Efficacy of Hydrogel Mask with 2% Arbutin for Melasma.
- Author:
Tae Young HAN
1
;
In Pyeong SON
;
Woo Sun JANG
;
Hee Sun CHANG
;
Ji Hyun KIM
;
Young Hwa SIM
;
Du Ho KIM
;
Beom Joon KIM
;
Myeung Nam KIM
;
Hyun Kyeong LEE
;
Sook Ja SON
;
Byung Sun CHOI
Author Information
1. Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea. beomjoon@unitel.co.kr
- Publication Type:Randomized Controlled Trial ; Original Article
- Keywords:
Arbutin;
Melasma;
Randomized controlled trial
- MeSH:
Arbutin;
Asian Continental Ancestry Group;
Female;
Humans;
Hydrogel;
Hyperpigmentation;
Masks;
Melanins;
Melanosis;
Monophenol Monooxygenase;
Patient Satisfaction;
Research Personnel;
Skin;
Solar System
- From:Korean Journal of Dermatology
2011;49(3):210-216
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Melasma is a common, acquired, symmetrical hypermelanosis that occurs on sun exposed areas of the skin. It is more prevalent among Asian women than among Caucasian women. Many different treatment modalities have been used with various efficacies, but none of them have been completely satisfactory. Arbutin is a naturally occurring gluconopyranoside that may reduce tyrosinase activity, which is a rate-limiting enzyme for melanin production. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the depigmenting effect and safety of a mask that contains 2% arbutin for the treatment of melasma. METHODS: A total of 54 female volunteers with melasma were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, 8-week treatment study. The patients were instructed to apply an arbutin-containing mask or an arbutin-free mask once a day for 8 weeks. The assessment of outcomes included the Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) score, colorimetric value (L*), overall patient satisfaction and investigator assessment score (evaluated using photography). RESULTS: The arbutin-containing mask significantly increased the right and left colorimetric values (L*) after the 8-week treatment (p<0.05) compared to the arbutin-free mask. The MASI score was decreased more in the arbutin mask group (p>0.05). The arbutin mask scored better than the control in patient satisfaction and investigator assessment. No significant adverse reactions were observed. CONCLUSION: The arbutin mask appears to be effective and well-tolerated when used for the treatment of melasma.
