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...
Main Authors: | , , , |
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Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
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Taylor & Francis Group
2022-05-01
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Series: | Journal of Dermatological Treatment |
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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. |
first_indexed | 2024-03-12T00:15:45Z |
format | Article |
id | doaj.art-2a111d2bad484e79bac3c27555c996c5 |
institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
issn | 0954-6634 1471-1753 |
language | English |
last_indexed | 2024-03-12T00:15:45Z |
publishDate | 2022-05-01 |
publisher | Taylor & Francis Group |
record_format | Article |
series | Journal of Dermatological Treatment |
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 AT melissarlaughter emergingtopicaltherapiestotreatpigmentarydisordersanevidencebasedapproach AT jaclynbanderson emergingtopicaltherapiestotreatpigmentarydisordersanevidencebasedapproach AT monasadeghpour emergingtopicaltherapiestotreatpigmentarydisordersanevidencebasedapproach |