Recovery
Results
Treatment Time
Aftercare
Treatment science score 
The Science of Dermamelan melasma peel
- This peel is best for stubborn melasma pigmentation
- This peel has a recovery of approximately 14 days
- The Dermamelan system consists of an in-office peel followed by a home kit
- The treatment cycle lasts 12 weeks
- Dermamelan is effective in approximately 60% of melasma
Dermamelan is one of the fastest ways to treat melasma pigmentation, however it is associated with a prolonged recovery of over two weeks. Regardless, it can be useful for patients wanting immediate results with only one treatment.
What is Dermamelan?
Cosmelan is a novel peeling system for melasma that involves 2 steps- an in-office chemical peel mask, followed by an at home treatment program. It has a high efficacy rate for treating melasma, albeit a long recovery phase of up to 2 weeks.
How is it different from Cosmelan?
Dermamelan is a more powerful peel compared to Cosmelan. It has similar ingredients as Cosmelan, only at a higher concentration. This means double the recovery time as this peel is 30-40% stronger. It has a slightly higher efficacy compared to Cosmelan.
What conditions does Dermamelan treat?
Melasma is the standout condition that Cosmelan treats well. Other conditions that can respond to this peel include sunspots, age spots, dark acne scarring, & post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
How good is it for melasma?
Dermamelan is a highly effective treatment for melasma pigmentation with an efficacy rate of around 60%. It sits below the efficacy of Picosure Pro & medical management, but it is much more effective compared to microneedling, Fraxel & other forms of chemical peeling.
Melasma treatment method |
Downtime / recovery |
Number of sessions |
Efficacy / costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dermamelan | 14+ days | 1 | +++/$$$ |
| Pico + medical | 0 days | 4 | ++++/$$$ |
When do we recommend the Dermamelan peel?
Dermamelan has a narrow window of application. It is best employed for –
- Superficial or mixed melasma
- Downtime of over two weeks
- For resistant skin types (non-sensitive)
How long do the results last?
Up to 12 months at most, however we can extend the effects of this peel with home care products. In some cases, a second peel is indicated after 12 to 18 months.
What is involved with the Dermamelan system for melasma?
Dermamelan treatment consists of an in clinic phase and a home care phase.
The clinic phase: After cleansing the skin the Dermamelan peel mask will be applied. The mask is kept on for 8-12 hours depending on the severity of your pigmentation & skin type. It is then washed off at the convenience of your home.
The home phase: Maintenance skincare products that must be used following the in clinic application. We provide very detailed and strict instructions on how to use these products as well as what to expect in the recovery phase.
What results can I expect?
Pigment starts to improve at the one week mark & will continue to improve over the next few weeks. Maximal results are seen at 6 -12 weeks.
*Not all cases of melasma will respond to Cosmelan, it has an efficacy rate of up to 70%. Cosmelan has a long safety record with over one million cases treated worldwide.
How long do the results last?
Results following Cosmelan vary considerably, in some cases like post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, the results are permanent, whilst for melasma, remission periods range from 6 months to 5 years.
Limiting UV exposure & maintaining a prescribed at home maintenance program will help you achieve a clear, radiant & even toned-pigment free complexion.
How many sessions are required?
Results can be seen after just one session, visible as early as 10 days after the peel. Over the next few months your skin will continue to improve.
If pigment recurs within the year, a second Dermamelan or Cosmelan treatment may be indicated, or an alternative treatment suggested.
What is the recovery following the peel?
Recovery takes 14 days & goes like this-
Day 0-3: red, warm, irritate skin
Day 3-12: peeling, flaky & dry
Day 12+: less scale, less red, skin recovering
Can I use Dermamelan if I have sensitive skin?
Dermamelan & Cosmelan are not advisable if you have sensitive skin.
For patients with sensitive skin, we prefer to use pico lasers & medical therapy. Complex cases are managed by our dermatologist.
Is laser a better option than peels for melasma?
Picosure laser can clear up melasma pigmentation within a few short weeks. Results are seen as early as one week after treatment, however best results take 8-10 weeks. The upside of the laser is that it has no recovery time & provides a higher clearance of melasma.
Peels work faster, but have a protracted recovery period of at least 2 weeks.
Treatment |
Recovery |
Number of sessions |
Efficacy / costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Picosure Pro | 0 days | 4 | 80+% effective |
| Cosmelan | 14 days | 1 | 60+% effective |
Our Gallery of Results
What are the side effects of Dermamelan?
Rarely side effects can occur & include-
- Allergies to active ingredients
- Melasma rebound & flare
- Prolonged redness & itching
- Textural changes post peeling
- Blotchy skin, sun sensitivity & prolonged skin irritation lasting months
Picosure Pro as adjunctive therapy for melasma
.
🔫Lasers vs Peels: lasers provide better remodelling of skin, leading to longer remission times as compared to novel peels such as Cosmelan. Additionally lasers (pico) have no downtime nor skin irritation as compared to superficial peeling systems. They do however take several sessions (2-5) for optimal results
.
👉Tip: tailor melasma treatment according to the patient. Understand the potential as well as the limitations of peels, skin care, medical therapy, injectables & energy devices for melasma to formulate a plan based upon the individual
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#picosure #picosuresurepro #picolaser #melasmatreatment #themelasmaclinic #sydneydermatologist #drdavinlim
Picosure Pro as adjunctive therapy for melasma
.
🔫Lasers vs Peels: lasers provide better remodelling of skin, leading to longer remission times as compared to novel peels such as Cosmelan. Additionally lasers (pico) have no downtime nor skin irritation as compared to superficial peeling systems. They do however take several sessions (2-5) for optimal results
.
👉Tip: tailor melasma treatment according to the patient. Understand the potential as well as the limitations of peels, skin care, medical therapy, injectables & energy devices for melasma to formulate a plan based upon the individual
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#picosure #picosuresurepro #picolaser #melasmatreatment #themelasmaclinic #sydneydermatologist #drdavinlim
Novel peels are useful for some cases of melasma. At the clinic we employ these peels for individuals who travel to our clinic from far. Peels have the advantage over lasers, namely less sessions to deliver similar outcomes (in actual fact, lasers are better with a ‘hit’ rate of 80-85% as compared to peels with 60-70% success)
.
🍌Peels: We have the Dermamelan, Cosmelan, novel Melanopro & Vi Precision peels as well as Jesser, TCA, salicylic acid, AHA, & retinoic acid peels. We perform focal phenol peels, but not segmental phenol peels for melasma as the risks are too high for our mode of practice
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
Brisbane | Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#melasmaclinic #melasma #melasmatips #dermamelan #cosmelan #cosmelanpeel #drdavinlim #sydneydermatologist #melanopropeel
.
Disclaimer: lighting slightly different in exposure settings as different camera systems are employed.
Novel peels are useful for some cases of melasma. At the clinic we employ these peels for individuals who travel to our clinic from far. Peels have the advantage over lasers, namely less sessions to deliver similar outcomes (in actual fact, lasers are better with a ‘hit’ rate of 80-85% as compared to peels with 60-70% success)
.
🍌Peels: We have the Dermamelan, Cosmelan, novel Melanopro & Vi Precision peels as well as Jesser, TCA, salicylic acid, AHA, & retinoic acid peels. We perform focal phenol peels, but not segmental phenol peels for melasma as the risks are too high for our mode of practice
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
Brisbane | Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#melasmaclinic #melasma #melasmatips #dermamelan #cosmelan #cosmelanpeel #drdavinlim #sydneydermatologist #melanopropeel
.
Disclaimer: lighting slightly different in exposure settings as different camera systems are employed.
Picosure Pro can be useful in highly motivated & educated patients as adjunctive therapy for melasma pigmentation
.
👉Results can be seen in as little as 2 weeks, however a series of 3-5 sessions provides the best outcome
.
👉Success rate: 80-85%. Melasma can be significantly improved in most, but not all cases. Pico lasers are best combined with medical therapy for optimal outcomes
.
📅Remission: varies according to radiation exposure, hormonal influx, topical usage, maintenance treatments & adjunctive procedures💯
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
Brisbane | Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#melasmaclinic #melasma #melasmatips #picosure #picolaser #picosurepro #drdavinlim #sydneydermatologist
Disclaimer: lighting slightly different in exposure settings as different camera systems are employed.
Picosure Pro can be useful in highly motivated & educated patients as adjunctive therapy for melasma pigmentation
.
👉Results can be seen in as little as 2 weeks, however a series of 3-5 sessions provides the best outcome
.
👉Success rate: 80-85%. Melasma can be significantly improved in most, but not all cases. Pico lasers are best combined with medical therapy for optimal outcomes
.
📅Remission: varies according to radiation exposure, hormonal influx, topical usage, maintenance treatments & adjunctive procedures💯
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
Brisbane | Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#melasmaclinic #melasma #melasmatips #picosure #picolaser #picosurepro #drdavinlim #sydneydermatologist
Disclaimer: lighting slightly different in exposure settings as different camera systems are employed.
Melasma can be effectively treated in most cases with a combination of medical therapy as well as energy based devices & novel peels
.
👉This case: Lutronic Q switch nano short pulse (5ns) laser. 5 sessions, spaced 2 weeks apart
.
🔫Laser concepts: low fluence 1064 nm q switching reduces melanin transfer to cells, reduces melanin production, vaporises the stratum corneum allowing better penetration of topicals, shrinks down the dendritic arms of the melanocyte & has limited shattering of pigment particles. Flares are uncommon, results are seen in over 80% of cases
.
👍🏻Laser: Lutronic Hollywood Spectra: is the gold standard in QSL nano laser technology, it has an excellent beam profile with a short pulse duration with super accurate & steady state fluence.
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#lutronic #hollywoodspectra #dermaltoning #toninglaser #melasma #melasmaclinic #drdavinlim #melasmatreatment
Melasma can be effectively treated in most cases with a combination of medical therapy as well as energy based devices & novel peels
.
👉This case: Lutronic Q switch nano short pulse (5ns) laser. 5 sessions, spaced 2 weeks apart
.
🔫Laser concepts: low fluence 1064 nm q switching reduces melanin transfer to cells, reduces melanin production, vaporises the stratum corneum allowing better penetration of topicals, shrinks down the dendritic arms of the melanocyte & has limited shattering of pigment particles. Flares are uncommon, results are seen in over 80% of cases
.
👍🏻Laser: Lutronic Hollywood Spectra: is the gold standard in QSL nano laser technology, it has an excellent beam profile with a short pulse duration with super accurate & steady state fluence.
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#lutronic #hollywoodspectra #dermaltoning #toninglaser #melasma #melasmaclinic #drdavinlim #melasmatreatment
This is generally what happens, hence why it takes a few weeks before best outcomes are achieved following pico laser (providing the diagnosis & settings are accurate)
.
👉Exceptions: if pigment production is not halted, e.g. melasma or PIH, this may result in more (paradoxical) pigment production. For dermal pigment, the rate limiting factor is pigment removal via the immune system, or if the particles are broken down to much smaller pieces that reflect light
.
👉Concept: in some cases, pigment worsens before improving. This momentary increase in pigment lasts 2-4 weeks. Our clinicians will discuss this with you if we employ these settings💯
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#picosure #picosuresurepro #picolaser #melasmatreatment #themelasmaclinic #sydneydermatologist #drdavinlim
This is generally what happens, hence why it takes a few weeks before best outcomes are achieved following pico laser (providing the diagnosis & settings are accurate)
.
👉Exceptions: if pigment production is not halted, e.g. melasma or PIH, this may result in more (paradoxical) pigment production. For dermal pigment, the rate limiting factor is pigment removal via the immune system, or if the particles are broken down to much smaller pieces that reflect light
.
👉Concept: in some cases, pigment worsens before improving. This momentary increase in pigment lasts 2-4 weeks. Our clinicians will discuss this with you if we employ these settings💯
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#picosure #picosuresurepro #picolaser #melasmatreatment #themelasmaclinic #sydneydermatologist #drdavinlim
Retinoids such as #tretinoin & retinol can be useful in addressing melasma as they address cellular aging, increasing turnover of cells, & reduce pigment production (extremely weak action compared to other pigment correctors) 💯
.
👉In some cases our clinicians may titrate retinoids into your melasma routine, along with other pigment correcting ingredients
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#retinol #tretinoin #retinylaldehyde #melasmaclinic #davinlim #melasmatreatment #themelasmaclinic #sydneydermatologist
Retinoids such as #tretinoin & retinol can be useful in addressing melasma as they address cellular aging, increasing turnover of cells, & reduce pigment production (extremely weak action compared to other pigment correctors) 💯
.
👉In some cases our clinicians may titrate retinoids into your melasma routine, along with other pigment correcting ingredients
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#retinol #tretinoin #retinylaldehyde #melasmaclinic #davinlim #melasmatreatment #themelasmaclinic #sydneydermatologist
Retinoids such as #tretinoin & retinol can be useful in addressing melasma pigmentation. Best applied at night due to photosensitivity
.
👉Vitamin C: can be used as an antioxidant or as a pigment corrector. Personally I prefer patients to apply in the am, under sunscreen
.
👉Azelaic acid: can be applied twice daily
.
👉Glycolic acid: can be potentially photosensitising (in theory, however practically not too much of an issue)
.
👉Pigment correctors: generally applied in the PM, with exceptions such as #thiamidol, azelaic acid, HQ that can be applied twice daily depending on other skincare actives
.
👉Sunscreen: at least twice daily, AM & midday application
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#melasma #melasmatips #skincaretips #melasmaclinic #davinlim #melasmatreatment #themelasmaclinic #sydneydermatologist
Retinoids such as #tretinoin & retinol can be useful in addressing melasma pigmentation. Best applied at night due to photosensitivity
.
👉Vitamin C: can be used as an antioxidant or as a pigment corrector. Personally I prefer patients to apply in the am, under sunscreen
.
👉Azelaic acid: can be applied twice daily
.
👉Glycolic acid: can be potentially photosensitising (in theory, however practically not too much of an issue)
.
👉Pigment correctors: generally applied in the PM, with exceptions such as #thiamidol, azelaic acid, HQ that can be applied twice daily depending on other skincare actives
.
👉Sunscreen: at least twice daily, AM & midday application
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#melasma #melasmatips #skincaretips #melasmaclinic #davinlim #melasmatreatment #themelasmaclinic #sydneydermatologist
Vitamin C is useful in most cases of melasma, however formulations matter. Low pH formulations offer better bioavailability with the downside of higher rates of skin irritation
.
👉How to use: Apply under sunscreen as an antioxidant, or at night as a pigment corrector, or, in some cases twice daily. We prefer a combination vitamin C & ferulic acid plus #tocopherol or vitamin E in a stabilized low pH formulation. The most well known tiple combination is patented at a fixed percentage of 15% L-ascorbic acid with a distinctive metallic smell that stains whites. Several drops go a long way
.
👍🏻Tips: Spend the most amount of time & money on photoprotection. Over 90% of melasma patients do not get this correct, but rather spend efforts on skin care products & procedures. You will get the biggest traction out of understanding how to photoprotect your pigment as well as identifying triggers (beyond the usual ‘it’s hormonal’, think IR heat, additional sources of radiation, frictional components, including cosmetic (self induced) skin irritation). Skin care is always adjunctive to UV & visible light protection💯
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#melasma #melasmatips #vitaminC #ascorbicacid #melasmaclinic #davinlim #melasmatreatment #themelasmaclinic #sydneydermatologist #ceferulicacid #vitamincskincare
Vitamin C is useful in most cases of melasma, however formulations matter. Low pH formulations offer better bioavailability with the downside of higher rates of skin irritation
.
👉How to use: Apply under sunscreen as an antioxidant, or at night as a pigment corrector, or, in some cases twice daily. We prefer a combination vitamin C & ferulic acid plus #tocopherol or vitamin E in a stabilized low pH formulation. The most well known tiple combination is patented at a fixed percentage of 15% L-ascorbic acid with a distinctive metallic smell that stains whites. Several drops go a long way
.
👍🏻Tips: Spend the most amount of time & money on photoprotection. Over 90% of melasma patients do not get this correct, but rather spend efforts on skin care products & procedures. You will get the biggest traction out of understanding how to photoprotect your pigment as well as identifying triggers (beyond the usual ‘it’s hormonal’, think IR heat, additional sources of radiation, frictional components, including cosmetic (self induced) skin irritation). Skin care is always adjunctive to UV & visible light protection💯
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#melasma #melasmatips #vitaminC #ascorbicacid #melasmaclinic #davinlim #melasmatreatment #themelasmaclinic #sydneydermatologist #ceferulicacid #vitamincskincare
What sets The Melasma Clinic apart from other Dermamelan peel providers?
At The Melasma Clinic we give you options for removing pigment. We are experts in all forms of peeling, including TCA, AHA, Cosmelan, Dermamelan & retinoic acid peels. We also have a selection of lasers that can treat melasma pigment without any downtime.
Dermamelan is a good option for patients who can take up to 3 weeks off, however you may want to discuss other treatment options with our clinicians. We individually tailor treatments for every one of our patients.
The Melasma Clinic difference
Our specialist clinic can effectively treat pigmentation in all skin types, employing bespoke treatment protocols that consist of skin care actives, picosecond lasers, clinical peels & in some cases prescriptive medication. With 20 years of dermatology behind us, we can manage all forms of pigmentation, from melasma, through to post inflammatory pigment.
How does Dermamelan compare to alpha hydroxy acid peels?
AHA peels are much gentler than Dermamelan. These include lactic & glycolic acid peels, termed ‘lunchtime peels’ as they are not associated with any downtime.
The end result following AHA peels are not as good or as predictable as Cosmelan or the more powerful Dermamelan.
Peel type |
Recovery |
Number of sessions |
Efficacy / Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dermamelan | 14+ days | 1 | ++++/$$$ |
| Glycolic peels | No downtime | 5 | ++/$ |
Pico lasers offer two major advantages over Dermamelan peels, firstly, no recovery period, secondly, the effects are better. Pico lasers combined with medical therapy can effectively treat melasma in over 80% of cases.
Dr Davin Lim
645K subscribersHow to treat PIGMENTATION
If I can identify the cause of pigmentation, chances are I can treat it. This can only be achieved with careful real time examination…
More of our mostFrequently asked questions
How does Dermamelan compare with Fraxel?
What about Dermamelan vs TCA peels for melasma?
Does Dermamelan contain hydroquinone?
Is Dermamelan a cure for melasma?
A SummaryMelasma treatments with Dermamelan Peels
Dr Davin Lim | Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic, Brisbane | Sydney
Though a useful treatment for melasma, the Cosmelan & Dermamelan peel systems are hampered by two main issues, firstly the downtime of over 14 days,
secondly the lower efficacy rates as compared to pico lasers & medical management.
