The Spot Cream by Musely
The Spot Cream is an intensive, high-potency spot corrector treatment that is formulated to fade and eliminate dark spots and discoloration on the skin. What differentiates The Spot Cream from most dark spot treatments available is that: 1) the active ingredient is hydroquinone, and 2) you therefore must have a prescription to obtain it.
Musely, the creator of The Spot Cream, has made a name for itself by using telemedicine to make it easier and more affordable to access more effective and personalized treatments. Customers, or patients, must consult virtually with one of their board-certified dermatologists (a one-time $20 fee, no insurance required) before the company will ship you any products that require a prescription.
Ingredients
The Spot Cream comes in different formulations, and depending on the formulation you choose (or the dermatologist recommends for you)¸ the ingredients will vary. But the main ones are hydroquinone and Niacinamide: Erase (hydroquinone 12%), Nurture (hydroquinone 6%) and M+ (Hydroquinone 12%, Tretinoin 0.5%). There is also a hydroquinone free version called HQ Free+.
Hydroquinone (6% to 12% concentration, depending on the version you receive): Hydroquinone has been the gold standard for lightening areas of pigmentation in the skin by slowing down the production of melanin, the pigment produced by cells that causes areas of darker coloration. Less melanin results in fading of unwanted darker coloration in the skin over time.
Hydroquinone was first discovered in the 1800s as a natural substance in blue-green algae. It has been used as a skin lightening agent since the 1950s, but it’s had a history of controversy. Some research indicates that it is linked to cancer when consumed orally by laboratory animals. There is also the rare but serious side-effect of endogenous ochronosis, characterized by a blue-black pigmentation that is difficult to remove. Hydroquinone is available over-the-counter in concentrations of 2%; higher concentrations require a prescription.
Most literature and those who prescribe hydroquinone will advise that you use it for no more than five months, taking at least two to three months off to reduce risks of ochronosis and hyperpigmentation. Diligent sunblock application every two hours is also important. Since you are now inhibiting melanin production, sun exposure can cause more irritation and hyperpigmentation.Niacinamide 2%: Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that works in synergy with hydroquinone for pigmentation. It inhibits melanin dispersion from melanocytes into keratinocytes in the outer layers of skin and blocks enzymes involved in melanin synthesis. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help calm irritation which can exacerbate redness and dark marks.
Ideal Customers
The Spot Cream is works for individuals who have hyperpigmentation issues and who have not seen success from other OTC brightening ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, etc. Individuals who might benefit the most from hydroquinone include those with:
Moderate to severe melasma - typically pregnant women or those on birth control affected by hormone-triggered discoloration.
Sun/age spots that resist over-the-counter treatments and continue to darken.
Pronounced post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after acne, injury, procedures, etc.
Genetic predispositions to skin discoloration and uneven tone. This includes some ethnicities like those with darker Asian, Hispanic, Mediterranean or African heritage.
Conspicuous areas of dyspigmentation/irregular pigment distribution looking for uniformity.
Hydroquinone can cause irritation so individuals with highly sensitive skin may want to opt for gentler alternatives. Most dermatologists recommend patients start slow with 2% hydroquinone before increasing concentration.
Where to Buy
Musely Website: $64 for a 2-month supply if you subscribe, cancelable anytime
Alternative Products
As mentioned earlier, hydroquinone has been around for a long time. I remember my mom using Obagi’s
So in summary, it's an intensive spot-fading concentrated cream containing a high level of hydroquinone along with other synergistic brightening agents in order to diminish the appearance of unwanted dark spots and uneven skin tone. It takes a multi-faceted topical approach to both treat surface pigmentation and address underlying causes.
Hope this overview helps provide more understanding about what Musely's spot cream is and what sets it apart! Let me know if you need any other specifics.
Key features of Musely's The Spot Cream include:
Contains 2% prescription-strength hydroquinone to inhibit melanin production and actively fade pigmented spots
Additional brightening ingredients like kojic acid, bearberry extract, licorice root extract, and vitamin C derivatives provide multi-pathway hyperpigmentation treatment
Microencapsulation technology allows active ingredients to better penetrate into deeper layers of the skin where spots originate
Soothing anti-inflammatory botanical extracts like aloe, green tea, and chamomile help minimize irritation from the actives
Specifically designed to target pigmentation issues without harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates, phthalates
Fast-absorbing, lightweight, non-comedogenic formula works well under makeup
So in summary, it's an intensive spot-fading concentrated cream containing a high level of hydroquinone along with other synergistic brightening agents in order to diminish the appearance of unwanted dark spots and uneven skin tone. It takes a multi-faceted topical approach to both treat surface pigmentation and address underlying causes.
Hope this overview helps provide more understanding about what Musely's spot cream is and what sets it apart! Let me know if you need any other specifics.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/hydroquinone#:~:text=A%20potential%20concern%20with%20long,ochronotic%20pigment%20in%20the%20dermis.
