The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether the use of dermocosmetics containing Bioceramides and Niacinamide can improve post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and promote positive impacts on self-esteem and quality of life in Brazilian Black women with facial hyperpigmentation (Fitzpatrick skin types IV to VI).
The main questions it aims to answer are:
* Does the treatment improve hyperpigmentation severity as measured by HASI and IGA scores? * Does the treatment improve participants' self-esteem and quality of life as assessed by MELASQoL and DLQI questionnaires?
Participants will:
* Use a standardized skincare routine including cleanser (0.2% Bioceramides), moisturizer (2% Niacinamide + 1% Bioceramides), serum (5% Niacinamide + 3% Bioceramides), and SPF 30 sunscreen for 12 weeks. * Attend study visits at baseline, week 6, and week 12. * Undergo standardized facial photography and clinical assessments by specialists at baseline, week 6, and week 12. * Complete questionnaires related to self-esteem and quality of life at baseline, week 6, and week 12.
Female participants aged 18 to 55 years
Clinical diagnosis of facial post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Self-identified as Black (including "preta" or "parda")
Fitzpatrick skin types IV to VI
Pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those planning pregnancy during the study period
Type 1 diabetes mellitus or related complications (e.g., nephropathy, dermatological conditions associated with diabetes, history of hypoglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, or hyperosmolar coma)
Known or suspected intolerance to similar cosmetic products
History of atopy or allergic reactions to cosmetic products
Single group
Niacinamide and Bioceramide-Based Skincare Regimen
DrugA standardized facial skincare regimen containing a cleanser (0.2% Bioceramides), moisturizer (2% Niacinamide + 1% Bioceramides), serum (5% Niacinamide + 3% Bioceramides), and SPF 30 sunscreen. The products are intended for daily use, with cleanser applied twice daily, moisturizer applied in the morning, serum applied at night, and sunscreen applied twice daily.
Change in Hyperpigmentation Severity Assessed by Hyperpigmentation Area Severity Scale (HASI)
The Hyperpigmentation Area Severity Scale (HASI), adapted from the Melasma Area Severity Index (MASI), will be used to evaluate pigmentation severity. The face will be divided into four regions (forehead, right malar, left malar, and chin). Hyperpigmentation severity will be assessed based on three components: pigmentation intensity and homogeneity (both scored from 0 to 4), and the affected area (scored from 0 to 6). A weighted sum will be calculated for each region using the following formula: HASI = 0.3 × (area score) × (intensity + homogeneity) for the forehead and malar regions, and 0.1 × (area score) × (intensity + homogeneity) for the chin. The total HASI score will be obtained by summing all regions, ranging from 0 to 48, with higher scores indicating greater hyperpigmentation severity.
Visual Assessment of Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation Using Standardized Facial Photography
Standardized facial photographs will be obtained at each study visit and will be evaluated by a dermatologist to assess post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Images will be captured under visible light using a standardized protocol (Rossi et al., 2011), including three facial views (frontal, left 45°, and right 45°). The face will be divided into seven regions for visual analysis and quantification of pigmented areas using ImageJ software (version 1.45p, NIH). All photographs will be acquired using consistent camera settings, lighting conditions, and participant positioning throughout the study to ensure comparability.
Change in Hyperpigmentation Severity Assessed by Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA)
The Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) is a visual assessment that will be used to provide an overall evaluation of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation severity. Assessments will be performed by a dermatologist using a 6-point scale ranging from 0 to 5, according to morphological characteristics of pigmentation: 0 = no hyperpigmentation; 1 = almost clear; 2 = mild but noticeable hyperpigmentation; 3 = moderate hyperpigmentation (medium brown); 4 = severe hyperpigmentation (dark brown); and 5 = very severe hyperpigmentation (very dark brown to nearly black). Higher scores will indicate greater severity of pigmentation.
Change in Quality of Life Assessed by Melasma Quality of Life Scale (MelasQoL)
The Melasma Quality of Life Scale (MelasQoL) will be used to assess quality of life related to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The questionnaire consists of 10 items divided into three domains: emotional well-being, social life, and self-esteem/daily activities. Each item is scored from 1 (not bothered at all) to 7 (constantly bothered), with higher scores indicating worse quality of life. The MelasQoL is a validated instrument for assessing the impact of melasma and other pigmentary disorders on patients' quality of life.
Change in Quality of Life Assessed by Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI)
The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) will be used to assess quality of life and self-esteem related to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The questionnaire consists of 10 items covering six domains: symptoms, emotions, daily activities, work/school, social functioning, and treatment. Each item is scored from 0 (not at all/not relevant) to 3 (very much), with total scores ranging from 0 to 30. Higher scores indicate greater impairment in quality of life.
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Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein
Lead sponsor
COTY BRASIL COMERCIO S.A.
Collaborator
