Efficacy of hydroquinone cream (USP 4%) used alone or in combination with salicylic acid peels in improving photodamage on the neck and upper chest.
BACKGROUND
Salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and glycolic acid have been proved effective in the treatment of photodamaged facial skin. Few reports are available on the treatment of photodamage on the neck and upper chest.


OBJECTIVE
This study's purpose was to evaluate the efficacy of a cream containing 4% hydroquinone and 2% glycolic acid (LUSTRA) used alone or with salicylic acid peels in reversing actinic damage on the neck and upper chest.


METHODS
Nineteen women with moderate to advanced photodamage on the neck and upper chest applied a cream containing 4% hydroquinone and 2% glycolic acid twice daily on photodamaged areas for 12 weeks. Nine of these subjects had salicylic acid peels every 3 weeks. Improvements were assessed by the investigator, the subjects, and Mexameter readings measuring melanin and erythema levels.


RESULTS
The result shows that there was a 33-71% improvement in photodamage, hyperpigmentation, texture, fine lines, dryness, tone, and clarity in both groups. There were no significant differences between the two treatments.


CONCLUSIONS
Hydroquinone 4% cream with 2% glycolic acid is safe and effective in improving photodamage on the neck and upper chest when used alone or in combination with salicylic acid peels.
Gladstone
H B
HB
Division of Dermatology, UCLA School of Medicine, and Veterans Administration, West Los AngelesMedical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.
Nguyen
S L
SL
Williams
R
R
Ottomeyer
T
T
Wortzman
M
M
Jeffers
M
M
Moy
R L
RL
D002615:Chemexfoliation; D005260:Female; D006016:Glycolates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D006873:Hydroquinones / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D007641:Keratolytic Agents; D014442:Monophenol Monooxygenase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D009333:Neck; D009824:Ointments; D020156:Salicylic Acid; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000187:drug effects*; D013909:Thorax
D006016:Glycolates; D006873:Hydroquinones; D007641:Keratolytic Agents; D009824:Ointments; C031149:glycolic acid; D014442:Monophenol Monooxygenase; D020156:Salicylic Acid; C031927:hydroquinone