title: Single blind, randomized, controlled trial of a lightening product with and without iontophoresis versus tretinoin and vehicle for hyperpigmentation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Hyperpigmentation is a common concern and has many causes including lentigines and melasma. Currently available topical products for hyperpigmentation are limited by their potential for irritation, lack of demonstrated efficacy or regulatory concerns.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To compare the efficacy of a new skin lightening product with and without iontophoresis to a known effective product (tretinoin) and placebo on hyperpigmentation caused by lentigines and/or melasma. Secondary objectives included an assessment of the product's effects on the appearance of rhytides and roughness.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighty subjects were randomized into one of four treatment groups: proprietary lightening product, proprietary lightening product with iontophoresis, tretinoin 0.05% cream, or vehicle control. Seventy-four subjects completed all study visits. Blinded assessments of subjects were performed at each visit under ambient and Wood's light.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The proprietary skin lightening product improved facial hyperpigmentation versus placebo under ambient light (P= 0.05) and Wood's lamp (P= 0.01) examination. Tretinoin also improved facial hyperpigmentation versus placebo under Wood's lamp (P= 0.01). The proprietary product was better tolerated than tretinoin, with fewer subject reported side effects.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The investigational product was effective and may be better tolerated than tretinoin cream.
authors.forename: Molly
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wanner
authors.forename: Neil
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Houston
authors.forename: Emilia
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Javorsky
authors.forename: Minsheng
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yuan
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Alora-Palli
authors.forename: Alexa B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Kimball
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007478:Iontophoresis / Q000379:methods*; D007911:Lentigo / Q000188:drug therapy; D008548:Melanosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000187:drug effects; D062327:Skin Lightening Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014212:Tretinoin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D062327:Skin Lightening Preparations; D014212:Tretinoin