Treatments For HYPERPIGMENTATION & How They WORK

Hydroquinone

  • inhibits tyrosinase which is the enzyme that makes melanin

  • considered the gold standard by dermatologists

  • only available by prescription

Cysteamine

  • proven in studies to be as effective as hydroquinone to treat melasma

  • inhibits tyrosinase

  • used as contact therapy for 15 minutes and then washed off daily

Niacinamide

  • inhibits the transfer of melanin from melanocytes to keratinocytes

  • 4% niacinamide has been shown to be effective in the treatment of melasma

  • it is usually used in combination with other ingredients to treat hyperpigmentation

Tasha Tillaman