A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of vitamin C iontophoresis in melasma.
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.
Huh
Chang-Hun
CH
Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Korea.
Seo
Koo-Il
KI
Park
Je-Young
JY
Lim
Jeong-Gu
JG
Eun
Hee-Chul
HC
Park
Kyung-Chan
KC
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
D000975:Antioxidants; D001205:Ascorbic Acid