Application:
- Morning and evening, before moisturizer.
- Face, neck, chest or as needed.
Best for:
- Redness, dark spots, discolouration.
- All skin types.
If you have dark spots, pigmentation or dull-looking skin, this is the skincare product for you. It can be an alternative to prescriptions or hydroquinone-based products you may have already tried. But, it’s suitable for all skin types – so anyone can use it.
In a study, 79% of participants said they had more evenly-toned skin after 12 weeks of using this product. 85% said they had better skin, overall.
Hyperpigmentation can be caused by genetics and sun damage. When combined together, these factors can create a difficult problem to treat, especially for South Asian, African American, Hispanic or other ethnicities with commonly coloured skin types. We explain the science behind skin pigmentation problems, here. Examples of this condition include:
- Macular (flat and dark) acne scars
- Brown spots, also known as sun spots, liver spots, age spots or blotchy-ness
- Freckles
- Melasma, also known as ‘the mask of pregnancy’
And even more types of photodamage, which we list here.
Traditionally, prescription-based hydroquinone has been used to lighten dark spots. Hydroquinone is not found to be dangerous, but it has raised concerns among patients. Those with sensitive skin can experience dryness or redness from it. Plus, it shouldn’t be used long-term, regardless. Lytera 2.0 provides a good alternative as a hydroquinone-free pigment corrector.
Another ingredient that has been shown to regulate the production of melanin in the skin, and to help with discolouration, is niacinamide (vitamin B3). Lately, niacinamide has become a popular go-to ingredient for many seeking to even their skin tone.
Lytera 2.0 goes beyond just being a niacinamide treatment. It includes several other ingredients which, together, have been clinically studied to reduce hyperpigmentation in as little as three months.
Note: You may also be interested in the Even Up® Clinical Pigment Perfector® Sunscreen by Colorescience®, which we also carry. See a link to its clinical study, and more details, here. Both Lytera® 2.0 and Even Up® Clinical Pigment Perfector® are suitable for pigmentation issues, but the latter also comes with built-in sun protection. Lytera® 2.0 is meant to work on healing the pigments themselves, whereas Even Up® also works to cover up pigments. For best results, we may recommend you use both treatments, and not just one.
A few helpful things to know about this product:
To be truly effective, this product must be used with a high-quality, high-grade, broad-spectrum SPF. We have great options for this at our clinic, including some by SkinMedica®. Shop our sunscreens, here.
This product is also recommended to enhance other skin pigmentation procedures, such as chemical peels or laser treatments. Patients can also see better results when it is combined with other topical skin care products, in a regular routine. If you are experiencing melasma, or would otherwise like to solve your pigmentation issues, we encourage you to book a consultation at our clinic, for a more comprehensive treatment plan.
See also:
Notable skin care ingredients:
Niacinamide – this ingredient is widely and popularly used in many skin care products aiming to treat hyperpigmentation today. It is vitamin B3. It regulates both melanin and oil production, and is an antioxidant, too.
Tetrapeptide-30 – a peptide (collagen precursor) that is known to support skin tone by blocking the process of discolouration in the skin.
Tranexamic acid – this ingredient is used to safely fade dark spots and discolouration by inhibiting melanin production in the skin. It is also anti-inflammatory. It was originally used to prevent blood loss.
Phenylethyl resorcinol – an antioxidant and skin lightening ingredient. It is found in Scotch pine bark. Some claim it is more effective than kojic acid, when it comes to prevention of discolouration.
Phytic acid – an antioxidant preventing UV damage which is used for treating discolouration in skin care. It is also a very mild exfoliant.
Plankton extract – a marine-based ingredient taken from algae, seaweed and other sources. It can help with moisture retention.
Alteromonas ferment extract – also taken from the benefits of the seas, this is a soothing, water-binding ingredient, to hold moisture in the skin.
Tocopheryl acetate – a synthetic form of Vitamin E, acting as an antioxidant.
Plus other plant extracts, antioxidants and moisturizing ingredients.
Before & afters gallery showing results of studies using Lytera® 2.0 Pigment Brightening Serum
Click on a thumbnail to open up a gallery, and see larger versions of the images.
Clinical studies:
Includes studies on the predecessor to this product, LYTERA® Skin Brightening Complex. All links open in a new tab.- Makino ET, Herndon JH, Sigler ML, et al. Clinical efficacy and safety of a multimodality skin brightener composition compared with 4% hydroquinone. J Drugs Dermatol. 2012;11(12):1478-82. Click here to view.
- Makino ET, Sonti S, Sigler ML, et al. Evaluation of a Hydroquinone-Free Skin Brightening Product Using In Vitro Inhibition of Melanogenesis and Clinical Reduction of Ultraviolet-Induced Hyperpigmentation. J Drugs Dermatol. 2013; 12(3):S16-20. Click here to view.
- Bruce S. Safety and Efficacy of a Novel Multimodality Hydroquinone-Free Skin Brightener Over Six Months. J Drugs Dermatol. 2013; 12(3):S27-31. Click here to view.
- Fabi SG, Goldman MP. Comparative Study of Hydroquinone-Free and Hydroquinone-Based Hyperpigmentation Regimens in Treating Facial Hyperpigmentation and Photoaging. J Drugs Dermatol. 2013; 12(3):S32-37. Click here to view.
- Goberdhan LT, Colvan L, Makino ET, et al. Assessment of a Superficial Chemical Peel Combined With a Multimodal, Hydroquinone-Free Skin Brightener Using In Vivo Reflectance Confocal Microscopy. J Drugs Dermatol. 2013; 12(3):S38-41. Click here to view.
- Foad MS, Winters E. Hydroquinone-Free Multimodal Topical Regimen for Facial Hyperpigmentation. J Drugs Dermatol. 2013; 12(3):S42-45. Click here to view.
- Grimes PE. Novel skin brightener used as monotherapy for moderate melasma in skin of color. J Drugs Dermatol. 2014; 13(3):946-948. Click here to view.
- Makino ET, Kadoya K, Sigler ML, et al. Development and clinical assessment of a comprehensive product for pigmentation control in multiple ethnic populations. J Drugs Dermatol. 2016; 15(12):1562-1570. Click here to view.
- Makino ET, Yano S, Cheng T, et al. Efficacy of a Comprehensive Serum in Japanese Subjects with Moderate to Severe Facial Hyperpigmentation. J Drugs Dermatol. 2017 16(1):611-615. Click here to view.
- Downie J, Schneider K, Goberdhan L, et al. Combination of in-office chemical peels with a topical comprehensive pigmentation control product in skin of color subjects with facial hyperpigmentation. J Drugs Dermatol 2017; 16(4):301-6. Click here to view.
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