Meladerm Cream

What is the summary?

• Novel combination of key ingredients to treat melasma pigmentation
• Convenient once daily application, well tolerated
• No long term issues
• Best combined with pico lasers & or novel chemical peels
• Hydroquinone & paraben free
• Mela Cream is best used during the maintenance phase of melasma treatment

What is Meladerm?

Meladerm is a popular skin-lightening product designed to reduce hyperpigmentation, melasma, dark spots, and uneven skin tone. It features a blend of natural extracts and scientifically backed ingredients that work together to target pigmentation. 

How good is it?

This cream is packed full of science, so it can be effective in most types of pigmentation. Skin lightening can be achieved in –

• Melasma (superficial, mild)
• Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• Dark acne marks 
• Age spots

Disclaimer: our clinicians prescribe much more effective topicals, however we still use Mela Cream as part of our rotational therapy for pigment disorders.

When will I see results?

Melasma lightening can be seen usually within 4-8 weeks, depending on your type & depth of melasma pigmentation, as well as adjunctive therapy. 

Meladerm works best on superficial melasma, it has little to no impact on deep dermal melasma or resistant melasma. The results are largely dependent on factors such as-

• Adjunctive sun protection
• The contribution of dermal senescence (photoaging)
• Heat or IR flares
• Adjunctive medical therapy

Is Meladerm safe on all skin tones?

Yes, Meladerm can be used on all skin tones, including darker skin. It has no long term issues. The bleaching potential of this cream is low, as compared to hydroquinone. 

Can Meladerm be used in pregnancy?

Yes, Meladerm does not contain retinol (unlike Melacream). It is hence compatible with pregnancy. More on treating melasma in pregnancy.

What is a step up from Meladerm?

Prescriptive skin care with bespoke formulations are much more effective than Meladerm. They include more powerful ingredients such as higher concentrations of kojic acid, thiamidol, hydroquinone as well as ascorbic acid. 

At The Melasma Clinic we can formulate a tailored home skin care program that pairs well with our chemical peels or lasers. 

What is an example of a melasma skin care routine using Meladerm?

A simple melasma skincare routine is as follows: 

AM: Ascorbic acid, SPF 50+ tinted 

Midday: Sunscreen reapplication, lotion, stick or spray.

PM: Meladerm nightly. 

Note: The greatest traction of any melasma skincare routine is the correct application of sunscreen. This has a much greater impact on melasma than any marketing objective of any skin care ingredient. 

What are the ingredients in Meladerm?

Key active ingredients include –

• Alpha Arbutin, a powerful pigment inhibitor for melasma 
• Kojic Acid, which inhibit melanin production to lighten dark spots; 
• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), which reduces inflammation & brightens skin
• Licorice Root Extract, a natural pigment inhibitor
• Vitamin C an antioxidant for brightening
• Mandelic Acid, a natural exfoliant 
• Bearberry Extract for further lightening effects.

The formulation is free of hydroquinone, parabens, and other harsh chemicals, making it suitable for sensitive skin. Together, these ingredients work synergistically to achieve a more even complexion while being gentle on the skin.

Does Meladerm contain hydroquinone?

Meladerm is HQ free, hence why we use it during your maintenance phase of melasma treatment. It is also free from retinol, which is a good thing. Retinol is highly overrated for pigment.

Which is better; Meladerm or Mela Cream?

In truth, both are more or less equal in efficacy. Their success rate in treating melasma is about 20-24%. This far less than medical therapy for melasma, which has a success rate of over 80%.

Meladerm is cheaper than Mela Cream. Both products rely on mainstream marketing. 

Is Meladerm effective in all cases of melasma?

No. Meladerm, as with any other type of melasma treatment, has success & failure rates. 

This topical is a novel entry level, non-prescription topical that can be easily bought over the counter in most countries. 

Meladerm is designed as a DIY melasma treatment to try at home. It is best used in combination with medical therapy, pico lasers or novel chemical peels. At The Melasma Clinic we prescribe this as part of rotation therapy, following our pico laser program.