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The Body Cream - How to Use, Do's, Don'ts & Expectations

  • Updated
  • Complete your eNurse Check-Ups to guide you during your first 60 days of treatment.
  • Always prioritize any instruction received directly from your prescribing dermatologist.

Expectations: 

  1. Results can take up to 6-8 weeks. For those with stubborn hyperpigmentation, your dermatologist might suggest a few cycles of HQ (Hydroquinone) on and off to upkeep your results long-term. 
  2. HQ Safety Notice: if your formula contains HQ, check with your dermatologist for when you should take breaks from using HQ. 
  3. There can be a temporary darkening effect prior to the pigment improving, especially if there is irritation or dryness.
  4. Side effects include peeling, redness, dryness and irritation. For information about how to manage side effects, please use eNurse Check-Ups on the Musely app. 

Do’s:

  1. Use SPF 30+ daily. We recommend The Day Cream.  
  2. Start slowly. Apply every other day until your skin adjusts. If you are not experiencing excess irritation, you can increase usage to daily and then, twice daily.
  3. Shake the  bottle before each use. 

Don'ts:

  1. Don’t wax while using this treatment.
  2. Don’t apply during daylight hours. 
  3. It is not recommended to do cosmetic procedures on the treatment area (laser, peel, microneedling) while using this treatment.
  4. Do not apply more than instructed. 
  5. Do not apply to damaged or broken skin, including sunburn or open wounds.
  6. Stop using if you notice extreme itching, stinging or pain. Consult with your dermatologist. 
  7. Stop use if pregnant or nursing.

How to Use

Cleanse

  1. Thoroughly wash the treatment area with a gentle, fragrance-free body wash or soap and gently pat dry. Allow skin to dry for 2-4 minutes. 

Apply The Body Cream

  1. Use upward-lifting motions to gently massage 1 full pump of The Body Cream to the treatment area at night only, or as directed by your doctor.
  • Tip: The Body Cream can be mixed with a moisturizer to help with spreadability and to decrease irritation during the first 2-4 weeks of treatment. 
  • Allow the area to dry before covering with clothes.
  • Tip: Avoid sweating after application as it will remove the medication. 

Moisturize

  1. Wash hands to remove any remaining medication. 
  2. Apply a thick moisturizer to the treatment area 5 minutes after application of The Body Cream. We recommend CeraVe Moisturizing Cream or Aquaphor Healing Ointment.
  3. The next morning, cleanse the skin and pat dry. Apply SPF 30+ while using The Body Cream, as any sun exposure can result in damaged skin and/or recurrence of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

For more Frequently Asked Questions with answers from our team of Board-Certified dermatologists: please visit our DOCTOR FAQ page.

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