Clinical Study

DNA Methyltransferases in Malar Melasma and Their Modification by Sunscreen in Combination with 4% Niacinamide, 0.05% Retinoic Acid, or Placebo

Table 2

Changes in colorimetric values (L, a), MASI index, and Mean Fluorescence Intensity (MFI) in melasma lesions treated with 4% niacinamide, 0.05% retinoic acid, and placebo; initially and at the end of the study.

Initial valuesValues after 8 weeks of treatment

4% Niacinamide
(n=10)
0.05% Retinoic acid
(n=10)
Placebo (n=10)P value4% Niacinamide
(n=10)
0.05% Retinoic acid
(n=10)
Placebo (n=10)P value

L46.5 ± 3.847.2 ± 3.247.7 ± 3.80.1652.7 ± 2.350.2 ± 3.148.4 ± 4.20.01

a11.7 ± 1.812.1 ± 0.512.7 ± 0.90.111.4 ± 1.212.3 ± 1.812.6 ± 2.50.06

MASI15.4 ± 6.718.5± 13.59.1± 1.40.110.4 ± 5.112.9 ± 6.47.1 ± 1.20.03

MFI70 ± 574 ± 268 ± 30.450 ± 353 ± 564 ± 2<0.01

L: axis values; a: erythema axis values; p values obtained by t test. The groups did not differ in colorimetric, MASI, and MFI values at onset (ANOVA, P >0.05).