CeraVe is a moisturiser that contains salicylic acid and urea. It’s used to treat dry, rough skin, and can also be prescribed off-label to help even out areas of darkened skin pigmentation.
We can help you find medications for changes to your skin caused by hyperpigmentation and acanthosis nigricans. Order CeraVe online and get hassle-free, repeat deliveries.
“The Randomized Trials of 10% Urea Cream and 0.025% Tretinoin Cream in the Treatment of Acanthosis Nigricans.” Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 3 Jan. 2020, pp. 1–6
“Urea in Dermatology: A Review of Its Emollient, Moisturizing, Keratolytic, Skin Barrier Enhancing and Antimicrobial Properties.” Dermatology and Therapy, vol. 11, no. 6, 1 Oct. 2021, pp. 1905–1915.
“Comparative Study of 35% Glycolic Acid, 20% Salicylic–10% Mandelic Acid, and Phytic Acid Combination Peels in the Treatment of Active Acne and Postacne Pigmentation.” Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, vol. 12, no. 3, 2019, p. 158.
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CeraVe SA is an all-round moisturising cream that exfoliates and smoothes dry skin. It contains salicylic acid and urea, and can be used off-label to help lighten thick or darkened patches of skin that are often caused by acanthosis nigricans and hyperpigmentation.
Salicylic acid is a keratolytic agent. These are compounds that break down your skin's outer layers. They’re often used to treat skin conditions like psoriasis, dermatitis, acne and viral warts. Sometimes, different keratolytic agents are used in combination. CeraVe combines salicylic acid with another keratolytic called urea.
Urea has antibacterial and exfoliating properties, and was originally used to treat wounds. It’s a hygroscopic molecule (meaning it can absorb water easily), and can help topical medications penetrate your skin more easily.
How does CeraVe work?
CeraVe was developed by researchers and dermatologists in the U.S, in 2005. They discovered the importance of ceramides, and their role in moisturising skin.
Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids (fats) that help hold your skin together and prevent you from losing moisture. CeraVe contains three ceramides: 1, 3, and 6-II. Increasing the amount of ceramides in your skin increases its natural barrier, locking in moisture and protecting you from allergens and toxins.
Salicylic acid has been shown to help lighten skin tone, which is why CeraVe can be used off-label to help treat pigmentation disorders.
What doses of CeraVe are there?
CeraVe comes in a 177ml bottle or a 340g pot. As a body moisturiser, it can be used as often as you need it.
For hyperpigmentation and acanthosis nigricans, how often you use the cream to help lighten your dark spots might depend on the size of the affected area, and the pigment changes you’re hoping to achieve. You can discuss this with a clinician before you start using CeraVe.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream
How to use CeraVe
CeraVe can be applied directly to your skin.
Collect some of the cream using your fingers. Rub it between your hands to even out the amount of cream so it can be distributed more easily
Gently rub the cream into your skin. Your skin should absorb CeraVe so none of the medication should be visible after you’ve applied it
It’s recommended you apply CeraVe straight after you’ve showered. If you’re treating a specific area of skin, wash it first and then dry it thoroughly before using your moisturising cream.
How long does CeraVe take to work?
We can’t say exactly how long it will be before you see improvements in your skin pigmentation while using CeraVe. Treatments for lightening skin often require patience, and can depend on factors like the size of the area you’re managing, the intensity of it (the difference of skin tones), and the cause of your pigmentation changes.
There are different types of hyperpigmentation, and different causes behind acanthosis nigricans. Finding the cause of skin changes is often the first step towards helping dark spots fade. Blood tests can rule out any serious conditions, such as diabetes, as being the cause of your hyperpigmentation.
What should I do if I make a mistake while using CeraVe?
Use your cream as it’s been prescribed. As a moisturiser, CeraVe can be used as often as you need on your body, so it’s unlikely you’ll make any mistakes when using it. You might get more specific instructions from a clinician if you’re treating the skin on your face.
Avoid getting the cream in your eyes or mouth. If this happens, rinse it out with water and wait until you need to use it again.
If you swallow any of the medication, or have an adverse reaction after the first time you’ve applied CeraVe, seek medical attention immediately.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream
FAQ: CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Will my skin pigment return to normal while using CeraVe?
Answer:
Treatments like CeraVe can help dark patches of skin fade, but there’s no guarantee how much the pigmentation on these areas will improve by using a daily moisturiser. Salicylic acid can help with acne, though, which can often cause pigment changes on parts of your body where a spot has healed and disappeared.
Hyperpigmentation spots can sometimes take a long time to fade completely. In people with darker skin tone, affected areas that are a few shades darker than your regular skin tone can take between 6-12 months to fade completely.
How effective is CeraVe?
Answer:
While there aren’t currently any studies specifically on CeraVe’s skin lightening effects, both salicylic acid and urea have shown positive results when it comes to improving pigmentation. In one study that used 10% urea cream to treat patients with acanthosis nigricans who displayed hyperpigmented skin with a ‘velvety’ surface on their necks and skin folds, the cream significantly improved the treated areas.
Studies of salicylic acid have shown it to both improve post acne hyperpigmentation, and have a whitening effect on the skin.
Will CeraVe cause side effects?
Answer:
CeraVe has been specifically designed to avoid causing you irritation, so you shouldn’t experience any side effects while using it. It’s made with a non-comedogenic formula, meaning it doesn’t clog your pores. It’s also fragrance-free, which means you should avoid any reactions to particular perfumes you might be sensitive to.
Your bottle includes a list of all the ingredients, so if you see any known irritants on the list and find CeraVe is causing you any itching or redness, you should easily be able to identify the cause. Because it contains acid and is a peel treatment, CeraVe might cause a little bit of soreness as you adjust to using it regularly.
Do I need a prescription for CeraVe?
Answer:
You can usually buy CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream without a prescription. It’s commonly used as a cosmetic treatment to rehydrate or smooth out rough and bumpy areas of dry skin. It can be ordered online, or bought over the counter from pharmacies.
Because you’ll be using the cream to lighten patches of dark skin, our clinicians will need to write you a prescription if CeraVe is safe for you to use this way. Off-label prescriptions are always given under the careful supervision of a healthcare professional.
Why should I buy CeraVe online with Treated?
Answer:
We personalise the options we offer. When we recommend a treatment, we’re doing so with your needs in mind.
Our online consultations are a chance for us to get to know you and get a clear picture of your health. From there, we’ll find medications that are safe and suited to you.
We deliver to your door, so you can start your plan as soon as the next working day. You’ll have access to our clinical experts whenever you need to ask a question, and we’ll take care of subscriptions so they work around your schedule.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
