Assessment of the efficacy and safety of a new complex skin cream in Asian women: A controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Medical products such as hydroquinone and tretinoin have been widely used to treat various types of skin hyperpigmentation. However, these products are limited in daily use given their adverse effects. Other alternative agents with fewer adverse side effects have been developed. However, single agents often do not produce satisfactory results. AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new brightening complex cream containing niacinamide, tranexamic acid, oxyresveratrol, glutathione disulfide, and linoleic acid. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 26 Korean women seeking to lighten their skin were enrolled. The product was applied on the face two times per day for 12 weeks. Standardized photographs were taken at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks. Efficacy was assessed using melanin index (MI), erythema index (EI), and chromatic aberration values (L*, a*, and b*). Improvement perceived by investigators and patients was measured as well. RESULTS: The L*-value was increased at 8 weeks (0.7±2.5, P<.05) and at 12 weeks (0.8±2.5, P<.05). The MI was significantly decreased at 8 weeks (-4.2±4.5, P<.05) and at 12 weeks (-3.8±4.8, P<.001). The EI was significantly improved at 12 weeks (-3.2±2.2, P<.001). More than 80% of patients were considered improved at 12 weeks based on the view of the investigators and patients. CONCLUSIONS: The new brightening complex cream was proved to be effective and safe in Asian women.

Assessment of the release of mercury from silver amalgam alloys exposed to different 10% carbamide peroxide bleaching agents.

This in vitro study assessed the amount of mercury (Hg) released from a silver amalgam alloy following the application of different 10% carbamide peroxide bleaching agents. A total of 30 specimens (2 mm thick x 4 mm in diameter) were stored in deionized water at 37°C for 7 days. Next, the control group (n = 10) remained in the deionized water for 15 days, while the remaining samples were exposed to 1 of 2 bleaching agents (n = 10) for 8 hours daily (total exposure = 120 hours); for the remaining 16 hours, specimens in the test groups were stored in deionized water at 37°C under relative humidity. After this period, the quantity of Hg in the deionized water was assessed (using atomic absorption spectrophotometry) and compared to the amount of Hg at baseline. The results indicate that exposing amalgam alloys to bleaching agents released greater amounts of Hg compared to exposing samples to deionized [corrected] water.

The use of topical bleaching agents among women: a cross-sectional study of knowledge, attitude and practices.

BACKGROUND: Although the practice of bleaching is common worldwide, there are few studies that discuss knowledge, attitudes and practices towards bleaching. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the knowledge, attitudes and practices towards the usage of topical bleaching agents among women. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire on the use of bleaching creams was distributed randomly to women attending the outpatient clinics at a university hospital in Saudi Arabia during 2008. RESULTS: Five hundred and nine of 620 women responded (82% response rate). All the participants had dark skin (skin type 4-5). The mean age was 29.22 ± 9 years. Of the participants, 38.9% (197/506) were current users of bleaching agents. Only 26.7% (106/397) of the respondents used bleaching agents for medical purposes to treat localized abnormal skin hyper-pigmentation; 20.8% (101/485) were ready to use any bleaching cream that gives fast results, even if the components were unknown. Of the respondents, 30% (152/509) used more than 100 g of bleaching creams monthly. These products were applied to the whole body in 7.3% of the cases. While 10.3% (28/271) continued applying the bleaching products during pregnancy, 20.8% (54/260) did so during lactation. No associations could be found between the various sociodemographic variables and differences in the attitude towards and practice of using bleaching creams. CONCLUSION: A major proportion of our sample respondents have overused and/or misused bleaching agents. This was regardless of age, income, education or marital status. There is a need to educate women about the possible risks.