst consequences.  Thick skin is actually a good thing!

So would I recommend others to try this product?  
I’m not prepared to recommend anyone to use this because this is a very potent cream.  Just look at the picture I took and noticed the “rusty” color on the opening and the cap?  But if you’re like me and you want to try this, then be selective on where you apply this and do examine your face carefully everyday.  You MUST use a sunscreen with good UVA and UVB protection while using this cream and don’t use it on a prolonged basis.

As for me, I’m going to stay away from hydroquinone-based products for my face but I may start using the cream to try erase some spots on my hands. 

© www.vivawoman.net copyright notice
_______________________________________________________