| Popular Products & Programs |
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Lustra |
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Introduction & Overview |
Lustra is a manufacturer of prescription skincare products designed specifically to offset skin discoloration problems. The company claims that for those who suffer from hyperpigmentation, “the good news is that a prescription cream in the LUSTRA Family of Products may help restore your beautiful skin color.” This condition is said to be caused by “over-exposure to the sun and the use of oral contraceptives, pregnancy, hormone replacement therapy, or skin trauma.”
It appears to us that this line of products takes a rather extreme, potentially undesirable approach to the problem of hyperpigmentation. These skincare products contain ingredients that are described as potentially causing “severe allergic reactions.” We feel that this sort of intervention may serve to only worsen the problem. It is our opinion that the use of effective moisturizers and anti-aging products may prevent or minimize the presence of age spots or hyperpigmentation. We will analyze this line of products for their ability to improve the overall look of the skin.
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| Products at a Glance |
The Lustra line of appears to include three main products: LustraUltra, LustraAF, and Lustra. These products are said to “restore your beautiful skin color.” These products are also said to contain antioxidants and moisturizer components.
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| Products in Focus |
We will focus our review on one of these products, LustraAF. This product is said to be “indicated for the gradual treatment of ultraviolet-induced dyschromia and discoloration.” We are somewhat concerned by the inclusion of the ingredient sodium metabisulfite, which reportedly may have certain adverse reactions on the skin. This ingredient, according to the Lustra Website, “may cause serious allergic reactions (eg, hives, itching, wheezing, anaphylaxis, severe asthma attack) in certain susceptible persons.” We feel that this type of effect on the skin would likely negate any benefit this product may provide. We were also rather alarmed to read of one of Lustra’s potential side effects: “On rare occasions, a gradual blue-black darkening of the skin may occur.” Again, such an effect would seem to detract from the product’s overall benefit.
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| Website |
This company’s Website seems well designed and professional. However, we would have preferred that its information be dispensed more clearly. We would have liked to see lengthy descriptions of each Lustra product, which seemed to be lacking at the time of review. We also felt that consumer testimonials might have been useful, particularly for consumers who may be nervous about the side effects of these products. We also noted that there was no mention of returns and refunds of these products. Since these are prescription products, we assume that returns and refunds are not possible.
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| Positives |
• Products are said to alleviate hyperpigmentation
• Contain moisturizers
• Claim to contain antioxidants
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| Negatives |
• Products are apparently only available with a prescription
• Ingredient Sodium Metabisulfite may cause severe allergic reactions for some
• Products may cause a “blue-black darkening of the skin”
• Consumer testimonials do not seem to be posted on the Website
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| Final Thoughts |
We feel that these products address only a very specific skin issue, and unfortunately may do so with side effects. We feel that the risks of unpleasant skin reactions may outweigh the potential benefits. In addition, we feel that the potential inconvenience and cost of obtaining this prescription medication may be prohibitive.
Consumers wishing to prevent or decrease the signs of sun damage and aging can do so through skincare products containing the most highly advanced ingredients. Components such as Matrixyl 3000® and Argireline are said to significantly reduce the overall damage done to the skin.
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