Novel approach to the treatment of hyperpigmented photodamaged skin: 4% hydroquinone/0.3% retinol versus tretinoin 0.05% emollient cream.
BACKGROUND
Mild to moderately photodamaged skin is characterized by dyspigmentation, fine wrinkles, and tactile roughness. An optimal approach to the topical treatment of photoaging would simultaneously address all appearance issues.


OBJECTIVE
This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of 4% hydroquinone and 0.3% retinol in photoaging.


METHODS
A 16-week study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of a single cream containing prescription topical 4% hydroquinone for dyspigmentation and the cosmeceutical 0.3% retinol for fine wrinkles in an emollient vehicle for tactile roughness. This novel formulation was compared with 0.05% tretinoin emollient cream, the standard against which all other topical photoaging treatments are compared. Investigator assessments, subject assessments, and photography represented the evaluation end points.


RESULTS
The cosmeceutical emollient 4% hydroquinone/0.3% retinol cream more effectively diminished the collective signs of photodamage than 0.05% tretinoin emollient cream in terms of dyspigmentation, fine wrinkles, and tactile roughness in 16 weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
Combination therapy of hydroquinone and retinol may improve photoaging-associated hyperpigmentation.
Draelos
Zoe Diana
ZD
Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA. zdraelos@northstate.net
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004643:Emollients / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006873:Hydroquinones / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000187:drug effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014212:Tretinoin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004643:Emollients; D006873:Hydroquinones; D014801:Vitamin A; D014212:Tretinoin; C031927:hydroquinone