Reduction in facial hyperpigmentation after treatment with a combination of
topical niacinamide and tranexamic acid: a randomized, double-blind,
vehicle-controlled trial.
Author(s): Lee do H(1), Oh IY, Koo KT, Suk JM, Jung SW, Park JO, Kim BJ, Choi YM.
Affiliation(s): Author information:
(1)Nutrex technology R&D center, Seoul, South Korea.
Publication date & source: 2014, Skin Res Technol. , 20(2):208-12
BACKGROUND: Facial hyperpigmentation occurs in multiple conditions. In addition,
many Asian women desire a lighter skin color. Thus, there is a need for the
development of skin lightening agents, and niacinamide and tranexamic acid (TXA)
are promising candidates.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of a combination of niacinamide and TXA as
a topical moisturizing formulation for treatment of irregular facial
pigmentation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 42 Korean women (age range: 30-60 years) who
were not pregnant, nursing, or undergoing any concurrent therapy were enrolled in
this study for 8 weeks. Subjects used a twice-daily regimen of either a
moisturizing cream containing 2% niacinamide + 2% TXA (test formulation; n = 21)
or cream vehicles (vehicle control; n = 21) in addition to an assigned sunscreen
each morning. Pigmentation was measured objectively using a mexameter and
chromameter, in addition to physicians' assessment using clinical photographs.
RESULTS: The niacinamide + TXA formulation regimen was significantly (P < 0.05)
more effective than the vehicle control formulation regimen in reducing the
appearance of pigmentation.
CONCLUSION: A formulation containing the combination of niacinamide + TXA reduced
the appearance of irregular pigmentation, providing an effect beyond that
achieved with sunscreen.
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