Introduction: Melasma is a common, acquired, long-lasting skin disorder that is often resistant to treatment and causes negative psychological effects on patients.
Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of the topical combination of kojic acid, arbutin, sepiwhite® and achromaxyl ® compared to 2% and 4% hydroquinone in the treatment of facial melasma.
Methods: A single-blind, comparative, monocentric clinical study with 120 volunteers (aged 18-50, I to IV Fitzpatrick skin types) was conducted. The study population was divided into 3 groups: Group A (n = 40; Blancy®, 2 times a day), Group B (n = 40, 2% hydroquinone at night), and Group C (n = 40, 4% hydroquinone at night), and instructed to use the study product for 90 consecutive days. Clinical (classification and quantification of melasma) and photographic evaluations were carried out, and a questionnaire assessed the impact on the patients'''''''' quality of life and the products'''''''' general efficacy.
Results: Most volunteers (n = 102, 85%) completed the study (Group A = 34, Group B = 33, Group C = 35). The Melasma Area Severity Index metrics presented a statistically significant decrease (i.e., improvement) throughout the study in all three groups (p-value < 0.001).
Conclusion: The topical use of the kojic acid, arbutin, sepiwhite® and achromaxyl® combination proved to be an effective and safe alternative for treating melasma.

Keywords: MELANOSIS, HYDROQUINONES, ARBUTIN, QUALITY OF LIFE

Introduction: The skin is subject to intrinsic and extrinsic aging processes, which makes treating cutaneous photoaging clinically challenging.
Objective: To use objective and subjective parameters to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and clinical efficacy of a cosmetic product containing 0.05% retinaldehyde, 4% nicotinamide, and 1% Vitis vinifera extract in the treatment of skin aging.
Methods: A monocentric, prospective, open study evaluated 40 female volunteers (25-40 years old) with Fitzpatrick skin types I to IV, who used the dermocosmetic product for 60 consecutive days. Subjective assessments were carried out by the physician and the volunteer patients. In addition, ultrasound examination and objective assessment of photographic records using the Visia® imaging system, skin biopsies, corneometry, pH metry, and sebumetry were conducted.
Results: Thirty-six volunteers completed the study. Subjective evaluations revealed improvements in wrinkles, fine lines, sagging, vitality, and overall appearance. Ultrasound and skin biopsies showed increased collagen (94.4% and 30.6%, respectively). Pictures from the Visia® device demonstrated a reduction in stains, wrinkles, and pores, and improvements in the skin''''''''s texture. Sebumetry revealed a decrease in the oiliness and the pH. Measurements taken with the corneometer remained constant.
Conclusions: This dermocosmetic product is effective and safe in the treatment of photoaging.

Keywords: RETINOIDS, RETINALDEHYDE, NIACINAMIDE, SKIN AGING