title: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of vitamin C iontophoresis in melasma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Vitamin C is known to both inhibit melanin formation and reduce oxidized melanin. However, vitamin C does not easily penetrate the skin. In this study, vitamin C iontophoresis was employed in order to enhance vitamin C penetration.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of vitamin C iontophoresis for melasma patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-nine females with melasma were enrolled. For iontophoresis, a vitamin C solution was applied to one side of the face, while distilled water was applied to the other side as a control. The L (luminance) value was measured by a colorimeter to obtain an objective pigmentation parameter.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twelve weeks after iontophoresis, the colorimeter of the treated site showed a significant decrease in the L value (from 4.60 to 2.78, p = 0.002), compared to that of the control site (from 4.45 to 3.87, p = 0.142).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Vitamin C iontophoresis may be an effective treatment modality for melasma.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Korea.
authors.forename: Chang-Hun
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Huh
authors.forename: Koo-Il
authors.initials: KI
authors.lastname: Seo
authors.forename: Je-Young
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Jeong-Gu
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Lim
authors.forename: Hee-Chul
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Eun
authors.forename: Kyung-Chan
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Park
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003196:Computer Graphics; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007478:Iontophoresis / Q000379:methods*; D008548:Melanosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D020752:Neurocutaneous Syndromes / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012107:Research Design; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D001205:Ascorbic Acid