Background Melasma treatment is difficult due to extended treatment periods, suboptimal adherence, inconsistent results, and frequent relapses. Kojic acid has been shown to be effective in reducing melasma severity and is now increasingly used in cosmetic treatments. Aims The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a new cosmetic treatment for melasma at 45 and 90 days. Methods Multicenter prospective study across 20 dermatology clinics/ambulatories. One hundred patients with mild‐to‐moderate melasma were evaluated. The primary endpoints were changes in mean modified melasma area and severity index (mMASI) score and patient‐reported satisfaction at 45 and 90 days. Results The mean age of patients was 45.19 ± 11.5 years. Most patients were female and Caucasian. Patients presented mixed (65%), epidermal (26%), and dermal (4%) types of melasma. Triggering factors were hormonal contraception (33%), pregnancy (31%), and pharmacological treatment (11%); mean disease duration was 6.7 ± 6.8 years. Overall, a statistically significant decrease in mean mMASI scores was seen at 45 (2.19 ± 0.182 vs 3.29 ± 0.267, P < .0001) and 90 days (1.27 ± 0.128 vs 3.29 ± 0.267, P < .00001). The highest reduction in mMASI scores was observed in patients with dermal melasma. IGA scores showed a statistically significant improvement in pigmentation at 90 days (P < .00001). Conclusion The novel cosmetic treatment was associated with the improvement of melasma, as assessed by mMASI.

No abstract

Sunscreen application is a common strategy used to prevent the damage induced by UV radiations. In the last 30 years a variety of protective agents against UV exposure have been developed: physical filters, chemical filters and organic filters. Physical filters are the safest: they scatter and reflect UV rays, but are difficult to apply on the skin. Chemical filters are capable of absorbing these rays, they are cosmetically pleasant, but recent studies suggest a toxicological nature for some of these agents. Organic filters are the newest advance in sun products. Since 2003 the COLIPA Index [Europe] has regulated sun product availability on the market. In the USA, the FDA establishes the classification and the safety of sun products, which are considered topical medical drugs. This article summarizes the dermatologist's point of view, according to the patient's request, professional ethics and increasing offer of sun product.

No abstract