Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition characterized by areas of darker than normal skin, and it’s usually the result of excess melanin. Cysteamine cream may help reduce the appearance of dark spots by inhibiting enzymes involved in melanin production. We’ll discuss five great reasons to try a cysteamine cream, and recommend one of the best brands on the market.
You May Also Like:
Wrinkle-Free, Youthful Skin With Jojoba Oil Moisturizer
Amazing Amla Juice Benefits For General Health And Skin
Hyperpigmentation defined – its causes and types
Hyperpigmentation is a condition that causes patches of skin to become darker than the surrounding skin, resulting in a brown, black, gray, red, or pink appearance. This condition is sometimes referred to as “sun spots,” “liver spots,” or “age spots.” Hyperpigmentation can affect people of any race, ethnicity, or age and may occur anywhere on the body, but it is most commonly seen on the face, neck, hands, and arms.
Hyperpigmentation occurs when there is an overproduction of melanin, the pigment that gives color to our skin, hair, and eyes. Various factors that might trigger melanin overproduction and result in hyperpigmentation include:
- Excessive sun exposure
- Hormonal changes
- Genetics
- Skin injuries
- Certain medications or exposure to heavy metals
The most common types of hyperpigmentation are:
- Melasma: This type of hyperpigmentation, also known as “the mask of pregnancy,” occurs due to hormonal changes in the body. It affects women more than men and is often seen during pregnancy or while taking birth control pills.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): PIH most often appears after injuries like cuts or burns or after skin inflammation caused by acne or eczema.
- Age spots: Also known as liver spots or lentigines, these are caused by too much sun exposure and are most commonly seen in older adults.
Although hyperpigmentation is not usually considered harmful, it can be aesthetically displeasing and affect one’s self-confidence. Fortunately, several treatments are available, including cysteamine cream.
Cysteamine cream – the basics
Cysteamine is an aminothiol (sulfur-containing amino acid), a natural compound found in the cells of mammals, including humans; it’s also a powerful antioxidant. When used as a topical skin treatment, cysteamine cream scavenges free radicals and inhibits tyrosinase and peroxidase, enzymes that assist in melanin production. By reducing tyrosinase and peroxidase activity, cysteamine cream can help reduce melanin production and aid in diminishing the appearance of dark spots and patches. Unlike bleaches that superficially fade dark spots, cysteamine cream works by removing the excess pigment that causes them.
Five great reasons to try cysteamine cream for hyperpigmentation
#1. Clinically proven as effective for multiple types of hyperpigmentation
According to a 2021 randomized controlled trial, “Topical stabilized cysteamine can be regarded as one of the most potent treatments available for hyperpigmentation disorders in humans.” Cysteamine cream is a versatile treatment option that can treat several types of hyperpigmentation. In this study, cysteamine cream showed significant efficacy in treating melasma, a challenging type of hyperpigmentation that often doesn’t respond well to treatment.
#2. Generally safe for all skin types
One of the most significant advantages of cysteamine cream is that it’s shown to be safe for all skin types. Many treatments for hyperpigmentation, such as chemical peels, laser therapy, or hydroquinone, may irritate and even damage the skin. This study demonstrates that topical cysteamine is as effective as topical hydroquinone in treating melasma without the adverse side effects associated with hydroquinone.
#3. Non-toxic and non-irritating
Cysteamine cream is also non-toxic and non-irritating, making it an excellent option for people with sensitive skin. It does not contain harsh chemicals or irritants that can cause redness or inflammation, and it does not have the same side effects as some other treatments, such as skin peeling or dryness.
#4. Improves Skin Texture and Tone
In addition to reducing hyperpigmentation, cysteamine cream can also improve skin texture and tone. It contains antioxidants and other nutrients that help to nourish and hydrate the skin. Regular use of cysteamine cream may improve overall skin health and radiance over time.
#5. Can Be Used for Long-Term Maintenance
Some treatments for hyperpigmentation can only be used for a specific time because the skin needs a break from the substance used to treat it. However, because of its gentleness, cysteamine cream can be used for the long-term maintenance of hyperpigmentation. Regular use may prevent hyperpigmentation from returning, making it an excellent option for people who want to maintain their results over time.
Finding the best cysteamine cream product
There are numerous cysteamine cream products available on the market. However, Cyspera® is recognized as the original stabilized cysteamine cream, containing their patented ingredient Cysteamine Hydrochloride (HCl); it is clinically proven to help diminish the appearance of skin discoloration caused by hyperpigmentation.
Cyspera is manufactured by Scientis, a Swiss cosmeceutical company dedicated to solving skin pigmentation concerns. Scientis was founded in 2016 upon developing a new technology that significantly increased cysteamine’s stability, making it an effective topical treatment for hyperpigmentation. Carine Blondin, Chief Marketing Officer for Scientis, states that Scientis’ products are about restoration and promoting skin health: “We are not changing anything but replacing what is stolen by this condition (hyperpigmentation) and bringing out natural beauty.”
Some outstanding features of Cyspera® include:
- Designed for all skin types and colors
- Powerful antioxidant activity
- Hydroquinone-free
- Safe for long-term use
- Non-photosensitive
Cysteamine cream may be the answer to your hyperpigmentation concerns
Cysteamine cream is a safe, effective, and easy-to-use topical treatment option for hyperpigmentation. It’s non-toxic and non-irritating, making it an excellent choice for people with sensitive skin. In fact, cysteamine cream is so gentle that it doesn’t require a prescription and can be used for long-term maintenance of hyperpigmentation.
You may have been tolerating hyperpigmentation because it’s not a health issue, and perhaps you’re not keen on taking medications or undergoing medical procedures that may or may not resolve it. However, if you’re tired of putting up with dark spots, blotchy skin, and uneven skin tone, it may be time to consider incorporating cysteamine cream into your daily skincare routine.
For Further Research:
DermNet – Cysteamine cream
POPSUGAR Beauty – Cysteamine For Hyperpigmentation: What to Know
IntechOpen Downloads – Skin Depigmenting Agents: Where Do We Stand?
Cleveland Clinic – Hyperpigmentation: Age Spots, Sun Spots & Liver Spots
PubMed Central – Hyperpigmentation in a middle-aged woman: a common yet underdiagnosed condition
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology – Wiley Online Library
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology – Topical Stabilized Cysteamine as a New Treatment for Hyperpigmentation Disorders: Melasma, Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation, and Lentigines – JDDonline
PubMed Central – Challenges for cysteamine stabilization, quantification, and biological effects improvement
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
