TRIPHALA WITH BROAD SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN IMPROVES MELANIN INDEX AND MELASMA SEVERITY INDEX IN FACIAL MELASMA

Abstract

Though sunscreens have been an indispensable part in treating melasma, there is, however, a paucity of data in the literature evaluating the effect of broad‐spectrum sunscreen with antioxidant in its treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the synergistic antioxidant effect of triphala and UV protecting effect of sunscreen in facial melasma. A total of 42 patients with melasma who have routinely used sunscreen without triphala were included. The sun protection and antioxidant level of the sunscreen with triphala was evaluated. Melanin index, erythema index, Melasma Area Severity Score (MASI) and skin moisture were evaluated following the application of sunscreen once daily in the morning for 4 weeks. Mean SPF value of the sunscreen was 11.85. Mean UVAPF value was 6.89. Mean critical wavelength was 383.89 nm. DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) assays of the triphala extract were 219.30, 170.40, 364.43 mg of Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity/ml, respectively. At the highest point of cheekbone, melanin index decreased from 217 before to 190 after the treatment (p<0.05). The average MASI score of patients decreased by 2.2 points, falling from 5.2 at the baseline to 3.0 (p<0.05). However, Erythema index was not different when compared between 310 before and 317 (p>0.05). Skin moisture was also not different, with the level of hydration 39.7 before and 36.4 after (p>0.05). The triphala sunscreen can lighten skin reducing the melanin index and MASI. The triphala sunscreen could thus be considered an effective anti-melasma component.