Struggling with stubborn pigmentation that won’t budge? Cysteamine cream is a clinically proven pigmentation corrector that works at the cellular level to reduce melanin and even out skin tone.
Available at SL Aesthetic Clinic, it is suitable for all skin types, can be used year-round, and works as a standalone treatment or as a powerful complement to in-clinic procedures such as pico laser.
Cysteamine is a naturally occurring antioxidant found in human cells. In its stabilised cream form, it is one of the most potent pigment-correcting topical agents available today and carries low risks of skin thinning, rebound hyperpigmentation, or long-term toxicity.
It works by interrupting melanin production at multiple points in the melanogenesis pathway. Specifically, cysteamine inhibits the enzymes tyrosinase and peroxidase -two key enzymes involved in pigment formation- while also boosting intracellular glutathione, a natural antioxidant that further suppresses pigmentation.
Cysteamine cream has been clinically shown to be effective for:
It is suitable for all Fitzpatrick skin types, including darker skin tones that may be more sensitive to laser treatments or harsher depigmenting agents.
Cysteamine inhibits melanin synthesis at several stages simultaneously, making it more comprehensive than single-target agents like kojic acid or vitamin C. Its mechanism includes:
Because it works gradually and gently, it is well-tolerated even by sensitive skin, and does not cause the abrupt inflammatory reactions sometimes associated with stronger treatments.
Yes. As a naturally occurring molecule in the human body, cysteamine has an excellent safety profile. It is:
Cysteamine Cream can be applied any time of the year regardless of sun exposure and is suitable for all skin tones.
The cream is applied to the desired areas with pigmentation once daily and is washed off after 15 minutes using mild soap and water. After drying the skin, a moisturizer is applied.
If you are curious about pigmentation treatments but not yet ready to commit to in-clinic laser procedures, cysteamine cream is an excellent place to start. It requires no downtime, no recovery period, and no in-clinic appointments for the treatment itself. Over 6 to 12 weeks, you will begin to see a measurable reduction in dark spots and an overall brightening of skin tone.
Many patients begin with cysteamine cream to get comfortable with the process of treating pigmentation, and once they see results, choose to layer in laser treatments for faster or more targeted outcomes.
For patients already undergoing pico laser treatment for pigmentation, cysteamine cream is one of the most effective at-home complements you can add to your protocol.
Pico laser works by breaking up pigment clusters in the skin using ultra-short energy pulses. After a session, the skin is in an active repair and renewal state — and this is precisely when topical pigmentation suppressors like cysteamine cream can have their greatest impact, preventing re-pigmentation and sustaining the results of each laser session.
Used together, pico laser and cysteamine cream address pigmentation from two complementary angles: the laser clears existing pigment, while the cream suppresses the melanin pathways that would otherwise produce more. Patients who combine both approaches typically see faster, more stable results than with either treatment alone.
At SL Aesthetic Clinic, our doctors can advise you on the right timing and protocol for combining cysteamine cream with your laser treatment plan.
The price of our Cyspera Whitening Cream is $270 per tube.
A reduction in pigmentation is seen after 6 weeks. Optimal results are seen after 8 – 12 weeks.
As Cysteamine is naturally occurring in human cells, it is generally a safe medication for most people. It may cause temporary burning sensation or redness that goes away within 30 minutes.
More persistent skin irritation should be treated with moisturisers. To date, no serious adverse side effects have been reported with Cysteamine use.
Cysteamine Cream should not be used in those with a personal or family history of Vitiligo, a depigmenting skin disorder. It should also not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, as no study has been performed during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
The cysteamine whitening cream can be used in conjunction with other de-pigmentation treatments such as our Anti-Pigmentation Laser, Pico Laser, and C&B Laser.
Yes, and you should. Sunscreen is an important part of any pigmentation management plan. Apply cysteamine cream first, rinse off after 15 minutes, then apply your SPF as usual.
Yes. Unlike some pigmentation treatments, cysteamine cream can be applied at any time of year regardless of sun exposure, which makes it particularly practical in Singapore’s sunny climate.
Hydroquinone is a popular hyperpigmentation treatment cream but is associated with risks including skin irritation, rebound pigmentation, and ochronosis with prolonged use. Cysteamine cream delivers comparable pigment correction without these risks, making it a safer long-term option.
Yes, combining them is something our doctors often recommend. The cream helps suppress melanin production between laser sessions, reducing the risk of pigmentation returning and extending the results of each treatment.
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