| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Cysteamine |
Cysteamine is a potent depigmenting agent that is widely recognised for its ability to treat hyperpigmentation such as melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and solar lentigines (age spots). It works by blocking important enzymes that are needed to produce skin pigment or melanin production, particularly tyrosinase which plays a central role in melanogenesis – the process by which skin pigment (melanin) is formed. By reducing excess melanin production, cysteamine helps to lighten dark spots and create a more even skin tone. Another benefit of cysteamine is that it has been shown to effectively treat post-inflammatory pigmentation (PIH) by accelerating the reduction of dark spots and preventing their recurrent, offering faster recovery for patients with acne-prone or reactive skin. By addressing uneven skin tone and reducing dark spots, cysteamine contributes to a more youthful appearance. Hyperpigmentation can often make the skin look older, and by lightening these areas, cysteamine enhances overall skin brightness and clarity, providing an anti-aging effect. Research articles for cysteamine: Nomathamsanqa Mathe BMedSci, BMBS, MRCP(UK)(Derm), Mariam Balogun MBBS, BMedSci, PgMedEd, MRCP(UK)(Derm), Jinah Yoo MBChB, MRCP, MSc (2020), A case report on the use of topical cysteamine 5% cream in the management of refractory postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) resistant to triple combination cream (hydroquinone, topical corticosteroids, and retinoids) Availible at: https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.13755
Jennifer Nguyen, Laura Remyn, In Young Chung, Anthony Honigman, Shima Gourani-Tehrani, Ilycia Wutami, Celestine Wong, Eldho Paul, Michelle Rodrigues (2021) Evaluation of the efficacy of cysteamine cream compared to hydroquinone in the treatment of melasma: A randomised, double-blinded trial. Availible at: https://doi.org/10.1111/ajd.13432
P. Mansouri, S. Farshi, Z. Hashemi, B. Kasraee (2015) Evaluation of the efficacy of cysteamine 5% cream in the treatment of epidermal melasma: a randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial, British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 173, Issue 1, Pages 209–217, Availible at: https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.13424
Clarisse G Mendoza 1, Ivan A Singzon, Evangeline B Handog. (2014) A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial on the efficacy and safety of 3% Rumex occidentalis cream versus 4% hydroquinone cream in the treatment of melasma among Filipinos. International journal of dermatology. Availible at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ijd.12690
Products that contain Cysteamine |
