Vitamin C-iontophoresis in Melasma

Yoo, Jeong Min; Park, Hyun Jeong; Choi, Sung Woo; Kim, Hyung Ok

Abstract

BACKGROUND: An inhibitory effect of ascorbic acid(AsA) on melanogenesis has been described. Iontophoresis is emerging technologies capable of enhancing drug penetration through stratum corneum, the principal barrier to percutaneous absorption.
OBJECTIVE
Our purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of vitamin C-iontophoresis in patients of melasma.
METHODS
The treatment was performed twice weekly in 15 volunteer patients for a period of 6 weeks by application of vitamin C under a constant direct current of 0.4-0.8A for 15minutes. Clinical evaluations using the Melasma Area and Severity Index(MASI) and bioengineering measurement using Chromameter CR 300(R) were taken before and after treatment.
RESULTS
Decreased MASI and light reflectance were noted at the end of 6 weeks, significant clinical improvement in the melasma was seen compared to before treatment.
CONCLUSION
Vitamin C-iontophoresis is an effective, noninvasive treatment of melasma without significant side-effects.