Cysteamine Cream - Treating Hyperpigmentation Disorders

Cysteamine Cream, now known as Cyspera, is used to treat hyperpigmentation disorders. More than 5 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with a skin pigmentation condition. Certain populations are more prevalent to have hyperpigmentation than others. This cream is highly effective and offers a solution to those who have skin conditions such as, melasma or hyperpigmentation. 

What Is Cysteamine Cream?

Cysteamine cream works by decreasing the amount of cystine (an amino acid) within the body. It is a skin-lightening agent that is used to treat hyperpigmentation disorders, which includes melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and lentigines. This cream helps decrease melanin pigment within the skin. 

Cysteamine had a name change to Cyspera, so you may see both names mentioned when doing research. This cream is manufactured by Scientis Pharma, which is a leading dermatology research company in Geneva, Switzerland. They are the first to release a cysteamine cream to treat hyperpigmentation. 

Side note: there is an oral form of cysteamine that is used to decrease cystine levels to treat rare genetic lysosomal storage disorder, nephropathic cystinosis. This is a complex drug that comes with many side effects and risks. The cream form should not be confused with the oral form, as they are two separate medications that treat different things.

How Does It Work?

This cream is made up of cysteamine hydrochloride, which is a metabolite of L-cysteine and a natural cellular component. While cysteamine is known to have an unpleasant sulfur odor, manufactures have used new technology to help decrease this smell. 

This cream has brought hope for many patients who suffer from pigmentation disorders. It is a much safer alternative than what used to be the gold standard for treating hyperpigmentation, hydroquinone. Studies have shown it to be highly effective.

Cysteamine is naturally present in our skin cells and also in breast milk. Regulating melanin production in the skin, it removes pigmented brown and dark spots while providing an even and light skin complexion. Cyspera cream can be applied to any skin type and maybe use on the face, neck, underarms, intimate areas, and body.

Benefits of Cyspera Cream

It is the first and only topical cream to contain cysteamine hydrochloride (HCI), which is formulated to significantly decrease the appearance of skin discoloration. 

Key benefits include:

• Effective in improving the appearance of brown patches and dark spots. 
• Decreases the chance of skin discoloration reoccurring by using a maintenance phase of the cream. 
• Well tolerated for long term use. 
• It does not contain any hydroquinone. 

Studies have shown:

• Proven to decrease melanin pigment by 77% in hyperpigmented areas.
• 90% of users notice a moderate to significant improvement in their skin.

Who Should Not Use Cyspera Cream?

This cream is very safe in all skin types.  There is a warning for those with a family history or personal history of vitiligo, a depigmenting disorder.  There is no additional risk in those who have a family or personal history of vitiligo, but rather, the company does not want to assume blame in those who already are at high risk for developing hypopigmentation.  In addition, no studies have been performed on women who are pregnant or breast-feeding, so it is advised not to use this cream during those times. 

How Do You Apply Cysteamine?

Cysteamine is not a photosensitizer, which means it can be applied at any time regardless of sun intensity. It works with any skin phototype. However, sunscreen does need to be used year-round. There are two different phases and this will affect the number of applications you do each day. 

• Intense Phase - During this phase, your daily skincare routine will want to apply your cream once per day for 16 weeks. 
• Maintenance Phase - Once you hit your maintenance phase, you will only need to apply your cream once a day only two times a week. Optimal results are typically seen around 8 to 12 weeks of use. 

Application Steps

• You will want to apply your cream to dry, non-washed skin, so do not wash your face beforehand. If you have recently washed your face, then you will need to wait an hour for your application. 
• A thin layer needs to be applied to the skin. You may feel a warming sensation or mild tingling for up to 30 minutes. Leave the cream on for 15 minutes. 
• Remove the cream by washing the area with a gentle face cleanser. Pat dry.
• End by moisturizing the area and be sure to maintain skin hydration throughout the day. 

Cysteamine Side Effects and Risks

Local side effects could include:

• Warming, tingling sensation, redness that should clear up in 30 minutes. 
• Possible irritation and patches of dry skin, which can be treated with moisturizer. 

Is Cysteamine Safe?

Cysteamine is safe, as it is naturally found within the human body. This cream is hydroquinone-free, corticosteroid-free, and paraben-free. It is an anticarcinogenic and an anti-mutagenic agent, unlike hydroquinone. Check out our blog to find out more about What is hydroquinone. 

There have been numerous studies done on this cream, and effectiveness that it has on pigmentation disorders is significant. There are no worrisome side effects and this cream comes highly recommended by Dr. Nazarian. 

Where Can I Buy Cyspera Cream?

Cyspera cream is available here on The Skin Spot. No prescription is needed for purchase. If you have questions about this product, let us know. We would be happy to help you with anything you need. 

Dr. Nazarian suggests Cyspera cream for her patients that have hyperpigmentation issues, like sunspots or melasma. It’s effectiveness and proven results make this cream the ideal solution for those with pigmentation conditions. 

Alternatively, you could try Niacinamide, which is also good for hyperpigmentation. Check out our blog, What is Niacinamide to find out more about this product. If you have other skincare needs we have a wide selection of products that can help you reach your skincare goals.  

Check out our blog where you can learn more about the difference between hyperpigmentation and melasma.

 

Tell Us What You Think

Do you have pigmentation issues? Have you tried cysteamine cream? Tell us about your experience down below in the comments section.