Efficacy of a new well-tolerated dermo-cosmetic complex for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and solar lentigo spots

The conventional dermatological treatment for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) or solar lentigo is the Kligman's trio. However, it induces several skin adverse reactions, and consequently cannot be used more than four consecutive months, and relapse may appear afterwards.

The aim was to develop a dermo-cosmetic complex for hyperpigmented spots that can be used all year, without any side effect.

Melanogenesis was assessed in tubo via tyrosinase activity with the active complex Andrographis paniculata leaf extract, Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract (GB), and azelaic acid. The inflammation was evaluated in vitro via PGE2 secretion by keratinocytes pre-treated with the active complex in association with niacinamide or GB alone, before UVB/UVA or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) stimulation. Then, 61 subjects with mild to moderate PIH (30) or solar lentigos (31), applied for 3 months a sunscreen (morning) and the active complex with niacinamide and saccharide isomerate (evening). During the study, spots’ melanin index, global efficacy based on spots intensity/size, quality of life (DLQI questionnaire), and safety were assessed.