A crude or purified extract from the plant Aspalathus linearis (also known as rooibos or red bush), for use in a method of preventing or treating a hypo-pigmented disorder of the skin of a subject is provided. Preferably the hypo-pigmented disorder is selected from the group consisting of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis, pityriasis alba, progressive macular hypomelanosis, post-inflammatory hypopigmentation, leukoderma and vitiligo. The extract is preferably an organic solvent-derived extract selected from the group consisting of ethanol, methanol, butanol and combinations thereof, in particular ethanol. A composition comprising a crude or purified extract from the plant Aspalathus linearis in an effective amount, together with a dermatologically acceptable vehicle, for use in a method of preventing or treating a hypo-pigmented disorder of the skin in a subject is also outlined.
