A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of vitamin C iontophoresis in melasma.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Vitamin C is known to both inhibit melanin formation and reduce oxidized melanin. However, vitamin C does not easily penetrate the skin. In this study, vitamin C iontophoresis was employed in order to enhance vitamin C penetration.

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of vitamin C iontophoresis for melasma patients.

METHODS:

Twenty-nine females with melasma were enrolled. For iontophoresis, a vitamin C solution was applied to one side of the face, while distilled water was applied to the other side as a control. The L (luminance) value was measured by a colorimeter to obtain an objective pigmentation parameter.

RESULTS:

Twelve weeks after iontophoresis, the colorimeter of the treated site showed a significant decrease in the L value (from 4.60 to 2.78, p = 0.002), compared to that of the control site (from 4.45 to 3.87, p = 0.142).

CONCLUSION:

Vitamin C iontophoresis may be an effective treatment modality for melasma.

• Authors: Chang-Hun Huh, Koo-Il Seo, Je-Young Park, Jeong-Gu Lim, Hee-Chul Eun, Kyung-Chan Park
• Journal: Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland) (Dermatology) Vol. 206 Issue 4 Pg. 316-20 ( 2003) ISSN: 1018-8665 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 12771472 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
• Copyright: Copyright 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel

Chemical References

• Antioxidants
• Ascorbic Acid

Topics

• Adult
• Antioxidants (therapeutic use)
• Ascorbic Acid (therapeutic use)
• Computer Graphics
• Data Interpretation, Statistical
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Humans
• Iontophoresis (methods)
• Melanosis (drug therapy)
• Middle Aged
• Neurocutaneous Syndromes (drug therapy)
• Research Design
• Treatment Outcome