(NAPSA)—In the middle of the cold, dark winterit’s easy to forget the importance of protecting our skin from the sun. After months of walking around all bundled up, manyof us jet off for winter vacations. Though it’s tempting to hit the beach or slopes the moment we arrive on vacation, winter skin is particularly vulnerable to sunburn and other conditions exacerbated by the sun. Whether at home, or on a trip, you should rememberto protect yourself from overexposure to UV rays. Oneof the most commonand yet under-diagnosed skin problems precipitated by sun exposure is melasma, a pigmentary disorder caused by excessive production of melanin resulting from hormone imbalance due to recent pregnancy, birth control pills or hormonal changes during menopause. Melasmaaffects primarily women in their reproductive years and is characterized by dark spots or blotches on the face, forehead and neck. The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that five to six million American women have the disorder. Exposure to sunlight and UVrays often intensifies discoloration of the skin. Winter is the perfect time to speak to your dermatologist about a healthy skincare regimen and treatment options for Melasma. Tri Luma Cream (fluocinolone acetonide 0.01%, hydroquinone 4%, tretinoin 0.05%), is a product clinically proven to reduce the appearance of melasmaafter eight weeksof use. Mild to moderate redness, peeling, burning, dryness, or itching may be experienced. This product contains sulfites that may cause severe allergic reactions including anaphylactic symptoms and lifethreatening asthma attacks. Exposure to sunlight, sunlamps, or UV light and extreme heat, wind, or cold should be avoided. Use of a sunscreen with an appropriate SPF of 30 or higher is required. Wear protective clothing and change to nonhormonal formsof birth control, ifhormonal methods are used. Tri-Luma Cream contains hydroquinone, which may produce exogenous ochronosis, a gradual blue-black darkening of the skin, whose occurrence should prompt discontinuation of therapy. Tri-Luma Cream contains the corticosteroid fluocinolone acetonide. Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids can produce reversible hypothalamicpituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression with the potential for glucocorticoid insufficiency after withdrawal of treatment. You can view the Website at www.triluma.com.
