Tazarotene versus tazarotene plus hydroquinone in the treatment of photodamaged facial skin: A multicenter, double‐blind, randomized study

Abstract

Objectives: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of tazarotene plus hydroquinone versus tazarotene alone in the treatment of facial photodamage. Methods: Patients with facial mottled hyperpigmentation of at least moderate severity and an overall integrated assessment of photodamage score of at least moderate applied tazarotene 0.1% cream each evening and either hydroquinone 4% cream or placebo cream each morning for up to 24 weeks. Results: Among 131 patients enrolled, 114/124 (92%) with exit data completed. Both regimens were highly effective in reducing photodamage, with tazarotene plus hydroquinone showing superiority over tazarotene alone for some efficacy measures. The incidence of ⩾1‐grade improvement from baseline (on a scale of none, minimal, mild, moderate, or severe) was significantly greater with tazarotene plus hydroquinone than with tazarotene alone for lentigines (weeks 12–24, p⩽0.01) and mottled hyperpigmentation (week 16, p⩽0.05). The incidence of ⩾50% global improvement was also significantly superior with the combination regimen as early as week 8 (p⩽0.01). Both regimens were associated with good tolerability and high patient satisfaction (no significant between‐group differences). Conclusions: The adjunctive use of hydroquinone can enhance the efficacy of tazarotene in reducing dyspigmentation associated with photodamage.