Treatment of Melasma Using Nano Vitamin C Cream versus Glycolic Acid Peel

Abstract

elasma, also known as chloasma is a common condition that is usually seen in women in their childbearing period. Melasma is a common acquired hypermelanosis characterized by irregular brownish macules and patches involving the sun-exposed areas of the skin. The disease affects all racial groups but is most prevalent in darker skin individuals (skin type IV–VI). Many etiological factors have been included in the etiology and pathogenesis of melasma, including pregnancy, oral contraceptives, sun exposure, genetic factors, cosmetics, phototoxic drugs, antiseizure medications, and thyroid dysfunction. However, one third of cases in women and most cases of men are idiopathic. GA has become the gold standard of chemical peeling agents. The depth of a GA peel depends on concentration, volume, and duration of application. Glycolic acid concentrations range from 20 up to 70%. Being a weak acid, it has to be neutralized by plain water or a weak buffer as sodium bicarbonate. It is stable, not light sensitive, inexpensive, safe, easy to administer, with generally little or no downtime. Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) is one of the potent water soluble antioxidants that can be used as a lightening agent because it interferes with melanogenesis by inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase enzyme, the rate limiting step in melanogenesis thus reducing melanin synthesis. Also, it has a