The purpose of this study is to analyze facial pigmentation and skin microbiome changes after topical almond oil application, compared to the use of topical hydroquinone.
The purpose of this experiment is to analyze facial pigmentation and skin microbiome changes after topical almond oil application, compared to the use of topical hydroquinone. There will be a total of 50 subjects: * 25 randomized to receive almond oil nightly * 25 randomized to receive 2% hydroquinone nightly Study Timelines: * The duration of an individual subject's participation will last from the day of the consent/screening (visit 1) until visit 5 where they will have images taken and measurements collected to assess skin pigment, skin hydration, sebum excretion rate. * The duration of participation is 4 months. * The estimated time for the investigators to complete primary analysis is 2 years.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
50
Almond oil
Hydroquinone 2% cream
UC Davis Department of Dermatology, Clinical Trials Unit
Sacramento, California, United States
RECRUITINGIntensity of facial pigment
Facial images will be obtained and analyzed with the BTBP image analysis system
Time frame: 16 weeks
Shifts in the microbiome diversity (Shannon index as an example)
The skin microbiome will be analyzed to assess any changes after topical almond oil application, compared to the use of topical hydroquinone.
Time frame: 16 weeks
Quantification for the presence of species within the genus Cutibacteria, Staphyloccoccus, and Ralstonia
The skin microbiome will be analyzed to assess the presence of species within the genus Cutibacteria, Staphyloccoccus, and Ralstonia
Time frame: 16 weeks
Appearance of facial redness
The research team will quantify the presence of facial redness with a SkinColorCatch from Delfin Technologies. This will measure the RGB colors and average them from each participant for each of the visits. Skin pigment, including the presence of redness, will be measured using a SkinColorCatch from Delfin Technologies. This device shows the RGB Colors, CIE L\*a\*b\* and L\*c\*h\* color space coordinates when the device is applied to the skin.Included is the link to the device (http://www.truesystem.co.kr/product/pdf/SkinColorCatch%20Brochure%202016.pdf).
Time frame: 16 weeks
Subjective tolerability assessment
A questionnaire that assesses for stinging, itching, and burning will be utilized.
Time frame: 16 weeks
Intensity of facial pigment
Facial images will be obtained and analyzed with the BTBP image analysis system
Time frame: 8 weeks
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