INTRODUCTION
Facial hyperpigmentation is a common cosmetic concern that is especially prevalent in individuals with skin of color, defined as the darker and more pigmented skin seen in certain ethnic groups such as Hispanic, Asian, and African.1,2 Hyperpigmentation encompasses a spectrum of conditions caused by several different biological or environmental factors, which ultimately present as aberrant deposition of melanin.3 The multifactorial nature of pigmentary disorders and differences in melanin biology makes these conditions especially challenging to treat in darker-skinned patients. Although often physically benign, hyperpigmentation is a significant source of psychological stress which can decrease the quality of life in affected individuals.1
Front-line therapy typically consists of strict sun avoidance and use of topical agents, the gold standard being hydroquinone (HQ) as monotherapy or in combination with other actives, often a retinoid and corticosteroid.3 While widely prescribed, these are no panaceas; hydroquinone use must be limited and carefully supervised due to safety concerns, the efficacy in darker-skinned patients is mixed, and of those who do respond, relapse upon cessation of treatment is common.4,5 Many of those with pigmentary concerns seek adjuncts or alternatives to prescription HQ, and several cosmeceutical products have been marketed to meet this need. Few of these alternatives have been adequately evaluated for efficacy, let alone in darker skin types.6,7 Moreover, many who try these over-the-counter skin brightening creams are not satisfied with the results.8 The great demand remains for more effective over-the-counter products to address hyperpigmentation, especially in skin of color.
Multitargeted approaches are required to address the various possible causes of hyperpigmentation conditions adequately. Hence, combination treatments are often more effective. A comprehensive HQ-free, retinol-free cosmetic topical brightener (LYT2) was previously shown to improve hyperpigmentation in skin of a variety of different ethnicities and phototypes.9,10 In addition, a dual serum system providing broad antioxidant protection and skin repair support (LVS) was shown to protect from environmental damage and improve overall skin appearance.11,12 Because extrinsic stress and
Front-line therapy typically consists of strict sun avoidance and use of topical agents, the gold standard being hydroquinone (HQ) as monotherapy or in combination with other actives, often a retinoid and corticosteroid.3 While widely prescribed, these are no panaceas; hydroquinone use must be limited and carefully supervised due to safety concerns, the efficacy in darker-skinned patients is mixed, and of those who do respond, relapse upon cessation of treatment is common.4,5 Many of those with pigmentary concerns seek adjuncts or alternatives to prescription HQ, and several cosmeceutical products have been marketed to meet this need. Few of these alternatives have been adequately evaluated for efficacy, let alone in darker skin types.6,7 Moreover, many who try these over-the-counter skin brightening creams are not satisfied with the results.8 The great demand remains for more effective over-the-counter products to address hyperpigmentation, especially in skin of color.
Multitargeted approaches are required to address the various possible causes of hyperpigmentation conditions adequately. Hence, combination treatments are often more effective. A comprehensive HQ-free, retinol-free cosmetic topical brightener (LYT2) was previously shown to improve hyperpigmentation in skin of a variety of different ethnicities and phototypes.9,10 In addition, a dual serum system providing broad antioxidant protection and skin repair support (LVS) was shown to protect from environmental damage and improve overall skin appearance.11,12 Because extrinsic stress and
