Hydroquinone salicylic acid peels

Gladstone HB, Nguyen SL, Williams R, Ottomeyer T, Wortzman M, Jeffers M, Moy RL (2000) Efficacy of hydroquinone cream (USP 4%) used alone or in combination with salicylic acid peels in improving photodamage on the neck and upper chest. Dermatol Surg 26(4) 333-337... 

Fig. 6.4a. Melasma before and after a series of five salicylic acid peels and 4% hydroquinone...

Nineteen women were treated. Of that group, nine were treated with 4% hydroquinone and serial salicylic acid peeling. Both groups showed improvement in photodamage however, there were no significant differences between the two treatments. 

Fig. 16.2. a Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne vulgaris, b After a series of salicylic acid peels and hydroquinone 4%... 

Kodali [11], in a prospective, randomized split-face study, assessed the efficacy of 20% and 30% salicylic acid peels in 20 Latin American women with melasma. Salicylic acid peels were applied to one side while both sides were treated with hydroquinone 4%. Although both sides of the face had significant reduction in pigment, there were no differences between the peeled and unpeeled side with all outcome measures suggesting that salicylic acid did not improve outcomes versus hydroquinone monotherapy in patients with melasma. 

Fig. 16.3. a Severe recalcitrant post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation secondary to acne excorians. b After a series of four salicylic acid 20 and 30% peels and 10% hydroquinone cream... 

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