title: Assessment of a superficial chemical peel combined with a multimodal, hydroquinone-free skin brightener using in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy.
abstract: The combination of in-office procedures such as chemical peels with topical maintenance therapies has been shown to provide greater efficacy than either treatment by itself in the management of melasma. A series of 3 case studies were conducted to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of one superficial chemical peel (containing a proprietary blend of resorcinol, lactic acid, salicylic acid, and retinol) combined with a topical multimodal, hydroquinone-free skin brightener as postpeel maintenance therapy. Patients presented with moderate to severe facial hyperpigmentation. At baseline, subjects received the superficial chemical peel treatment followed by a standard postpeel skin care regimen (cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF 30+ sunscreen). Approximately 1 week after the peel procedure, subjects initiated twice-daily application of the skin brightener. Subjects were then evaluated for Global Improvement in Hyperpigmentation by the investigator for up to 7 weeks postpeel. Standardized digital photographs of the subjects facial skin and in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) images were taken of a target hyperpigmented lesion at baseline and at follow-up. Standardized photography and in vivo RCM images at baseline and at postpeel show the improvements observed by the investigator. Results from these case studies suggest that the combination of a superficial chemical peel with topical maintenance and the multimodal skin brightener may provide an effective treatment approach for subjects with moderate to severe facial hyperpigmentation.
authors.affiliation: SkinMedica, an Allergan Company, Carlsbad, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Lisa T
authors.initials: LT
authors.lastname: Goberdhan
authors.forename: Rahul C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Mehta
authors.forename: Caroline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Aguilar
authors.forename: Elizabeth T
authors.initials: ET
authors.lastname: Makino
authors.forename: Lora
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Colvan
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D002615:Chemexfoliation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000628:therapy*; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D008875:Middle Aged; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D015595:Skin Aging; D017592:Skin Care / Q000379:methods; D012880:Skin Pigmentation / Q000187:drug effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D003879:Dermatologic Agents