A New Bleaching Protocol for Hyperpigmented Skin Lesions with a High Concentration of All-trans Retinoic Acid Aqueous Gel

A new bleaching protocol for skin hyperpigmentation with a higher concentration of all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) aqueous gel than those commercially available is introduced. AtRA aqueous gel (0.1%) was applied topically twice a day along with 4% hydroquinone, 7% lactic acid ointment to oriental patients with hyperpigmented lesions such as senile lentigines, melasma, and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. The clinical results of 39 patients treated with 0.1% atRA aqueous gel were compared to those of 22 patients treated with 0.1% atRA hydrophilic ointment. Better clinical results and subjective satisfaction were obtained through a significantly shorter period of treatment with 0.1% atRA aqueous gel than with 0.1% atRA hydrophilic ointment, although side effects such as erythema and irritation were seen at a higher frequency. It is suggested that our bleaching protocol with a high concentration of atRA aqueous gel in combination with hydroquinone and lactic acid has a strong bleaching ability and a potential as a standard therapy for various kinds of skin lesions with hyperpigmentation.