Emerging topical therapies to treat pigmentary disorders: an evidence-based approach

Background Hyperpigmentation disorders are commonly encountered in dermatology clinics. The use of prescription-grade and over-the-counter topical lightening agents has increased in popularity, leading to a substantial growth of research over the past decade. Objective We seek to review clinical stu...

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Main Authors: Sophia Hu, Melissa R. Laughter, Jaclyn B. Anderson, Mona Sadeghpour
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2022-05-01
Series:Journal of Dermatological Treatment
Subjects:
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09546634.2021.1940811
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author Sophia Hu
Melissa R. Laughter
Jaclyn B. Anderson
Mona Sadeghpour
author_facet Sophia Hu
Melissa R. Laughter
Jaclyn B. Anderson
Mona Sadeghpour
author_sort Sophia Hu
collection DOAJ
description Background Hyperpigmentation disorders are commonly encountered in dermatology clinics. The use of prescription-grade and over-the-counter topical lightening agents has increased in popularity, leading to a substantial growth of research over the past decade. Objective We seek to review clinical studies evaluating the use of different Rx-grade and OTC ingredients in treating hyperpigmentation. Methods and materials A comprehensive search on PubMed was conducted to identify patient-based evidence on the most common ingredients used as topical lightening agents: arbutin, ascorbic acid, cysteamine, hydroquinone, kojic acid, niacinamide, retinoids, and triple-combination therapy. The topicals were classified as either prescription-grade or over-the-counter. Results Varying levels of evidence support the use of topicals in treating hyperpigmentation. There were more clinical trials examining Rx-grade products than OTC products. Mild but tolerated side effects are noted in many of these agents. Conclusion Careful monitoring and adjustment of doses will be needed to maximize skin lightening benefits and minimize side effects.
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spelling doaj.art-2a111d2bad484e79bac3c27555c996c52023-09-15T14:28:50ZengTaylor & Francis GroupJournal of Dermatological Treatment0954-66341471-17532022-05-013341931193710.1080/09546634.2021.19408111940811Emerging topical therapies to treat pigmentary disorders: an evidence-based approachSophia Hu0Melissa R. Laughter1Jaclyn B. Anderson2Mona Sadeghpour3Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado School of MedicineDepartment of Dermatology, University of Colorado School of MedicineDepartment of Dermatology, University of Colorado School of MedicineSkinMed InstituteBackground Hyperpigmentation disorders are commonly encountered in dermatology clinics. The use of prescription-grade and over-the-counter topical lightening agents has increased in popularity, leading to a substantial growth of research over the past decade. Objective We seek to review clinical studies evaluating the use of different Rx-grade and OTC ingredients in treating hyperpigmentation. Methods and materials A comprehensive search on PubMed was conducted to identify patient-based evidence on the most common ingredients used as topical lightening agents: arbutin, ascorbic acid, cysteamine, hydroquinone, kojic acid, niacinamide, retinoids, and triple-combination therapy. The topicals were classified as either prescription-grade or over-the-counter. Results Varying levels of evidence support the use of topicals in treating hyperpigmentation. There were more clinical trials examining Rx-grade products than OTC products. Mild but tolerated side effects are noted in many of these agents. Conclusion Careful monitoring and adjustment of doses will be needed to maximize skin lightening benefits and minimize side effects.http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09546634.2021.1940811hyperpigmentationtopicalshydroquinoneascorbic acidtriple combination therapy
spellingShingle Sophia Hu
Melissa R. Laughter
Jaclyn B. Anderson
Mona Sadeghpour
Emerging topical therapies to treat pigmentary disorders: an evidence-based approach
Journal of Dermatological Treatment
hyperpigmentation
topicals
hydroquinone
ascorbic acid
triple combination therapy
title Emerging topical therapies to treat pigmentary disorders: an evidence-based approach
title_full Emerging topical therapies to treat pigmentary disorders: an evidence-based approach
title_fullStr Emerging topical therapies to treat pigmentary disorders: an evidence-based approach
title_full_unstemmed Emerging topical therapies to treat pigmentary disorders: an evidence-based approach
title_short Emerging topical therapies to treat pigmentary disorders: an evidence-based approach
title_sort emerging topical therapies to treat pigmentary disorders an evidence based approach
topic hyperpigmentation
topicals
hydroquinone
ascorbic acid
triple combination therapy
url http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09546634.2021.1940811
work_keys_str_mv AT sophiahu emergingtopicaltherapiestotreatpigmentarydisordersanevidencebasedapproach
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AT monasadeghpour emergingtopicaltherapiestotreatpigmentarydisordersanevidencebasedapproach