Derma-Fade
Available Dosage Strengths
8% / 0.05% / 3% / 1%
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Hydroquinone / Tretinoin / Hydrocortisone / Kojic Acid / Arbutin – Topical Cream Description1,2
Skin lightening (brighteners) therapy is used to address skin conditions that emanate from hyperpigmentation. Melanin, a pigment that causes skin darkening, is synthesized within melanocytes from thyrosine facilitated by the enzyme tyrosinase. Melanin after being synthesized is moved to keratinocytes (the primary epidermal cells). Pigmentation occurs when more melanin is produced than normal or distributed in an abnormal pattern. Chemical products may be used to decrease the hyperpigmentation that arises from melanin hyperproduction or abnormal distribution.
This topical cream combines ingredients to help lighten hyperpigmentation, promote cell turnover, and may reduce inflammation. The powerful ingredients work together, and may help fade dark spots, even out skin tone, and soothe irritated skin for a clearer, more youthful complexion.
Hydroquinone3-6
Hydroquinone, a phenolic, organic compound, has the molecular formula C6H6O2. It has been used in the photography industry along with the cosmetic industry. It is generally compounded in concentrations from 2% to 12%. The efficacy and toxicity of hydroquinone are contingent on its final concentration, the vehicle that hydroquinone is in and the chemical stability of the product. The benefits of hydroquinone as a skin-lightening agent may take up to 2 months.
Tretinoin7,8
Tretinoin, a naturally occurring derivative of vitamin A, is also called all-trans-retinoic acid. Retinoids may facilitate regulation of cell reproduction, cell proliferation and differentiation. For hyperpigmentation disorders, tretinoin can prevent the transcription of the enzyme tyrosinase which minimizes melanogenesis.
Hydrocortisone9,10
Hydrocortisone, a steroid hormone that systematically has both glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid activity, is the synthetic form of cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Hydrocortisone topically has anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, anti-mitotic, and immunosuppressive properties. There are many topical steroids available on the market. Hydrocortisone is a low potency steroid. It is used in creams that use many products to treat hyperpigmentation since it may mitigate irritation that emanates from other ingredients in the cream.
Kojic Acid11,12
Kojic acid, an organic acid, is produced from different fungi (A. flavus, A. oryzae, A. tamarii, and A. parasiticus). It was first isolated in 1907 and marketed in 1955. It is commonly used as a depigmenting agent. It is thought to have antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities in addition to its skin-lightening support.
Arbutin13
Arbutin, a skin lightening agent, is a compound composed of D-glucose bound to hydroquinone. Arbutin can be extracted from plants, converted from hydroquinone, or chemical synthesis. It is often combined with other skin lightening agents.
Hydroquinone3-6
Hydroquinone affects the melanogenesis process by inhibiting tyrosinase. It also inhibits DNA and RNA synthesis and suppresses the formation of melanosomes. The ability of hydroquinone to affect the melanocyte metabolic process may lead to a decrease in the production of melanin.
Tretinoin7,8
Tretinoin prevents the transcription of the enzyme tyrosinase which minimizes melanogenesis. In addition, tretinoin decreases melanin transfer, increases cell turnover of keratinocytes and the permeability in the stratum corneum. In this way melanin is dispersed.
In addition to its other activity, tretinoin may prevent hydroquinone oxidation and improve epidermal penetration of hydroquinone.
Hydrocortisone9,10
The anti-inflammatory effects of topical hydrocortisone may occur through vasoconstriction. The vasoconstriction minimizes inflammatory mediators delivered to the inflamed area. Topical hydrocortisone may also inhibit the release of phospholipase A2, which reduces prostaglandins and leukotriene. Lastly, topical hydrocortisone inhibits DNA and transcription factors related to inflammation. It does this by increasing the expression of anti-inflammatory genes and indirectly inhibiting inflammatory transcription factors, such as NF-kB, to decrease the expression of pro-inflammatory genes.
Topical hydrocortisone may also have an anti-mitotic effect by decreasing epidermal mitosis mediated through an increase in lipocortin, an endogenous glucocorticoid-regulated protein.
Topical hydrocortisone may also inhibit humoral factors in the inflammatory response by suppressing immune cells from maturing, differentiating and proliferating.
It may also decrease irritation from hydroquinone and tretinoin.
Kojic Acid11,12
Kojic acid is thought to chelate copper. Copper is needed at the active site of the tyrosinase enzyme. This action inhibits the activity of the tyrosinase enzyme. The tyrosinase enzyme is needed for melanin production.
Arbutin13
Arbutin may decompose to hydroquinone as a byproduct either when compounded into a cosmetic product or when applied to the skin. The mechanism of how hydroquinone is yielded from arbutin when applied to the skin may occur due to exposure to skin microorganisms or ultraviolet radiation. Mechanistically, hydroquinone inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase and destroys melanosomes. It may also cause necrosis of melanocytes through its action on the membrane structure.
Common3-15
Serious3-15
Contraindications3-15
Precautions3-15
Store at 20–25°C (68–77°F) in a cool, dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep container tightly closed.
This information is for educational purposes only. This compounded product has not been reviewed, approved, or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration for safety and effectiveness. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. No claims are made regarding treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease or condition.
This information may not cover all possible drug information about this product. Call your doctor for medical advice and/or about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. A Wells Pharmacy Network pharmacist will be happy to answer any questions. For consultation, please call 1-800-622-4510.
