Vitamin C-iontophoresis in Melasma / 대한피부과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: An inhibitory effect of ascorbic acid(AsA) on melanogenesis has been described. Iontophoresis is emerging technologies capable of enhancing drug penetration through stratum corneum, the principal barrier to percutaneous absorption. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of vitamin C-iontophoresis in patients of melasma. METHODS: The treatment was performed twice weekly in 15 volunteer patients for a period of 6 weeks by application of vitamin C under a constant direct current of 0.4-0.8A for 15minutes. Clinical evaluations using the Melasma Area and Severity Index(MASI) and bioengineering measurement using Chromameter CR 300(R) were taken before and after treatment. RESULTS: Decreased MASI and light reflectance were noted at the end of 6 weeks, significant clinical improvement in the melasma was seen compared to before treatment. CONCLUSION: Vitamin C-iontophoresis is an effective, noninvasive treatment of melasma without significant side-effects.