The benefits of hydroquinone are well documented but unfortunately, so are its side effects. While the skin lightening material works wonders in lightening dark patches of skin, such as hyperpigmentation, age spots or freckles by inhibiting an enzyme reaction in skin cells, detractors insist the ingredient is a possible carcinogen.
 
Yes, skin care experts, including most dermatologists, downplay the risks of cancer, but there’s been enough bad publicity during the past few years to keep researchers at skin care companies scrambling to find alternatives. One firm has found it. Elure, a complete range of skin brightening products, including lotion, night cream and face wash, all contain Melanozyme, a propriety enzyme derived from mushrooms and patented by Syneron, parent company of Elure.
 
“Patients seeking skin lightening treatment are often frustrated by skin irritation resulting from topical medicines or the need for multiple, uncomfortable chemical peel or laser procedures,” explained Ryan Proctor, national sale director, Elure.  “These adverse effects have patients seeking efficacious options without the discomfort and risks.”
 
The Melanozyme found in the Elure system is a version of the naturally occurring enzyme lignin peroxidase. Syneron Medical Ltd., an aesthetic device maker, liked the technology so much, that the company acquired the Elure system.
 
“Entering the topical market was a new endeavor for Syneron. Topicals was the next step to our expanding line,” explained Proctor. “Elure is a specialty product that can be used stand alone or in conjunction with laser therapy. Having a product that physicians and patients want makes the transition simple and adds value to our current Syneron customers.”
 
Who is the Elure customer? Proctor says it’s anyone who wants to improve the appearance of her skin. In a split face study against 4% hydroquinone, Elure was found to be equally as effective as hydroquinone with the added benefits of improved texture, reduced roughness and better overall appearance, according to Proctor.
 
The product works by breaking down the durable melanin compound within the skin. While other skin lightening treatments work to block melanin biosynthesis, preventing its formation, Elure’s active ingredient is said to reduce melanin in the upper layers of the epidermis. And, unlike other topicals that require users to periodically take a break from their treatments, there’s no need for consumers to take a holiday from Elure. Finally, Elure does not cause photosensitivity like the other topical products that treat hyperpigmentation, according to Proctor, who says the story behind Melanozyme always fascinates medical providers.
 
“Have you ever noticed what a decaying tree looks like?” asked Proctor. “When we snap a tree branch we see that the bark is brown and the inside wood is light. Over the years, the bark becomes darker due to sun exposure. When a tree begins to die and decay, lignin peroxidase forms on the bark of the tree.”
 
According to Proctor, lignin peroxidase breaks down the browns giving the tree the ashier lighter color. Lignin, which is what gives trees their color is identical in molecular structure to melanin.  Scientists began researching Elure on human skin and saw it worked the same way. Elure is derived from ligin peroxidase and breaks up hyperpigmented skin cause by sun, age and laser scarring (also known as post inflammatory hyperpigmentation).
 
The line is available through dermatologists, plastic surgeons and other medical aesthetic specialists. The face wash retails for $35 while the lotion and cream are each $125.
 
Insisting that Elure is for everyone, Proctor noted that the brightening lotion is a light formula in an airless pump that makes it very easy to use, while the night cream is ideal for the more mature patient or someone looking for a great moisturizer.
 
The line was launched nationally in 2011 after a handful of dermatologists and plastic surgeons, including Tina Alster, Alan Gold, Roy Geronemus and Debra Price, had a chance to test drive the product.
 
“They got together and did a round table discussion to talk about their experiences,” recalled Proctor. “Based on their personal and patient results and our clinical data, we knew we had a winner.”
 
Now, company executives are determined to build on that winning streak by focusing on the unique doctor-patient relationship.
 
“When discussing Elure with a potential new practice, we make sure to discuss the right patient types for Elure and make sure it’s a need of the practice,” explained Proctor. “No company has a product the works the exact way Elure does.  If a doctor is looking for a safe alternative, Elure is the answer!”
 
The question, then, is what’s next for Syneron Medical?
 
“We’re just getting started,” insisted Proctor. “I feel lucky to have the aesthetic giant Syneron Medical support our product.  I can’t wait for everyone to see what’s in store for the future of Syneron Topical Aesthetics.”