If you struggle with hyperpigmentation of any kind, from melasma to dark spots, chances are you’re always keeping an eye out for new and innovative treatments for this tough-to-treat skin condition. One relatively new ingredient that has been starting to generate more buzz for its skin-lightening abilities is cysteamine. Curious to learn more? We’ll dive into some key points to know, such as:

• What is cysteamine cream?

• How to use cysteamine cream

• Where to buy cysteamine cream online

What is cysteamine cream?

Cysteamine is an ingredient that’s most often used in skin-lightening creams. “Cysteamine is an antioxidant, and it works in your body by decreasing melanin synthesis and reducing the oxidative stress that can lead to skin discoloration,” says board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO Dr. Joel Schlessinger. “With regular use, cysteamine can help improve and prevent hyperpigmentation such as melasma, sun spots or stubborn brown patches.”

When it comes to cysteamine creams, one option is Senté Cysteamine HSA Pigment & Tone Corrector, which was released in 2022. In addition to cysteamine, this face treatment also contains Heparan Sulfate Analog, which is a patented molecule that helps improve your skin’s response to inflammation, which can be a root cause of discoloration and dark spots. Senté’s cysteamine cream also contains niacinamide, vitamin C and vitamin E, three additional antioxidants that help improve the appearance of your skin by reducing the look of wrinkles and fine lines and improving skin texture.

Senté’s cysteamine cream is safe for all skin types, including skin that’s dry or sensitive. With daily use, Senté reports that you can expect to see visible results in as soon as eight weeks and your best results can be expected around the sixteen-week mark. In clinical trials, users reported a 71% overall reduction in dark spots after sixteen weeks of daily use and 94% of users agreed their stubborn dark patches looked less noticeable after sixteen weeks.

How to use cysteamine cream

When it comes to how to use cysteamine creams, the instructions can vary. Senté Cysteamine HSA Pigment & Tone Corrector, specifically, is meant to be applied and rinsed off like a face mask. You can use it once daily, either in the morning or the evening. “If you have sensitive skin, I’d recommend that you start using this cysteamine cream every other day and work up to daily use,” Dr. Schlessinger says.

Senté Cysteamine HSA Pigment & Tone Corrector should be applied to clean, dry skin, so you’ll want to cleanse with your favorite face wash and then wait about twenty minutes to make sure your skin is thoroughly dry. Next, apply a thin layer of Senté‘s cysteamine cream and leave it on for fifteen minutes before washing off with a gentle cleanser. “Cysteamine can have quite a strong smell, so applying your favorite moisturizer afterward can help that be less noticeable,” Dr. Schlessinger says.

Where to buy cysteamine cream online

LovelySkin.com is an authorized retailer of Senté products, including Senté Cysteamine HSA Pigment & Tone Corrector. Senté’s entire line of medical-grade skin care products centers on Heparan Sulfate Analog (HSA), the company’s patented molecule. HSA helps reduce inflammation in your skin and also serves as an effective hydrator. When used in Sentè’s skin care products, HSA has been clinically proven to strengthen your skin’s moisture barrier, reduce redness, diminish fine lines and wrinkles and improve uneven skin tone.

You can learn more about skin care ingredients that can help improve hyperpigmentation on the LovelySkin Blog.