Moisturiser that lightens skin pigmentation.
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.
Prescribing unlicensed medicines.
How to fade dark spots in darker skin tones.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
How we source info.
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 can be applied directly to your skin.
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.
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.
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.
How we source info.
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.
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Always arrives on time and I’m kept informed of progress.
I have had it previously from my G.P so It worked as expected, extremely well. My problem is an accessing my G.P practice, they put ED well down their list of priorities. I found your service excellent, quick and efficient. I fully intend to continue using it
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