Aesthetic Efficacy of a Novel Topical Combination Brightening Regimen to Treat Facial Hyperpigmentation

Abstract

Purpose: Hyperpigmentation is a multifaceted condition that is often challenging to treat. Due to this complexity, a combination therapy providing a holistic approach of removal and prevention of pigmentation has shown greater efficacy than a monotherapy treatment. A clinical usage study was conducted to assess the cosmetic changes of a combination take-home skincare topical regimen of a novel brightening platform in subjects with mild to severe facial hyperpigmentation.

Procedure: Participants received a take-home multimodal brightening skincare regimen (EC Regimen) that consisted of twice-daily use of EC brightening Pads and EC serum, and once-daily evening use of EC spot cream. Clinical Efficacy and tolerability assessments, and participant self-assessments of facial skin appearance were conducted.

Results: Nineteen participants aged 31-69 years, with Fitzpatrick Skin Types I-IV, who self-identified their ethnicity as Asian, White, American Indian, and Hispanic, were included in the study. The EC Regimen provided statistically significant improvements as early as week 1 in Dark Spot Severity and Dark Spot Contrast grades with continued significant improvements through week 12 versus baseline (p<0.01). There were significant improvements in Overall Hyperpigmentation and the validated Modified Melasma Area and Severity Index scores as early as week 2 with continued significant improvements through week 12 versus baseline (p<0.03). Additionally, improvements in a variety of photoaging concerns such as Overall Photodamage, Tactile Roughness, Skin Tone Evenness, Fine and Coarse Lines/Wrinkles and Radiance were observed at all time points.

The EC Regimen was highly rated by participants with an overall satisfaction of 94% by week 12. At week 12, participants stated that EC Regimen “faded the dark spots that I have had for more than 5 years” (89%), “helped prevent new dark spots” (94%), and “improved my most stubborn spots that bother me the most” (89%). At week 12, EC Regimen improved quality-of-life parameters and participants stated that EC Regimen “makes me feel happier with how I look” (83%) and “makes me more confident” (83%). EC Regimen was well-tolerated as tolerability assessments remained mild for the duration of the study.

Conclusions: Combination therapy of EC Regimen provides a well-tolerated, effective treatment for multiple hyperpigmentation and photoaging parameters with high patient satisfaction.