Evaluation the efficacy of microneedling with topical metformin solution compared with microneedling with topical vitamin C solution in treatment of melasma

Q: What was the study’s goal in treating melasma?

To compare the efficacy and safety of microneedling combined with topical metformin versus microneedling combined with topical vitamin C for melasma.

Q: How was treatment assigned to the patients?

In a split-face design, the right side received microneedling with topical metformin, and the left side received microneedling with topical vitamin C.

Q: What were the main efficacy and safety findings?

Both groups showed significant Hemi-MASI improvement (P-value < 0.001), with a higher percentage improvement in the metformin group. Dermoscopic findings improved significantly more with topical metformin, and no significant side effects were reported.

Oct 10, 2026

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Several treatment modalities have been used for melasma. This split-face interventional comparative study evaluated whether microneedling combined with topical metformin solution is more effective and safe than microneedling combined with topical vitamin C solution. Thirty female patients were enrolled, with the right side treated using metformin and the left side treated using vitamin C. Hemi-MASI scores decreased significantly in both groups (P-value < 0.001), with greater improvement in the metformin group. Dermoscopic findings improved significantly more with topical metformin, and no significant side effects were reported.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages9

Reading Time23 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Patients and methods

Patients

Treatment protocol

Archives of Dermatological Research (2024) 316:662 [https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-024-03355-9](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-024-03355-9) Evaluation the efficacy of microneedling with topical metformin solution compared with microneedling with topical vitamin C solution in treatment of melasma Manal Mahmoud Yosef Mahmoud1 · Abeer Moustafa Kamel2 · Sara Ahmed Galal3 Received: 20 July 2024 / Revised: 14 August 2024 / Accepted: 26 August 2024 / Published online: 5 October 2024 © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2024 Abstract Several treatment modalities have been used for the treatment of melasma. Topical metformin is an anti-diabetic drug, which has melanopenic action. Vitamin C acts on melanin by inhibiting the tyrosinase enzyme, thus inhibiting melanogenesis. To compare the efficacy and safety of microneedling combined with topical metformin solution versus microneedling combined with topical vitamin C in the treatment of melasma. A spitted-face interventional comparative on 30 female patients suffering from melasma. The right side of the face was treated with microneedling and topical metformin, while the left side was treated with microneedling and topical vitamin C solution. Hemi-MASI score decreased significantly after treatment from before treatment in both groups P-value < 0.001. The percentage of improvement of Hemi-MASI score metformin group was 48.29%, While with vitamin C group was 37.19% . There was a significant improvement in dermoscopic findings in microneedling with topical metformin than with topical vitamin C group. Microneedling with topical metformin or topical vitamin C solution can be an effective and safe therapeutic option for treating melasma with no significant side effects. Keywords Melasma · Microneedling · Metformin · Vitamin C All contributors who participated in the preparation of the manuscript are listed as authors. * Sara Ahmed Galal[drsaragalal@azhar.edu.eg](drsaragalal@azhar.edu.eg) Manal Mahmoud Yosef Mahmoud [lolamah66@gmail.com](lolamah66@gmail.com) Abeer Moustafa Kamel [Abeer.faheem@yahoo.com](Abeer.faheem@yahoo.com) 1 Dermatology Department, Ministry of Health, Benha University, Benha, Egypt 2 Professor of Dermatology and Venereology Department, Faculty of Medicine (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt 3 Faculty of Medicine (Girls), Assistant Professor of Dermatology and Venereology Department, Al-Azhar University, 53, New Cairo, 3Rd Zone Fifth, Settlement, Cairo, Egypt Introduction Melasma is a common pigmentary disorder that is characterized by symmetrically distributed hyperpigmented maculesand patches on the face [1] . Melasma can be triggered by various factors such as hormonal changes during pregnancy, thyroid disorders, sun exposure, genetic predisposition, and certain medications like phenytoin and oral contraceptives. The primary mechanisms involve increased melanin production through the up-regulation of genes like TYR, tyrosinase-related protein1 (TYRP1), and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) leading to hyperpigmentation [2] . Microneedling, or percutaneous collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive procedure using fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating the natural wound-healing process. In vitro studies indicate these injuries up-regulate genes for tissue remodeling and epidermal differentiation, aiding skin rejuvenation and improving transdermal drug delivery via temporary microchannels [3] . The anti-diabetic medication metformin, when applied topically, has a melanopenic effect. This is because it suppresses the expression of a transcription factor linked to microphthalmia, known as MIF. This, in turn, suppresses the transcription of several melanogenic proteins, including tyrosinase, TRP-1, TRP-2, and protein kinase C-beta [4, 5] . Vitamin C treats melasma by affecting melanin production. It reduc

FAQs

What was the study’s goal in treating melasma?

To compare the efficacy and safety of microneedling combined with topical metformin versus microneedling combined with topical vitamin C for melasma.

How was treatment assigned to the patients?

In a split-face design, the right side received microneedling with topical metformin, and the left side received microneedling with topical vitamin C.

What were the main efficacy and safety findings?

Both groups showed significant Hemi-MASI improvement (P-value < 0.001), with a higher percentage improvement in the metformin group. Dermoscopic findings improved significantly more with topical metformin, and no significant side effects were reported.

Oct 10, 2026

Upload by วิน