Recovery
Results
Treatment Time
Aftercare
Treatment science score 
The Science of Chemical peels for melasma
- Peels are an effective way of treating melasma pigmentation
- The most effective peels are Cosmelan or Dermamelan peels
- They have downtimes of 7 to 21 days
- Cosmelan or Dermamelan only require one session
- Glycolic & lactic acid peels are gentler solutions with no downtime
- AHA peels require a series of 5 sessions for best results
- Selecting the most suitable peel for your melasma will yield the best possible results
The Cosmelan Peel is one of the fastest ways to treat melasma pigmentation, however it is associated with a prolonged recovery of one to two weeks. Regardless, it can be useful for patients wanting immediate results with only one treatment.
Why chemical peeling for melasma?
Chemical peels act as exfoliants, removing excess pigmentation in various layers of skin. The speed of removal can be super quick (think Cosmelan peeling) or slowly (glycolic peels, salicylic or retinoic acid).
Fast peels require only one session; however, recovery is protracted at 2-3 weeks. Slow peels require 5 sessions; however, recovery is instant.
What types of melasma peels do we preform?
Our clinicians are versed in the following peels –
- Cosmelan peel
- Dermamelan peel
- Jessner peel
- TCA peels
- Glycolic & lactic acid peels
- Salicylic acid peels
- Retinoic acid peels
Our experience spans over 20 years & includes all forms of peeling- from superficial to deep.
What is the Cosmelan peel mask?
Cosmelan mask is a two-step program for melasma.
- Step one is an in-office chemical peel mask.
- Step two is an at home skin care routine that lasts 12 weeks.
It has a high efficacy rate for treating melasma (around 60% success), albeit a long recovery phase of up to 2 weeks.
What is Dermamelan & is it better?
Dermamelan is a supercharged Cosmelan program that is 30% more powerful than Cosmelan. It involves a similar program consisting of a clinic peel followed by a similar 12-week skin care routine at home. It has a marginally higher efficacy rate compared to Cosmelan, albeit a skin recovery phase of over 21 days.
When do we recommend the Cosmelan or Dermamelan peel?
Cosmelan & Dermamelan has a narrow window of application. It is best employed for –
- Superficial or mixed melasma
- For patients with an allocated downtime of up to 14-21 days
- For non-sensitive skin types
We commonly employ this peel for our out-of-town visitors.
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 60%. Cosmelan has a long safety record with over one million cases treated worldwide.
What are glycolic or lactic peels & are they any good for melasma?
Glycolic, lactic & mandelic peels are termed AHA or alpha hydroxy acid peels. They are useful in removing melasma pigmentation, however they require a series of 5 sessions spaced 2-3 weeks apart for best results.
These peels are less effective than Cosmelan or Dermamelan peels, however they do not have any downtime. AHA peels are best used to help prevent melasma from recurring.
What are salicylic & retinoic acid peels?
These peels that can help reduce melasma & other forms of pigmentation by increasing the turnover of pigment in the upper layers of skin. They do not work as well as Cosmelan or Dermamelan, however have minimal downtime.
Peel type |
Recovery |
Number of sessions |
Efficacy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmelan/Dermamelan | 7-21 days | 0 days | 1-4 days |
| Glycolic / lactic acid | 1 | 5 | 3-5 |
| Retinoic / salicylic acid | 60+% | 30+% | 30+% |
What is the recovery following chemical peels?
Recovery depends on the peeling agent we employ. Here is a guide-
Peeling agent |
Glycolic acid |
Cosmelan |
Dermamelan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recovery | 0 d | 7-14 d | 14-21 d |
| Number of sessions | 5 | 1 | 1 |
| Efficacy | ++ | ++++ | ++++ |
How do I know what is the best type of peel for my melasma?
Our clinicians will advise you on the most suitable peel, taking into consideration-
- Clinical factors: depth of pigment, activity of melasma
- Downtime: based upon your work & lifestyle
- Skin sensitivities: including background rosacea, acne & dermatitis
Are lasers a better option than peeling for melasma?
Lasers can clear up melasma pigmentation within a few short weeks & require 4 sessions for best results. They provide better clearance rates of pigment compared to chemical peels (80% vs 60%) & have zero downtime.
Cosmelan & Dermamelan peels require only one session, however recovery time takes up to 3 weeks. Peels work best with superficial pigmentation, whilst lasers work best with both superficial & deep melasma.
Treatment |
Recovery |
Number of sessions |
Cost/efficacy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pico lasers | 0 day | 4 | $$$ 80+% effective |
| Cosmelan / Dermamelan | 14 -21 days | 1 | $$$ 60+% effective |
What sets The Melasma Clinic apart from other clinics that offer chemical peels
At The Melasma Clinic our clinicians are experts in all forms of peeling, including TCA, phenol, AHA, BHA, Jessner, Cosmelan, Dermamelan & retinoic acid peels.
We select the best peeling agent based upon the level of pigmentation, your skin type & sensitivity as well as your allocated downtime. We are also experts in laser & light-based devices with a collection of over 40 energy-based devices.
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.
Our Gallery of Results
Can the chemical peel be used on all skin types?
Yes. Darker skin types can be safely treated with most chemical peels including Cosmelan & Dermamelan peels.
What types of melasma are resistant to Cosmelan peels?
Though effective in most cases of melasma, Cosmelan has a failure rate of 30-40%.
Certain patterns of melasma are more resistant to treatment, including –
- Dermal melasma
- Erythrotelangiectatic melasma
- Rebound melasma, especially microneedling
- Jawline melasma
Understanding the level of pigmentation & melasma subtype will improve your chances of success.
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
Should I discontinue my skin care before the chemical peels?
Yes. Our clinicians will guide you accordingly. Retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids & other exfoliants can alter peel agent penetration, in turn compromising skin recovery.
When should I restart my skincare routine after a chemical peel?
Post Cosmelan peel, you will be transitioning the Cosmelan 2 program which entails the use of products to be used at home.
For other peeling agents, you can transition back to your skin care 1-10 days post procedure.
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.
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 Cosmelan compare to alpha hydroxy acid peels?
How do chemical peels compare with Fraxel?
What about TCA peels for melasma?
What types of chemical peels can be used when I am pregnant?
Do chemical peels cure melasma?
Can peels be used to treat other areas of skin darkening?
A SummaryMelasma treatments with chemical peels
Dr Davin Lim | Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic, Brisbane | Sydney
In the 1970 to late 2000s, chemical peels including TCA, Jessner TCA & deep phenol peels were the mainstay for treating melasma pigmentation. In fact, Medicare still has an item number for medium to deep peel treatment for melasma, however it has been in outdated for well over a decade. Peels work, however, they are associated with long recovery times & a high chance of rebound melasma.
Cosmelan & Dermamelan peels are a more favorable rebound rate, primarily due to the ‘part 2’ peel program, namely home care kits provided with the masks. The decision to go on this program or not depending largely on downtime.
