title: Reduction in facial hyperpigmentation after treatment with a combination of topical niacinamide and tranexamic acid: a randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Facial hyperpigmentation occurs in multiple conditions. In addition, many Asian women desire a lighter skin color. Thus, there is a need for the development of skin lightening agents, and niacinamide and tranexamic acid (TXA) are promising candidates.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess the effectiveness of a combination of niacinamide and TXA as a topical moisturizing formulation for treatment of irregular facial pigmentation.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 42 Korean women (age range: 30-60 years) who were not pregnant, nursing, or undergoing any concurrent therapy were enrolled in this study for 8 weeks. Subjects used a twice-daily regimen of either a moisturizing cream containing 2% niacinamide + 2% TXA (test formulation; n = 21) or cream vehicles (vehicle control; n = 21) in addition to an assigned sunscreen each morning. Pigmentation was measured objectively using a mexameter and chromameter, in addition to physicians' assessment using clinical photographs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The niacinamide + TXA formulation regimen was significantly (P < 0.05) more effective than the vehicle control formulation regimen in reducing the appearance of pigmentation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A formulation containing the combination of niacinamide + TXA reduced the appearance of irregular pigmentation, providing an effect beyond that achieved with sunscreen.
authors.affiliation: Nutrex technology R&D center, Seoul, South Korea.
authors.forename: Do Hyun
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: In Young
authors.initials: IY
authors.lastname: Oh
authors.forename: Kyo Tan
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Koo
authors.forename: Jang Mi
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Suk
authors.forename: Sang Wook
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Jung
authors.forename: Jin Oh
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Beom Joon
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Yoo Mi
authors.initials: YM
authors.lastname: Choi
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000933:Antifibrinolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004643:Emollients / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009536:Niacinamide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D063465:Skin Cream / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014148:Tranexamic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014803:Vitamin B Complex / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D000933:Antifibrinolytic Agents; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004643:Emollients; D014803:Vitamin B Complex; D009536:Niacinamide; D014148:Tranexamic Acid
keywords: facial hyperpigmentation; niacinamide; tranexamic acid