Dr. V Facial Pigmentation Kit for hyperpigmentation on the face inc. melasma. For localised pigmentation from UV damage, laser procedures, post acne / eczema, post injury / trauma, other Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (P.I.H). Approx. 3 months usage per kit.
For use on dark pigmentation on the face only, not for red marks (P.I.E) or normal non-hyperpigmented skin. Not for use under/around eyes, or on the lips; please consider our Dark Circles Kit or Lip-X Kit for those areas.
Please read all directions, restrictions & warnings in the tabs below before buying. Check with your doctor before if you have any specific healthcare concerns or circumstances.
Store in a cool dry place away from sunlight, do not refrigerate. Start using upon delivery and complete or discard within 6 months.
Vita A.C.E Cream - Increases cell turnover and regeneration with a powerful cocktail of Vitamin A, C and E.
HPC Clear Cream - The main treatment. Delivers tyrosinase inhibitors deep into the skin's melanocytes to reduce melanin production, thereby reducing hyperpigmentation.
SEE INGREDIENTS TAB BELOW FOR EACH SEPARATE ACTIVE INGREDIENT FUNCTION.
For all skin types (dry/oily/sensitive) & persons over 16 years and over.
Not for persons with a history of reactions to skincare products or overly sensitive or damaged skin.
For regular hyperpigmentation (smooth/dark marks, also known as melasma, age spots or sun spots).
The marks should NOT be raised, indented or red marks or from any other skin conditions that are unsuitable for this treatment, including:
1. Vitiligo (hypopigmentation)
2. Active Acne, Eczema, inflammation/redness
3. Keloid scarring
4. Very dry/sensitive skin
5. Pigmentation from ongoing systemic medical conditions, or from Ochronosis or Acanthosis Nigricans.
NOT to be used if you have had any professional cosmetic treatment within the last 3 months including laser, chemical peels, hydroquinone, or isotretinoin/roaccutane (6 months).
1. HPC CLEAR Cream (30 ml)
Key Ingredients:
Alpha Arbutin (Tyrosinase Inhibitor)
Octadecenedioic Acid (Tyrosinase Inhibitor)
Retinaldehyde, (Tyrosinase Inhibitor & antioxidant)
Retinyl Palmitate (Tyrosinase Inhibitor & antioxidant)
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Tyrosinase Inhibitor & antioxidant)
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Tyrosinase Inhibitor & antioxidant)
Kojic Acid Dipalmitate (Best form of Kojic acid for skin of colour- Tyrosinase Inhibitor)
Uva Ursi Leaf Extract (Tyrosinase Inhibitor)
Liquorice Root Extract (Tyrosinase Inhibitor)
Salicylic Acid (anti inflammatory)
Tocopheryl Acetate (antioxidant)
Full Ingredients: Aqua, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Kojic Acid Dipalmitate, Glyceryl Stearate , Cetearyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Alpha Arbutin, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Octadecenedioic Acid, Steareth-21, Lactic Acid , Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Liquorice) Root Extract, Salicylic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Acetyl Glucosamine, Retinal, Retinyl Palmitate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Ceteareth-12, Ceteareth-20, Ceteth-10 Phosphate, Dicetyl Phosphate, Cetyl Palmitate, Phospholipids , Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Polysorbate 20, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Laureth-7, Phenoxyethanol, Retinol, Polyacrylamide, Trisodium NTA, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, BHT, BHA, Triethanolamine.
2. VITA A.C.E Cream (15 ml)
Full Ingredients: Aqua, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate , Paraffinum Liquidum, Petrolatum, Ceteareth-12, Ceteareth-20, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Lecithin, Cetyl Palmitate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Trisodium NTA, Methylparaben, Propylparaben.
NO FRAGRANCE, NO DENATURED ALCOHOL, NO ESSENTIAL OILS, NO IRRITANTS
STORAGE: STORE IN A COOL, DRY PLACE (ROOM TEMP. OR BELOW). DO NOT REFRIGERATE OR PLACE IN SUNLIGHT.
2 hours before bed, gently massage a thin layer of HPC Clear™ on to the pigmentation for 2 nights, followed by moisturiser after a few minutes if needed. On the 3rd night, apply just VITA A.C.E™ on to the pigmentation. Then repeat the 3 day cycle.
You may experience mild tingling, peeling, redness upon application (temporarily).
Please apply a simple SPF50 suncream or Dr V Inzincable SPF50 mineral sunscreen throughout the day as UV rays will re-trigger hyperpigmentation. Keep the skin well hydrated at all times with a simple thick, non-fragranced moisturiser.
Not to be used in conjunction with other treatment products from 3rd party manufacturers inc. anti-ageing creams, toners, vitamin A & C creams, exfoliating scrubs, salicylic acid washes etc on the same area of skin (you may apply these products on other non-target areas).
Dr V Daily Range products ARE suitable for use in conjunction with this kit, but see restrictions in the Common Product FAQs below for usage & compatibility guidelines, particularly regarding the Exfoliate to Glow product.
We also recommend oversized sunglasses: Dr. V Anti-Melasma Sunglasses if your pigmentation is around the eyes/upper cheekbones & temples (or to prevent against this).
If you experience mild skin sensitivity/irritation: please wash off the product immediately with cold water. Please stop for 3-5 days and try again with a smaller quantity of product. If symptoms persist or worsen, discontinue treatment.
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WARNING - Not to be used if you: are pregnant/breastfeeding, are allergic to any of the ingredients or their derivatives (inc. aspirin), have any active skin conditions on the area (e.g. eczema, acne); have very sensitive or very dry skin; have had any prescribed or professional skin treatments on the area within 3 months. Not to be used during daylight hours.
Only use on normal skin, not if irritated or injured. If using isotretinoin/Roaccutane, avoid usage of Dr V Facial Pigmentation Kit until 6 months after completion.
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Side Effects: (rare) may include but not limited to mild & temporary: dry skin, irritation, spots, swelling, redness or darkening. Localised skin reactions are a rare but potential side-effect of this kit.
Reduce dosage or discontinue if symptoms are persistent or severe.
In the event of a severe skin reaction, seek urgent medical assistance from your doctor.
An Independent clinical study of 44 candidates showed 70% saw a significant reduction in hyperpigmentation after 12 weeks (click here to download).
If hyperpigmentation has been present for many years, you are likely to require tyrosinase inhibitors for at least 6 cell cycles (6+ months). 1 kit lasts approx. 3 months, so 2 kits are recommended.
Results depend on the resistance to treatment of your melanocytes, hence they vary from person to person.
View the safety/regulatory compliance report summary here: Cosmetic Product Safety Report (Vita A.C.E) & Cosmetic Product Safety Report (HPC Clear)
1a. I have sensitive skin, is the kit suitable for me?
The kit is designed with sensitive skin in mind, using the ingredients least likely to cause irritation overall, so it is suitable for most people with mild/moderate sensitive skin. However, if you have VERY sensitive skin i.e. easily react to other treatment products in the past, it would be best to avoid this kit.
Please note, although rare, side effects may occur in any individual, with normal or sensitive skin. Therefore, you are advised to please patch test this product in a discreet area 2-3 times before using on the main target area.
1b. Is this kit suitable for dark circles and lip pigmentation as well?
Not for use under/around eyes, or on the lips; please consider our Dark Circles Kit or Lip-X Kit for those areas.
1c. Is this kit suitable for melasma, sun spots, age spots, freckles?
Yes, these are all different names for hyperpigmentation which the kit is designed for.
However if freckles are from childhood, they will not be suitable for treatment. Only spots which have emerged over time as an adult are potentially suitable.
The marks should NOT be raised, indented or red, they should be smooth and brown/grey/black.
2. I have pigmentation from previous Eczema, is the kit suitable for my skin?
It would be suitable for you to try the product, if there is NO ACTIVE eczema and the skin is otherwise healthy for at least 1 MONTH. You would need to discontinue other treatment products (if applicable) for 1 month before usage as well.
However, if you prone to RECURRING Eczema which is easily triggered by treatment products, it would not be advisable to try this kit. Also, if you have a DAMAGED skin barrier from a long history of eczema or other reasons, we would advise you to not use the kit either.
3. Will the kit block my pores and cause Acne?
The kit is non-comedogenic, meaning that it will not block pores on its own. However, in acne-prone individuals, already blocked pores can come to the surface quicker & at the same time, when you first start using the kit. This may cause pimples or ‘purging’ as we call it.
Furthermore, if you are on Acne medication and stop using this to use our kit, the Acne may recur as it is no longer being controlled.
4. I am taking Antibiotics for Acne or other conditions, can I use this kit?
Yes it is ok to use in conjunction (as long as it is not prohibited by your doctor / the manufacturer). However, avoid application directly on the Acne or broken skin. It may be preferrable to wait until the skin condition subsides for better results and lower risk of side effects.
5a. What cosmetic products/treatments can be used at the same time as the kit?
Please note, the kit creams cannot be used with any other form of skin treatment, so please wait until 1 month after completion before commencing our kit.
Prohibited products/treatments include third party facials, exfoliating washes, vitamin serum, essential oils, toners etc. In general, only a basic moisturiser, sunblock & cleanser can be used in conjunction. Please see the more detailed 'directions' tab also.
5b. How long after other cosmetic procedures can you use this kit?
Please wait 1+ month after chemical peels, laser, other professional treatments to use our hyperpigmentation kits, and only if the skin has fully healed and usage is permitted by the treatment service provider.
5c. Can you use the Daily Range with Dr. V Facial Pigmentation kit?
Yes, apply the Facial Pigmentation Kit cream at night, followed by Antioxidant Power Serum (optional) a few minutes later, and then Cera Pep as the final layer.
The other Daily Range products should be used at the normal timings they are in your general skincare routine / Facial Pigmentation Kit program i.e. cleanse, moisturise as appropriate, but NOT the 'Exfoliate to Glow' on the same day.
If you feel you need to exfoliate, you can take 1 day off the Facial Pigmentation kit in the week and use 'Exfoliate to Glow' on that day.
6a. For oily/acne prone skin, can you use Benzyl Peroxide with the Dr. V Facial Pigmentation kit?
Yes you can use Benzyl Peroxide in the mornings, and the Facial Kit creams at night.
6b. For normal/dry skin & occasional spot
Optional for user, can do nothing and allow spot to heal naturally, or use same protocol as 6a above.
7. Is hair waxing permitted?
We would not recommend waxing whilst using our kit, please use threading as the preferred method of hair removal if on the same area of skin as the treatment.
8. Is it normal for the product colour to change over time?
The whole product turning a slightly darker colour can happen after a few months of usage due to the plant extracts and high strength anti-oxidants used. This does not affect the safety or efficacy of the product.
9. I have recently started using the kit and noticed my skin getting darker, is this normal?
If you are following all usage guidelines & restrictions correctly, then yes it can be normal for pigmented skin to appear darker in the first few weeks of usage, before gradually fading after 10-12 weeks.
However, please do check you are only applying a very THIN layer of product, only on the pigmented areas (not surrounding skin), only applying at NIGHT - 2 hours before bed (not during daylight hours), applying SPF50 sunblock every 4-6 hours (1-2 hours in direct sunlight), applying moisturiser every 4-6 hours (if dry skin), and not using PROHIBITED products such as exfoliants and drying alcohol toners.
If you find you are doing any of the above incorrectly, please stop usage of the kit for 5-7 days, rectify the problem, and then restart the kit if the skin is otherwise normal.
10. Is it normal for the skin to sting, become slightly red, peel?
Stinging/redness is rare but normal if for a few minutes. However, please reduce the amount you are using just in case (to a ‘grain of rice’ amount per large dark patch). It may also sting more if the skin is dry, so please keep the skin well moisturised and/pr upgrade your moisturiser to an emollient cream such as Cetraben.
Skin peeling / flaking is normal due to the exfoliating properties of this kit. This is why we do not recommend using additional exfoliating scrubs, washes etc as well.
11. I'm finding this kit drying and/or irritating on the skin, what should I do?
If symptoms are mild, it may be due to too much product being applied on the skin or inadequate moisturisation or moisturiser.
Please discontinue the kit for 5-7 days and switch to a recommended moisturiser (e.g. Cetraben, Cera Pep) or similar emollient cream and apply EVERY 4-6 hours.
Once the condition of the skin has improved / normalised, you can try using the kit again but please use less quantity than before per area and only target the dark pigmentation (not normal surrounding skin).
12. What should I do if I have a reaction? (rare)
Please discontinue usage, wash the product off with cold water and apply an occlusive such as Vaseline or moisturiser. Please contact sales@skincarebydrv.com for advice if symptoms are mild/moderate, or contact your doctor if severe (all reaction types are very rare).
13. It has been 3 months and I have not seen any results yet?
We say it may take minimum 6 months of usage and timings/results vary by person. It could mean that you need to use the kit (or a new one) for a few more months in most of these cases. Please note, a small percentage of users may not respond to treatment.
1. Why is there Retinol in this product, I thought Dr. V doesn't like it?
Please note, Dr. V recommends Retinol at less than 1% concentration, which is the amount in this kit.
It is also combined with many other ingredients, including 6 other anti-oxidants, which keep the formula stable in a jar.
2 Why are there Parabens in this product? Will you have a Paraben-free range?
We consider parabens the best form of preservative, which can cause the least amount of contact dermatitis, hence we do not plan to eliminate them from our formulations.
3. Why is there no Niacinamide in this kit, but is in your other kits? Can I add a different Niacinamide to my skincare routine with this kit?
Although Niacinamide is in all our other kits for pigmentation, it is not in this one as the product is already quite saturated with several other tyrosinase inhibitors.
Yes you can use a niacinamide-only product on top (sparingly), or a basic moisturiser with niacinamide (like CeraVe) would be a safer option in case you have sensitive skin.
noticeable IMPROVEMENT from 3-6 months...
"I can definitely tell the difference"
"I've used Dr V ‘s pigmentation kits in last 10 mths and I can definitely tell the difference. I have also been using the Inzincable SPF50 for the past 6 months. Happy with the results." - Harpreet Kang, Manchester UK
"can see the pigment breaking down"
"Its taken a few months to work but is doing a good job. Pigmentation has completely gone from my nose & significantly faded from my cheeks, I can see the pigment breaking down." - Manjit Ruparai, Leicester, UK
"huge difference"
"It’s been a journey but i can see a huge diference, i’m grateul – 2 facial kits" - Gual Tiravolo