Salicylic Acid Peels Combined With 4% Hydroquinone in the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Melasma in Hispanic Women

The Efficacy of Salicylic Acid Peels Combined With 4% Hydroquinone Cream Versus 4% Hydroquinone Cream Alone in the Treatment of Hispanic Women With Moderate to Severe Melasma

This study will enroll 20 adult Hispanic women. Participants will apply 4% hydroquinone cream twice daily to affected areas on the face for 14 weeks and half the face will be peeled with 20-30% salicylic acid every two weeks for a total of 4 peels. The first two peels will be 20% salicylic acid and the second two peels will be with 30% salicylic acid. The purpose of the study will be to evaluate the safety and efficacy of salicylic acid combined with 4% hydroquinone versus 4% hydroquinone alone.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Hispanic women ages 18-65 years of age with moderate to severe melasma
• English and Spanish-speaking women

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant or breast-feeding women
• Subjects who have used 4% hydroquinone within 3 months of study start
• Subjects who have used chemical peels, microdermabrasion or facial laser treatments within 9 months of study start