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Updated: Sep 25, 2026
Roller Microneedle Combined with Tranexamic Acid Solution in Treating Melasma
Published on: January 19, 2024
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of vitamin C iontophoresis in melasma
Chang-Hun Huh1, Koo-Il Seo, Je-Young Park
1Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Korea.
Background:
Vitamin C is known to both inhibit melanin formation and reduce oxidized melanin. However, vitamin C does not easily penetrate the skin. In this study, vitamin C iontophoresis was employed in order to enhance vitamin C penetration.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of vitamin C iontophoresis for melasma patients.
Methods:
Twenty-nine females with melasma were enrolled. For iontophoresis, a vitamin C solution was applied to one side of the face, while distilled water was applied to the other side as a control. The L (luminance) value was measured by a colorimeter to obtain an objective pigmentation parameter.
Results:
Twelve weeks after iontophoresis, the colorimeter of the treated site showed a significant decrease in the L value (from 4.60 to 2.78, p = 0.002), compared to that of the control site (from 4.45 to 3.87, p = 0.142).
Conclusion:
Vitamin C iontophoresis may be an effective treatment modality for melasma.
