Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2018 Oct;11(10):24-28.
Epub 2018 Oct 1.

Split-face Evaluation of a Multi-ingredient Brightening Foam Versus a Reference Control in Women with Photodamaged Facial Skin

Thomas J Stephens  1   2   3 , Michael Babcock  1   2   3 , Vivian Bucay  1   2   3 , Vincent Gotz  1   2   3
Affiliations

Split-face Evaluation of a Multi-ingredient Brightening Foam Versus a Reference Control in Women with Photodamaged Facial Skin

Thomas J Stephens et al. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018 Oct.

Abstract

Background: The gold standard for the treatment of hyperpigmentation is hydroquinone (HQ), which has been available as a skin lightener for more than 50 years. Numerous clinical studies have proven its efficacy in various topical formulations. In the United States, HQ is available as a nonprescription product in 2% formulations and as a 4% prescription product. Objective: This study compared the safety and efficacy of a 2% hydroquinone multi-ingredient foam with a standard 4% hydroquinone cream on photodamaged facial skin. Methods: A 12-week, investigator-blinded, randomized trial with a split-face design was conducted in women with moderate photodamaged facial skin. Results: Both products improved the appearance of photodamaged facial skin and were well-tolerated. No statistically significant changes were seen between treatments during the efficacy or tolerability evaluations. Conclusion: Both treatments (2% HQ Brighten and 4% HQ) improved the appearance of photodamaged facial skin and were well-tolerated and results well-perceived by subjects over the 12-week treatment period, compared with baseline grading scores.

Keywords: Arbutin; foam delivery vehicle; hydroquinone; hyperpigmentation; kojic acid; niacinamide; photodamaged facial skin.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

FUNDING:This study was funded by Precision Dermatology. DISCLOSURES:Mr. Gotz reports stock options with MDRejuvena, Inc. The other authors have no conflicts of interest relevant to the content of this article.

Figures

FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 1.
Overall photodamage; percent-change (improvement) from baseline
FIGURE 2.
FIGURE 2.
Mottled pigmentation; percent-change (improvement) from baseline
FIGURE 3.
FIGURE 3.
Radiance; percent-change (improvement) from baseline
FIGURE 4.
FIGURE 4.
Fine lines; percent-change (improvement) from baseline
FIGURE 5.
FIGURE 5.
Subject self-assessments of two treatments, percent of subjects with favorable responses
FIGURE 6.
FIGURE 6.
Subject with split-face treatment A) before and B) after 12 weeks of treatment—The patient’s right side received 4% HQ and her left side received 2% HQ brightening foam.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Clydesdale GJ, Dandie GW, Muller HK. Ultraviolet light induced injury: immunological and inflammatory effects. Immunol Cell Biol. 2001;79(6):547–568. - PubMed
    1. Ortonne JP, Bissett DL. Latest insights into skin hyperpigmentation. J Invest Dermatol Symp Proc. 2008;13(1):10–14. - PubMed
    1. Gilchrest BA. Skin aging and photoaging: an overview. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1989;21(3 Pt 2):610–613. - PubMed
    1. Fisher GJ, Kang S, Varani J et al. Mechanisms of photoaging and chronological skin aging. Arch Dermatol. 2002;138(11):1462–1470. - PubMed
    1. Taylor CR, Stern RS, Leyden JJ, Gilchrest BA. Photoaging/photodamage and photoprotection. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1990;22(1):1–15. - PubMed

LinkOut - more resources