For those who have melasma and want to address it, cysteamine may be for you.
What is cysteamine?
Cysteamine is an antioxidant that the body naturally produces.
“This powerful antioxidant reduces the melanin production in the skin to visibly improve stubborn brown patches.
While effective, manyavoid hydroquinonebecause of studies linking it to possible carcinogenic effects in mice.
It is banned as an over-the-counter product in the US and is only available by prescription.
It’s also important to note that those with darker skin tend to react better to cysteamine than hydroquinone.
Using cysteamine
you could find cysteamine creams that you could easily apply to affected areas.
However, while effective, cysteamine and other hyperpigmentation-correcting products do not make melasma disappear forever.
Cysteamine is a relatively gentle product, but those with sensitive skin should be cautious.
Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid use, as well as those with vitiligo.
