Combination Therapy
Melasma can be one of the most persistent forms of facial hyperpigmentation. Many individuals try single-ingredient brightening products with limited improvement, only to see dark patches return after sun exposure. When pigmentation proves resistant, dermatologists often recommend combination therapy to target multiple pathways at once.
This article explains why melasma can be difficult to treat and how triple-combination creams are designed to work more effectively.
Why Melasma Is So Stubborn
Melasma is not caused by a single factor. Instead, it develops from a combination of:
- UV exposure
- Hormonal influences
- Inflammatory processes
- Increased melanocyte activity
Because multiple mechanisms drive pigment production, treating only one pathway often leads to incomplete results.

How Triple Combination Therapy Works
Triple-combination creams bring together three active ingredients that work synergistically:
- Hydroquinone to reduce melanin production
- Tretinoin to increase skin turnover
- Fluocinolone acetonide to calm inflammation
By addressing pigment formation, renewal, and inflammation simultaneously, this approach often produces faster and more noticeable improvement.
According to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, triple-combination therapy demonstrates strong clinical efficacy in reducing melasma severity when used appropriately.


Why Treatment Is Usually Short-Term
Because the formula is potent, triple-combination creams are typically used for limited treatment cycles.
General guidelines include:
- Apply once daily at night
- Use a thin layer on affected areas
- Avoid prolonged continuous use
- Transition to maintenance therapy afterward
Strict daily sun protection is essential to preserve results.
Choosing a Triple Combination Cream
Formulation precision and balanced ingredients are key to safe and effective treatment. A commonly selected option is:
👉 triple combination cream for melasma
https://okdermo.com/product/triluma-rd-hydroquinone-2-tretinoin-0-025-fluocinolone-0-01-cream-by-galderma-15g/
This type of formulation is frequently included in dermatologist-guided pigmentation protocols.
Supporting Long-Term Results
After initial improvement, maintenance strategies may include:
- Consistent sunscreen use
- Gentle skincare
- Periodic follow-up treatment
Melasma management often requires ongoing care rather than one-time therapy.
Who Should Use Caution?
Combination creams may not be appropriate for:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
- Very sensitive skin types
- Long-term unsupervised use
Professional guidance helps determine suitability.
Conclusion
When melasma proves resistant to single-ingredient treatments, combination therapy offers a more comprehensive solution. By targeting multiple pigmentation pathways at once, triple-combination creams can deliver faster and more visible results.
With proper use and consistent sun protection, meaningful improvement is achievable even in stubborn cases.