title: A randomized and placebo-controlled study to compare the skin-lightening efficacy and safety of lignin peroxidase cream vs. 2% hydroquinone cream.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Historically, the most effective treatments for skin lightening have contained hydroquinone. However, there is a need for an effective alternative.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the skin-lightening efficacy and safety of lignin peroxidase (LIP) creams using a regimen of both day and night products compared with twice-daily application of 2% hydroquinone cream and placebo in Asian women.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, split-face, single-center study of 51 patients. Patients were randomized to receive day and night LIP cream on one randomly selected side of their face and either 2% hydroquinone cream or placebo on the other.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A statistically significant change from baseline in the melanin index was observed in LIP-treated skin, with a mean reduction of 7.6% (P < 0.001) on Day 31. Conversely, hydroquinone and placebo did not provide a statistically significant lightening effect when instrumentally measured. Dermatologist scoring demonstrated a significant improvement in overall fairness as early as 8 days after treatment initiation in the LIP-treated group, which was not observed in the other groups. Overall, patients preferred the LIP creams.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The application of day/night LIP cream provided a significantly more rapid and observable skin-lightening effect than hydroquinone 2% cream or placebo.
authors.affiliation: Scripps Ranch Dermatology and Cosmetic Center, 9999 Mira Mesa Blvd., San Diego, CA 92131, USA. drtess@scrippsderm.com
authors.forename: Tess
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mauricio
authors.forename: Yoram
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Karmon
authors.forename: Alain
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Khaiat
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D044466:Asian People; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006873:Hydroquinones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D057240:Patient Preference; D010544:Peroxidases / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010859:Pigmentation Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D006873:Hydroquinones; D010544:Peroxidases; C042858:lignin peroxidase; C031927:hydroquinone