1. Open-label evaluation of the skin-brightening efficacy of a skin-brightening system using decapeptide-12
Andrea T Kassim, Mussarrat Hussain, David J Goldberg J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2012 Apr;14(2):117-21. doi: 10.3109/14764172.2012.672745.
This prospective study evaluated the safety and efficacy of decapeptide-12 in conjunction with an antioxidant cleanser, glycolic-acid containing facial moisturizer and broad-spectrum sunscreen in the treatment of facial hyperpigmentation associated with chronic photodamage. Fifteen female subjects with Fitzpatrick skin types I through IV and documented photodamage were entered into the study, of whom 13 completed the study. Results were obtained at weeks 4, 8, 12, 18 and 24 and were assessed by both volunteers and investigators based on standardised digital photography using the Global Assessment of Photodamage Severity Scale. At the conclusion of the study at 24 weeks, 38.5% of the volunteers achieved complete clearance from a moderate (grade 3) degree of photodamage at baseline to completely cleared (grade 1). Another 30.7% improved from a moderate (grade 3) degree of photodamage at baseline to a mild (grade 2) degree of photodamage. An additional 15.4% improved from a severe (grade 4) degree of photodamage at baseline to a moderate (grade 3) degree of photodamage while an equal 15.4% improved from a severe (grade 4) degree of photodamage at baseline to a designation of mild (grade 2) at 24 weeks. All study-related treatments were well tolerated. The mechanism of action of decapeptide-12 includes inhibition of melanin synthesis via inhibition of the tyrosinase enzyme. Advantages of decapeptide-12 over other skin-brightening agents include its low incidence of side effects, lack of cytotoxicity and safe use in ethnic skin as well as in patients who have failed other treatment regimens.
3. Open-label evaluation of a novel skin brightening system containing 0.01% decapeptide-12 in combination with 20% buffered glycolic acid for the treatment of mild to moderate facial melasma
Sandra P Ramírez, Alfonso C Carvajal, Juan C Salazar, Gladys Arroyave, Ana M Flórez, Hector F Echeverry J Drugs Dermatol. 2013 Jun 1;12(6):e106-10.
Melasma is a cutaneous disorder that primarily affects females of Hispanic and Asian descent. Previous studies have shown that use of a brightening system comprised of 0.01% decapeptide-12 cream, an antioxidant cleanser, a 20% buffered glycolic acid lotion, and a broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen yields good clearance of mild-to-moderate melasma in Caucasian and Asian volunteers. The present open-label, prospective, and multicenter study sought to determine the tolerability and efficacy of the above-mentioned brightening system on mild-to-moderate melasma in 33 Hispanic females over 16 weeks. Clinical measures included self-assessment of tolerability, clinical grading, determination of Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) scores, and standardized clinical photography. Results showed that the system was well tolerated with no adverse events reported. Mean decreases of 36%, 46%, 54%, and 60% in MASI scores were observed at weeks 4, 8, 12, and 16, respectively, which were further corroborated by standardized photography showing visible reduction in the appearance of melasma. Results suggest that the brightening system consisting of 0.01% decapeptide-12 cream, an antioxidant cleanser, 20% buffered glycolic acid lotion, and broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen is safe and efficacious for the treatment of mild-to-moderate melasma in Hispanic females.
