Korean J Dermatol.
2011 Mar;49(3):210-216.
Efficacy of Hydrogel Mask with 2% Arbutin for Melasma
- Affiliations
-
- 1Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea. beomjoon@unitel.co.kr
- 2Department of Dermatology, Eulji General Hospital, College of Medicine, Eulji University, Seoul, Korea.
- 3Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- 4Nano Tech Department, KTM Tech co, Ansan, Korea.
- 5Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea.
Abstract
- BACKGROUND
Melasma is a common, acquired, symmetrical hypermelanosis that occurs on sun exposed areas of the skin. It is more prevalent among Asian women than among Caucasian women. Many different treatment modalities have been used with various efficacies, but none of them have been completely satisfactory. Arbutin is a naturally occurring gluconopyranoside that may reduce tyrosinase activity, which is a rate-limiting enzyme for melanin production.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the depigmenting effect and safety of a mask that contains 2% arbutin for the treatment of melasma.
METHODS
A total of 54 female volunteers with melasma were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, 8-week treatment study. The patients were instructed to apply an arbutin-containing mask or an arbutin-free mask once a day for 8 weeks. The assessment of outcomes included the Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) score, colorimetric value (L*), overall patient satisfaction and investigator assessment score (evaluated using photography).
RESULTS
The arbutin-containing mask significantly increased the right and left colorimetric values (L*) after the 8-week treatment (p<0.05) compared to the arbutin-free mask. The MASI score was decreased more in the arbutin mask group (p>0.05). The arbutin mask scored better than the control in patient satisfaction and investigator assessment. No significant adverse reactions were observed.
CONCLUSION
The arbutin mask appears to be effective and well-tolerated when used for the treatment of melasma.
