French maritime pine bark extract (pycnogenol) in association with triple combination cream for the treatment of facial melasma in women: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Lima PB, et al.
Published in Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology
Methodology
Randomised, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled single-centre trial (May-November 2019); oral pycnogenol 75 mg twice daily or placebo for 60 days plus tinted SPF 50/PPD 17 sunscreen by day and topical triple combination at bedtime; primary outcome change in modified Melasma Area Severity Index, with MELASQoL, colorimetric indices and the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale as secondary outcomes.
Key Findings
44 women with facial melasma (mean age 39, 91% skin phototypes III-IV) were randomised to oral pycnogenol 75 mg twice daily or placebo for 60 days, with everyone also using SPF 50 tinted sunscreen and a topical triple combination cream at night. Both groups improved, but the reduction in modified Melasma Area Severity Index was greater with pycnogenol at 49% (95% CI 36-61%) versus 34% (95% CI 16-47%) for placebo, and the difference in mMASI and colorimetric contrast was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Global aesthetic improvement was reported in 86% (95% CI 68-96%) of the pycnogenol group versus 55% (95% CI 32-73%) of placebo. All participants completed the trial and no adverse effects were linked to the oral treatment.
Conclusions
Pycnogenol is well-tolerated and increases the effectiveness of broad-spectrum sunscreen and the triple combination in the treatment of facial melasma in women.
Limitations
Only 44 women at a single centre over 60 days, and the supplement was added on top of an already effective topical regimen and sunscreen, so it cannot be judged as a standalone treatment; longer-term durability and relapse were not assessed.
Supplements Studied
Pycnogenol is well-tolerated and increases the effectiveness of broad-spectrum sunscreen and the triple combination in the treatment of facial melasma in women.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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