title: A simple experimental method to study depigmenting agents.
abstract: The first objective of the study was to verify that a controlled UV exposure of four areas of the forearms together with randomized product application enabled to compare treatment efficacy and then to compare the depigmenting efficacy of different products with a simple experimental method. Sixteen volunteers received 0.7 minimal erythermal dose for four consecutive days. Products tested were ellagic acid (0.5%), vitamin C (5%) and C8-LHA (2%). Product application started 72 h post last exposure, was repeated for 42 days, the control zone being exposed, non-treated. Colour measurements included Chromameter, Chromasphere, Spectro-colorimeter and visual assessment. Comparison of colour values at day 1 and at day 7 showed that all zones were comparably tanned, allowing a rigorous comparison of the treatments. We report a new simple experimental model, which enables the rapid comparison of different depigmenting products. The efficacy and good tolerance of C8-LHA make it an excellent candidate for the treatment of hyperpigmentory disorders.
authors.affiliation: L'Oréal Recherche, Chevilly-Larue, France. mlabella@rd.loreal.com
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Abella
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: de Rigal
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Neveux