What are depigmenting creams: ingredients, how they work, benefits

Depigmenting cream is a dermocosmetic product specially formulated to reduce brown spots on the skin.

It works by inhibiting the synthesis of melanin, which is the natural pigment that gives color to the skin.

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How does a depigmenting cream work?

Generally, a depigmenting cream contains active ingredients that intervene in several mechanisms, with the role of stopping the formation of pigment spots:

• Blocks tyrosinase activity – the enzyme responsible for melanin synthesis.
• Prevents melanin transport – to other skin cells (keratinocytes).
• Accelerates the exfoliation process – to stimulate cell regeneration and fade hyperpigmented areas.
• Have an anti-inflammatory role – inflammation often results in pigmentation disorders.

What are pigment spots?

Pigment spots are well-defined brown skin areas, caused by a higher concentration of melanin accumulation.

They form in response to excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation, under the influence of hormonal changes, and due to genetic predisposition.

Inflammation also contributes to the pigmentation process, as does the natural aging process. Here are some types of pigment spots:

• Melasma – usually appears on the face and consists of the formation of brown spots symmetrically arranged on the cheeks, forehead, or above the upper lip. It is associated with pregnancy and hormonal changes, being triggered and accentuated by sun exposure.
• Solar lentigines – small brown spots appearing on the skin after sun exposure, also known as "age spots".
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation – spots that appear as a consequence of an inflammatory process occurring in damaged skin. It results from acne, aggressive cosme-aesthetic procedures, scratches, burns, and generally skin trauma.

Why use a depigmenting cream?

Pigment spots can affect the aesthetic appearance of the skin and self-confidence. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation resolves extremely slowly on its own, sometimes not completely, and melasma is persistent.

Therefore, a cream with an effect on pigment spots is extremely useful in the process of evening out skin tone.

Using a depigmenting cream is an effective solution for:

1. Reducing the visibility of pigment spots.
2. Evening out skin tone – giving it a healthy and radiant appearance.
3. Preventing the appearance of new spots – especially if the daily product also contains sun protection factor.

What are the basic ingredients of a depigmenting cream?

An effective depigmenting cream contains active ingredients that target both the inhibition of melanin synthesis and its transport to cells, as well as exfoliation and skin regeneration. These include:

• Vitamin C – an antioxidant that helps fade spots, brightens the skin, and stimulates collagen production.
• Hops sprout plant extract – reduces the number of active melanocytes and inhibits melanin synthesis.
• Arbutin – reduces hyperpigmentation by blocking the pigmentation process.
• Niacinamide – i.e., vitamin B3, helps reduce inflammation and inhibits melanin transport to keratinocytes.
• Alpha-hydroxy acids – such as glycolic acid, exfoliate the skin and aid in cell renewal.
• Retinoids – vitamin A derivatives that accelerate skin regeneration and thus reduce the degree of pigmentation.
• 4-n-butylresorcinol – inhibits melanin synthesis by blocking the tyrosinase enzyme.
• Licorice extract – inhibits enzymes involved in melanin production.

What are the benefits of using a depigmenting cream?

If you have a predisposition to develop hyperpigmentation, here's why it's good to include a depigmenting cream in your skincare routine:

• Visible fading of pigment spots – and evening out skin tone.
• Improvement of skin texture – making it smoother, more even, and brighter.
• Improvement of skin elasticity and firmness – by stimulating collagen production (especially in creams with vitamin C or retinoids).
• Combating signs of skin aging – pigmented skin gives the impression of being older than reality.
• Increased self-confidence – due to a pleasant aesthetic appearance.

What are the disadvantages of depigmenting creams?

When it comes to using depigmenting creams or serums, expectations must be realistic. Regardless of the type of pigmentation, the most correct approach is a holistic one, carried out by a dermatologist, where the treatment plan consists of dermato-aesthetic procedures combined with oral or topical treatment, supplemented by a skincare routine with depigmenting products.

Although beautiful results can be obtained, there are also some limitations to these products:

• Sun sensitivity – many active ingredients, such as AHA/BHA acids and retinoids, increase sensitivity to UV radiation, which is why applying a product with SPF is essential to prevent irritation.
• Irritation and dryness – some people may experience irritation, especially if their skin is sensitive, or if excessive amounts of product are used or applied too frequently.
• Time needed for visible results – most depigmenting creams require several months of use to show visible results.

How should a depigmenting cream be used and applied?

The skincare routine for skin dealing with hyperpigmentation does not have to be complicated, but simple and effective to be followed consistently.

Here's how a depigmenting cream should be applied:

1. Skin cleansing – before application, the skin must be gently cleansed, without aggressive products.
2. Cream application – use a small amount of product, on areas with pigment spots or on the entire face, depending on the product's instructions. Apply to completely dry skin.
3. Sun protection – during the day, it is absolutely necessary to apply a product with SPF of at least 30 every morning to protect the skin from harmful sun radiation.

What to consider when choosing a depigmenting cream?

Choosing a depigmenting cream should take into account several factors:

• Skin type – sensitive skin requires milder formulas, without irritants or a longer spacing between active cream applications.
• Active ingredients – select products with scientifically proven effective and safe ingredients, such as vitamin C, niacinamide, n-butylresorcinol, retinoids, thermal water, etc.
• Add SPF to your routine – including a product with sun protection factor in your morning routine and reapplying it during the day enhances the depigmenting effect of the active cream.

How can Ivatherm depigmenting creams help you?

Ivatherm's Ivawhite range is specially formulated to combat hyperpigmentation, featuring innovative and effective active ingredients that are tolerated even by sensitive skin.

Here are more details about each product and key ingredients:

✨ Discover the Ivawhite range!

Ivawhite Depigmenting Cream – helps reduce hyperpigmentation through a formula that combats the number, size, and color intensity of lentigines, freckles, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Key ingredients: Wonderlight (hops sprout plant extract that reduces the number of active melanocytes and inhibits melanin pigment synthesis), Niacinamide (inhibits melanin transfer to the skin surface), Vitamin C (antioxidant properties, contributes to reducing pigment spots), Herculane Thermal Water (soothes and protects sensitive skin).

Ivawhite Depigmenting Night Fluid with Glycolic Acid 5.5% – specially formulated for evening use, it includes an active complex designed to accelerate skin regeneration.

Key ingredients: Glycolic Acid 5.5% (chemical exfoliant that promotes cell renewal), 4-n-butylresorcinol (inhibits melanin production by inhibiting tyrosinase), Niacinamide PC (anti-inflammatory role and inhibition of melanosome transfer), Shea Butter (night hydration), Hyaluronic Acid (deep hydration and elasticity).

Ivawhite Intensive Depigmenting Serum – depigments, evens out, and improves facial radiance and luminosity. Stimulates the disappearance of hyperpigmentation spots and prevents their reappearance.

Key ingredients: 4-N-butylresorcinol (the most powerful human tyrosinase inhibitor), Scirpusol (Passiflora edulis extract for depigmentation and luminosity), CinderellaCare (Thymus serpyllum extract that stops melanin transfer), Licorice Extract (inhibits enzymes involved in melanin production).

All products in the Ivawhite range are formulated to meet skin needs, including sensitive skin, and are recommended for a daily skincare regimen, sustained and complemented by morning SPF application and reapplication throughout the day.