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New retinoid combination to treat melasma

Researchers discovered that a combination of two topical retinoids: retinol glycospheres and hydroxypinacolone retinoate is helpful in treating melasma.

The double-blind, vehicle-controlled, randomized study involved 30 patients with melasma.

The retinoid product was applied on one side of the face with SPF 50 during the day and an active serum at night. For the control case, on the opposite side of the face, a vehicle gel cream with SPF 50 was applied during the day and a vehicle serum at night.

For the study product, 89% of patients showed a degree of improvement with 50% qualifying as good improvement. In the vehicle side, 56% showed some degree of improvement and 53% showed good improvement.

Improvement was significantly greater on the treated side, according to the study.

The reduction in the melasma area severity index at the end of the study on the side treated with the retinoids was 74% vs. a reduction of 55% on the side with the vehicle/SPF treatment, which was significant.

Treatment tolerance was positive on in both treatment arms, no one suspended treatment and at 3 months no side effects were reported.

The researchers believe the efficacy and tolerance of this new depigmenting product could be used for melasma, as well as in the preparation of dermo-esthetic procedures or use between treatments.

Disclosures: The authors report no relevant financial interests.