Abstract
Background: Extrinsic skin aging caused by atmospheric pollutants is associated with a sustained inflammatory response which is a significant risk factor for lentigines and melasma.
Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of topical application of combination formulation of vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid as an adjuvant to Q-switched Nd:YAG (QSNY) lasers treatment in individuals with lentigines and melasma.
Methods: A single blinded, prospective, randomized split-face trial was conducted. Eighteen men and women between 26 and 53 years old were treated with a combination antioxidant serum on one randomized side of their face immediately after QSNY laser and twice daily for 2 weeks. Patients were evaluated using digital photography and spectrometry to assess the melanin index and erythema index. Melasma severity score and global improvement scores also were assessed.
Results: The treated side of the face exhibited a significantly greater reduction in the melanin index. There was no significant difference in post-treatment erythema. More clinical improvement was observed on the treated side compared with the untreated side.
Conclusions: Our study suggests that topical application of a combination vitamins C, E, and ferulic acid antioxidant formula may be effective as an adjuvant option in QSNY lasers.
Keywords: air pollution, antioxidant, lentigo, QS Nd:YAG laser, vitamin C
Jihee Kim MD ; Jemin Kim MD ; Young In Lee MD ; Abdurrahman Almurayshid MD ; Jin Young Jung MD, PhD ; Ju Hee Lee MD, PhD
