This single-center investigator-blinded 12week study enrolled 82 subjects ( 7 male , 75 female ) ages 25-60years divided into 2 balanced groups of 41 subjects each with one group using a novel hydroxyphenoxy propionic acid , ellagic acid , yeast extract , and salicylic acid formulation applied twice daily compared to the standard prescription combination of 4 % hydroquinone cream and 0.025 % tretinoin cream applied nightly .