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Compare Tri-Luma vs. Retin-A

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

  • Tri-luma
    Retin-a (tretinoin)
  • Tri-luma
    Retin-a (tretinoin)

  • Summary of Tri-Luma vs. Retin-A

    Summary for Corticosteroid / Melanin synthesis inhibitor / Retinoid
    Prescription only

    Tri-Luma is a cream that's used to treat adults with melasma, or dark skin patches, on the face. The cream contains three active ingredients: fluocinolone (a steroid to lessen inflammation); hydroquinone (a melanin synthesis inhibitor to lighten skin color); and tretinoin (a retinoid to help with new skin growth). You apply Tri-Luma onto the dark patches on the face once a day, but side effects like skin redness and burning are common. It can take about 1 to 2 months to see results after you start treatment. Tri-Luma isn't approved to treat areas of hyperpigmentation that isn't related to melasma.

    Summary for Retinoid
    Prescription only

    Retin-A (tretinoin) is a retinoid medication that's used to treat acne in adults and children 12 years and older. It's available as a cream or a gel that's applied onto the skin once a day. Side effects include skin irritation, redness, and peeling. Your acne might get worse at the beginning of treatment, but it should get better as you continue using the medication. You must have a prescription for Retin-A (tretinoin) from your primary care provider or dermatologist; this medication isn't available over the counter.

  • Indications of Tri-Luma vs. Retin-A

    Indications for
    •Melasma of the face
    Indications for
    •Acne

  • Pros and Cons of Tri-Luma vs. Retin-A

    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid / Melanin synthesis inhibitor / Retinoid
    Pros
    •Only need to apply once a day
    •Easier to use a combination cream instead of two or three separate medications
    Cons
    •Might take 1 to 2 months to see results
    •No lower-cost generic available
    Pros and Const for Retinoid
    Pros
    •Easy to apply onto your skin
    •Only need to apply once nightly
    •Available in a lower-cost generic form
    Cons
    •Makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight, which can lead to sunburns
    •Can cause your skin color to temporarily become lighter or darker
    •Might worsen your acne during the first few weeks of treatment

  • Common Side Effects of Tri-Luma vs. Retin-A

    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin redness (41%)
    •Skin peeling or flaking (38%)
    •Burning sensation on the skin (18%)
    •Dry skin (14%)
    •Itchy skin (11%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin peeling or discomfort
    •Warm feeling or stinging after applying
    •Skin redness
    •Sensitivity to sunlight (sunburns)
    •Worsening of acne in the first few weeks of treatment

  • Warnings of Tri-Luma vs. Retin-A

    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reaction
    •Blue-black darkening of the skin
    •Change in adrenal hormone levels
    •Skin irritation and other skin reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sunburns
    •Skin irritation in extreme weather
    •Skin reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Tri-Luma vs. Retin-A

    Learn more about Tri-luma
    Learn more about Retin-a

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