Clinical Evaluation of a 4% Hydroquinone + 1% Retinol Treatment Regimen for Improving Melasma and Photodamage in Fitzpatrick Skin Types III-VI

November 2016 | Volume 15 | Issue 11 | Original Article | 1435 | Copyright © November 2016


Marta I. Rendon MD FAADa and Sylvia Barkovic BAb

aThe Rendon Center for Dermatology & Aesthetic Medicine and Skin Care Research Inc, Boca Raton, FL bResearch and Development,Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America LLC, Irvine, CA

Figure 5those studies utilizing lower concentrations (of 0.025% and 0.02% tretinoin) included patients with mild melasma. However, all these studies have limitations as they were open-label, and differences in patient characteristics and study design limit meaningful direct comparison.A previous study investigated the additional benefits using the 4% HQ skin care regimen in combination with tretinoin 0.2%.36 Melasma severity and pigmentation intensity was significantly reduced within four weeks. A study in patients previously treated with botulinum toxin Type A (BoNT-A) found that that the use of a 4% HQ skin care system plus tretinoin can further enhance the improvements in facial appearance attained with BoNT-A, with significant improvement in fine lines/wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.37 In addition, the use of a 4% HQ skin care system plus tretinoin 0.05% in patients undergoing intense pulsed light therapy for photorejuvenation was associated with significantly lower hyperpigmentation and laxity scores compared with placebo.38Unlike previous studies, our study included a good representation of patients who tend to be most at risk of melasma. A potential limitation of our study was that it was restricted to females. Melasma occurs more commonly in females,39 and has a propensity for darker skin.40 Some research suggests that there may be differences in the histopathology of melasma between males and females,41 but our inclusion criteria did not allow such study.

CONCLUSION

Using a 4% hydroquinone skin care system plus 1.0% retinol cream to treat mild-to-moderate melasma can significantly reduce melasma severity and pigmentation intensity within four weeks. In addition, this combination treatment can significantly improve all aspects of photodamage, including coarse wrinkling. Improved skin condition and high levels of patient satisfaction were also reported, and the treatment regimen was generally well tolerated.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We thank Brian Bulley, MSc (Konic Limited, UK) for assistance with the preparation of the manuscript. Valeant Pharmaceuticals, funded Konic’s activities pertaining to this manuscript.

DISCLOSURES

The study was funded by Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America, LLC. Dr Rendon has been an investigator for Obagi Medical Products. Ms Barkovic was an employee of Valeant Pharmaceuticals when this study was completed.

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AUTHOR CORRESPONDENCE

Marta Rendon MD FAAD martarendon@yahoo.com
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