Lustra

Taro Pharmaceuticals' Lustra line consists of three products: Lustra Ultra, Lustra AF and Lustra.

As discussed above, all three Lustra products contain Hydroquinone, which is a bleaching agent that is generally considered suitable for standard non-hormone induced hyper pigmentations. It is a melanin blocker that prohibits new melanin production as your body goes through natural or chemically-assisted exfoliation. It may be most appropriate for patients who do not wish to have expensive or invasive procedures or only have slight hyper pigmentations. However, it may also take longer to be effective than some treatment options.

While all of the creams in the Lustra line contain a standard 4% hydroquinone, where the three really differ is in their ancillary ingredients. Unlike Lustra and Lustra AF, Lustra Ultra also contains Retinol, which has been shown to protect the skin against free radical damage, thus helping to stave off the formation of lines and wrinkles. One significant drawback of Retinol, however, is that it increases sun sensitivity, putting users at greater risk for skin cancer. Fortunately, Lustra Ultra contains sunscreen, which should help to offset this risk.

The Lustra website is targeted primarily at dermatologists, so unfortunately it does not contain much information to help patients decide if the product is worth investigating. Although the website does provide a fill list of the active ingredients in all three Lustra products, it does not explain how they help the skin. Of course, those who are interested in trying Lustra must first consult their dermatologist, who would ideally provide them with more details, but many patients find it comforting when the manufacturer makes this information easily accessible.

The site does, however, include some sections that provide helpful advice on maintaining skin health, such as tips for avoiding sun damage and the possible causes of hyper pigmentation in people of color.

• Website includes advice on preventing sun damage
• Products include moisturizers

• Available only by prescription
• Products are not designed to treat lines and wrinkles
• No free trial sample available

Although Lustra creams may help to treat the dark spots and unevenness that is often associated with aging skin, it can only go so far in turning back the clock. While Retinol and sunscreen may help to ward off subsequent damage, fine lines and wrinkles will unfortunately still remain.

Those who are frustrated by hyper pigmentation may want to consult their dermatologist to see if Lustra might be a suitable treatment. However, those who are looking to increase their skin's firmness may want to consider an advanced over the counter wrinkle cream that is designed to boost skin collagen. This may help to restore the youthful glow that may be lacking. There are products like this currently available on the market.