What is Lytera 2.0?
Developed by SkinMedica, Lytera 2.0 is a pigment correcting serum that is formulated to address the appearance of stubborn skin discoloration regardless of skin type or genetic makeup. According to the brand, improvements can be seen in as early as 2 weeks with progressively dramatic results at 12 weeks and beyond. Lytera 2.0 can also help optimize results of multiple treatment approaches, including chemical peels, laser therapy, microdermabrasion, and prescription skin care products. In this review, we’ll discuss the key ingredients, how to use this serum, Lytera 2.0 reviews from real customers, a few alternatives for you to consider, and more.
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What are the key ingredients in Lytera 2.0?
Unlike many pigment correcting serums on the market, Lytera 2.0 does not contain hydroquinone or retinol. Rather, the Lytera 2.0 ingredients include a blend of brightening agents, peptides, and hydrating ingredients. In this section, we’ll discuss the key ingredients in Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum and how they can benefit your skin.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide, the amide form of vitamin B3, is included in the Lytera 2.0 formula because it not only helps to brighten skin tone, but also provides many additional benefits to the skin. For instance, niacinamide is well known as a potent antioxidant. Antioxidants help the skin combat free radicals, the unstable molecules that contribute to the formation of premature wrinkles and fine lines on the skin. In addition, studies have shown that niacinamide can repair the skin barrier and improve skin moisture, as well as reduce inflammation, blotchiness, hyperpigmentation, acne, and wrinkling.
Phenylethyl Resorcinol
Phenylethyl resorcinol, also known as SymWhite 377, is a synthetic compound that is partially derived from natural lightening compounds found in Scotch pine bark. It exhibits very potent antioxidant activity and also helps with hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase.
Tranexamic Acid
Tranexamic acid is used in Lytera 2.0 because it functions as a skin-conditioning agent, astringent, and skin-lightening agent for the treatment of hyperpigmentation. It is believed to work by inhibiting plasmin, which means that it helps to break down proteins in the skin that contribute to melanin (skin pigment) production. Research has demonstrated that tranexamic acid at a concentration of 3% can work as well as hydroquinone, the gold standard of skin-lightening treatments.
Tetrapeptide-30
Tetrapeptide-30 is a synthetic peptide that can reduce the appearance of dark spots by preventing activation of tyrosinase (the key enzyme involved in melanin synthesis). By preventing formation of melanin, tetrapeptide-30 helps to reduce the development of discoloration and uneven skin tone. Tetrapeptide-30 also has anti-inflammatory properties and can therefore calm the skin.
Marine Extract Blend
The marine extract blend in Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum consists of plankton extract, vibrio alginolyticus ferment filtrate, and alteromonas ferment extract. These ingredients work together to help correct and prevent the appearance of hyperpigmentation while supporting a healthy skin barrier.
Phytic acid
Phytic acid is the phosphate ester of inositol, a carbocyclic sugar. It is sometimes classified as an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), but it is not a true AHA. Phytic acid functions as an antioxidant and also works to inhibit melanin production by blocking the entrance of iron and copper in the formation of melanin. Therefore, phytic acid may be able to reduce abnormal pigmentation associated with aging and exposure to UV light.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps to protect the skin against free radicals and UV damage. In addition to its powerful antioxidant activity, vitamin E helps the skin retain moisture by strengthening the skin’s barrier function.
How to use Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum
Apply one pump of Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum twice daily after cleansing and toning the skin, in the morning and evening, prior to applying moisturizer and sunscreen. Lytera 2.0 can be applied to the entire face, neck, chest, or other affected areas.
Where is Lytera 2.0 sold?
Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum can be purchased on the SkinMedica website, as well as third party online retailers such as DermStore, SkinStore, Amazon, and more. You can also find a physician that sells Lytera 2.0 near you by using the locator on the brand’s website.
What is the SkinMedica return policy?
The SkinMedica return policy states, “If you are not satisfied for any reason, we will accept returns within 30 days of your original purchase date.”
Is SkinMedica cruelty free?
SkinMedica is cruelty free. However, SkinMedica is owned by pharmaceutical company Allergan, a company that does test on animals.
Lytera 2.0 reviews
SkinMedica does not display reviews on their website, so we had to take a look at Dermstore.com in order to evaluate Lytera 2.0 reviews. After more than 100 customer reviews, Lytera 2.0 has received mostly 4 and 5 star reviews.
There are many Lytera 2.0 reviews from customers who did see improvements in their hyperpigmentation and skin tone after using this product. For example, one very positive review says, “My dermatologist recommended this product to me. I had some melasma as well as sun damage and this product has really done amazing and minimizing the appearance of these issues. It also gives my skintone a very even glowing complexion. Really love this product and will continue to use.”
In contrast to the positive Lytera 2.0 reviews, there’s a handful of negative reviews from customers who did not see any noticeable improvement in their skin even after months of using this product. For example, one reviewer shares, “I’ve been trying everything to lighten my dark spots including Skinmedica’s Lytera Pigment Correcting Serum, in hopes it’ll work. I used it religiously everyday, morning and night, for a month. Unfortunately, there were no changes to old spots and even new spots – I got a dark spot from a new pimple that went away and this product couldn’t even lighten the new dark spot. I was hoping this would work but had to return it.”
What are some alternatives to Lytera 2.0?
Overall, we think Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum contains a pretty good blend of brightening ingredients and antioxidants that may help to lighten dark spots and prevent the formation of new ones. Plus, the Lytera 2.0 reviews are mostly positive, with only a few customers mentioning that they did not see any results. But we understand that Lytera 2.0 is out of reach for many consumers due to the price point ($154 for 2 fl oz). That’s why we’d like to recommend a couple alternatives for you to consider.
One product we recommend for hyperpigmentation is Formulyst Luminous Skin Serum. This lightweight, highly concentrated formula features Triple Brightening Technology – a naturally powerful combination of alpha arbutin, Rumex extract, and a biomimetic peptide. Plus, there are several hydrating ingredients in this serum, like chondrus crispus extract and sodium hyaluronate, which help to maintain skin hydration. Overall, the Luminous Skin Serum can help to promote a brighter, more radiant-looking complexion
Another product specifically designed to target the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone is Formulyst Dark Spot Solutions. It is formulated with HyWhite – an alpha linolenic acid (ALA) that helps to lighten the appearance of dark spots through inhibition of melanin synthesis, resulting in a more even skin tone and color. This serum also contains a lightweight molecular hyaluronic acid, which instantly helps to improve skin hydration.
Want to know the best thing about Formulyst products? Formulyst allows you to bundle three products together for $108/shipment, so you’ll end up with three products for less than the price of just one bottle of Lytera 2.0!
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