INTRODUCTION
Hyperpigmentation is characterized by uneven skin tone, commonly due to excess melanin production.1 Hyperpigmentation is one of the most common dyschromias and is more prevalent in individuals with higher concentrations of melanin in the skin.1-3 Two common types of hyperpigmentation are melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).1,4 Melasma is characterized by tan-brown patches of pigmentation across the cheeks, nose, forehead, and other areas of the face.2 The development of melasma is caused by several factors, including genetics, UV and visible light radiation, and hormonal influences, including oral contraception, hormone replacement therapies, and pregnancy.5-7 PIH is an inflammatory hypermelanosis caused by a cutaneous inflammatory response, such as to acne, burns, picking of the skin, or certain cosmetic procedures.1,4 Melasma and PIH can have negative psychosocial impacts on individuals with either condition, including low self-esteem and emotional well-being.8,9
Both melasma and PIH are difficult to treat and often require a combination approach using topical agents and in-office procedures, including chemical peels, laser/light therapy, microneedling, and microdermabrasion.10,11 Despite the availability of treatments, achieving complete clearance in patients with melasma or PIH is challenging, particularly in individuals with skin of color, who naturally have higher concentrations of melanin in the skin. Thus, topical agents that are effective across a range of skin tones and capable of addressing multiple pigmentation conditions are warranted. To further these efforts, a serum formulated with lotus sprout extract, tranexamic acid, and niacinamide (LTN serum; Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie company, Irvine, CA) is now available for pigment correction.12 This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of the LTN serum over 16 weeks for the treatment of mild to severe melasma and acne-associated PIH.
Both melasma and PIH are difficult to treat and often require a combination approach using topical agents and in-office procedures, including chemical peels, laser/light therapy, microneedling, and microdermabrasion.10,11 Despite the availability of treatments, achieving complete clearance in patients with melasma or PIH is challenging, particularly in individuals with skin of color, who naturally have higher concentrations of melanin in the skin. Thus, topical agents that are effective across a range of skin tones and capable of addressing multiple pigmentation conditions are warranted. To further these efforts, a serum formulated with lotus sprout extract, tranexamic acid, and niacinamide (LTN serum; Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie company, Irvine, CA) is now available for pigment correction.12 This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of the LTN serum over 16 weeks for the treatment of mild to severe melasma and acne-associated PIH.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Study Design
A 16-week, single-center, open-label clinical study was conducted from February 2023 to September 2023. The study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki and International Council for Harmonization Good Clinical Practice guidelines. An institutional review board reviewed and approved the study protocol at the center (Advarra IRB, Columbia, MD), and all participants provided informed consent prior to enrollment in the study.
A 16-week, single-center, open-label clinical study was conducted from February 2023 to September 2023. The study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki and International Council for Harmonization Good Clinical Practice guidelines. An institutional review board reviewed and approved the study protocol at the center (Advarra IRB, Columbia, MD), and all participants provided informed consent prior to enrollment in the study.
