Dermamelan® Depigmentation Treatment

What is Dermamelan?

Dermamelan is a professional depigmentation method used to improve the appearance of pigmentation caused by excess melanin activity in the skin. It is designed to target existing visible pigmentation while also helping to manage the factors that contribute to recurring pigmentation.

The treatment is commonly used for facial pigmentation concerns such as melasma, hormonal pigmentation, sun spots, post-inflammatory pigmentation and uneven skin tone. It may be suitable for a range of skin types, but every client needs an individual assessment before treatment.

What skin concerns can Dermamelan help with?

Dermamelan may be considered for clients concerned with:

• Melasma
• Hormonal pigmentation
• Sun spots and solar pigmentation
• Post-inflammatory pigmentation
• Pigmentation after acne or irritation
• Uneven brown patches
• Dull or patchy skin tone
• Recurrent or stubborn pigmentation
• Pigmentation that has not responded well to standard skincare alone

The suitability of Dermamelan depends on the cause of pigmentation, the depth of pigment, your skin type, previous treatments and your ability to follow the required homecare plan.

What causes pigmentation?

Pigmentation can develop when the skin produces excess melanin. This can be triggered by a range of factors, and more than one cause may be involved.

Sun exposure

UV exposure is one of the most common contributors to pigmentation. Sun exposure can darken existing pigmentation and increase the chance of recurrence after treatment.

Hormonal changes

Hormonal changes can contribute to melasma and patchy pigmentation, particularly around the cheeks, forehead, upper lip and jawline. Pregnancy, hormonal medication and genetic tendency may all play a role.

Inflammation and acne

Post-inflammatory pigmentation may develop after acne, skin trauma, irritation, burns, cosmetic procedures or inflammation. This is more common in olive, Asian and darker skin types.

Heat and irritation

Heat, friction, harsh skincare and aggressive treatments can worsen pigmentation in some clients. This is why pigmentation treatment should be carefully planned and supported with appropriate homecare.

Dermamelan consultation at Dermé

Your Dermamelan treatment begins with a professional consultation by advance skin therapist or cosmetic nurse. During this appointment, clinician assess your skin, pigmentation pattern, current skincare routine and treatment goals.

Your consultation may include:

• Assessment of the type and pattern of pigmentation
• Review of your skin type and sensitivity
• Discussion of melasma, sun damage or post-inflammatory pigmentation triggers
• Review of previous pigmentation treatments and skincare
• Assessment of suitability for Dermamelan treatment
• Discussion of expected downtime and aftercare
• Personalised homecare recommendations
• Guidance on sun protection and long-term maintenance
• Referral or assessment by the cosmetic doctor on site if needed

A careful consultation is important because pigmentation can worsen if the wrong treatment is selected or if the skin is irritated during the treatment process.

How Dermamelan treatment works

Dermamelan treatment is usually performed in two key stages.

In-clinic treatment

The first stage involves an in-clinic application of the Dermamelan treatment mask. The mask is applied to the skin and remains on for a specific period of time as advised by the practitioner. You will be given clear instructions on when and how to remove it at home.

Homecare phase

The second stage is the homecare phase. This is a very important part of the treatment. The homecare routine helps support the depigmenting effect, calm the skin, protect the barrier and reduce the chance of pigmentation returning.

Your homecare plan may include Dermamelan cream, calming products, moisturiser, barrier support and strict daily sun protection. The exact routine will be explained during your consultation.

Why homecare is important

Dermamelan is not just a one-day treatment. The homecare phase is essential for achieving and maintaining results. Pigmentation is often recurrent, especially when it is linked to hormones, sun exposure or inflammation.

Using the correct products at home can help to:

• Support pigment regulation
• Reduce the appearance of dark patches
• Calm and protect the skin barrier
• Improve overall skin tone and brightness
• Reduce the risk of rebound pigmentation
• Maintain the results of the in-clinic treatment
• Support long-term pigmentation control

At Dermé, we guide you through your skincare routine step by step so you know what to use, when to use it and what to avoid during the healing and maintenance phases.

Dermamelan for melasma

Melasma is one of the most common reasons clients consider Dermamelan treatment. It often appears as symmetrical brown or grey-brown patches on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip or jawline.

Melasma can be triggered or worsened by sun exposure, heat, hormonal changes and genetics. Because it can be recurrent, treatment needs to focus not only on improving visible pigmentation but also on long-term maintenance.

Dermamelan may help improve the appearance of melasma in suitable clients, but ongoing sun protection and maintenance skincare are essential. Results vary between individuals and melasma may return if triggers are not controlled.

Dermamelan for sun spots and uneven skin tone

Dermamelan may also be considered for selected sun-related pigmentation and uneven skin tone. Sun damage can appear as brown patches, spots, freckles or general dullness, especially on areas frequently exposed to UV light.

For some clients, Dermamelan may be used alone. For others, it may be part of a broader pigmentation plan that includes skincare, peels, laser-based treatments or maintenance treatments once the skin has recovered.

Dermamelan for post-inflammatory pigmentation

Post-inflammatory pigmentation can develop after acne, irritation, skin trauma or inflammation. It can be particularly frustrating because the original acne or inflammation may settle, but the dark marks remain.

Dermamelan may be considered for suitable cases of post-inflammatory pigmentation, especially where pigmentation is persistent. Treatment needs to be planned carefully, particularly in olive, Asian and darker skin types, to reduce the risk of irritation and worsening pigment.

Dermamelan and darker skin types

Olive, Asian and darker skin types can be more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This means the skin may produce more pigment after irritation, heat, inflammation or overly aggressive treatment.

At Dermé, we take a cautious approach when treating pigmentation in darker skin types. Your practitioner will assess your skin and may recommend preparation skincare, gentle aftercare, conservative treatment planning and strict sun protection.

For many clients, gradual and consistent improvement is safer than aggressive treatment.

What to expect after Dermamelan

Downtime varies between clients, but it is common to experience temporary redness, warmth, tightness, peeling, dryness, sensitivity, mild swelling or darkening of pigmentation before improvement occurs.

Peeling and sensitivity are expected parts of the treatment process for many clients. Your practitioner will explain what is normal and what to do if your skin feels uncomfortable.

After treatment, it is important to avoid:

• Direct sun exposure
• Heat, saunas and steam rooms
• Heavy exercise for a short period
• Harsh exfoliants or active skincare unless advised
• Picking or peeling the skin manually
• Waxing or aggressive facial treatments until cleared
• Using products that have not been recommended for your treatment plan

When will I see results?

Some clients may notice early improvement in skin brightness and tone within a few weeks, while deeper or more stubborn pigmentation may take longer to improve. Dermamelan results develop gradually and depend heavily on following the homecare plan.

Pigmentation treatment is a process. The best outcomes usually come from consistent skincare, strict sun protection and appropriate maintenance after the initial treatment phase.

Can pigmentation come back after Dermamelan?

Yes, pigmentation can return, especially if it is related to melasma, hormones, sun exposure, heat or inflammation. Dermamelan can help improve the appearance of pigmentation, but it does not permanently remove the underlying tendency to produce excess pigment.

Long-term maintenance is important. This may include daily sunscreen, pigment-supporting skincare, maintenance products and occasional in-clinic treatments where appropriate.

Is Dermamelan right for everyone?

Dermamelan is not suitable for everyone. Suitability depends on your skin type, medical history, skin sensitivity, pigmentation type, recent treatments, pregnancy or breastfeeding status, and your ability to follow the aftercare plan.

During consultation, your practitioner will explain whether Dermamelan is appropriate for you or whether another treatment option would be safer or more suitable.

Compare Q- Switched Laser (Nd:YAG 1064nm/532nm) and Cosmelan and Dermamelan (Chemical Depigmentation Peels)

These are popular but very different approaches to treating hyperpigmentation (sun spots, age spots, melasma, freckles, post-inflammatory pigmentation, etc.). Here’s a clear comparison:

Q-Switched Laser (Q-Switched Nd:YAG 1064nm/532nm)

• Type: Medical laser treatment (non-ablative).
• How it works: Delivers very short, high-energy pulses that shatter pigment particles in the skin. The body’s immune system then clears the broken-down pigment.
• Best for:
  • Sun/age spots, freckles, lentigines.
  • Tattoo removal.
  • Some superficial pigmentation.
• Pros:
  • Precise targeting.
  • Minimal to no downtime (mild redness/swelling possible).
  • Multiple sessions usually needed (4–8+ depending on the issue).
  • Good safety profile when done correctly, especially with 1064nm for darker skin tones.
  • Can be combined with other treatments.
• Cons:
  • Slower visible results compared to peels for stubborn melasma.
  • Not always the first choice for hormonal/deep melasma.

Cosmelan & Dermamelan (Chemical Depigmentation Peels)

• Type: Professional topical depigmentation treatment (not a traditional acid peel).
• How it works: A mask applied in-clinic that inhibits tyrosinase (the enzyme that makes melanin) + removes existing pigment. Includes intensive home care products for weeks/months afterward.
• Best for:
  • Melasma and stubborn/hormonal pigmentation.
  • Moderate to severe hyperpigmentation.
• Key differences:
  • Cosmelan: For mild to moderate pigmentation. Good starting point.
  • Dermamelan: Stronger (20–30% more potent), medical-grade version for resistant, deep, or recurrent pigmentation (e.g., stubborn melasma).
• Pros:
  • Often faster visible results (significant improvement in 1–4 weeks after one main treatment).
  • Addresses the root cause by regulating melanin production long-term.
  • High success rate for melasma.
• Cons:
  • Significant downtime (redness, peeling, swelling — can last 7–14 days).
  • Skin looks darker/orange initially (mask phase).
  • Strict sun avoidance and home care required.
  • Higher discomfort than laser.
  • Not ideal if you can’t commit to downtime or aftercare.

So Which  One Should You Choose?

• Pigmentation treatment is highly individual (skin type, cause of pigment, depth, etc.) and best to have a face-to-face consultation with our expert skin therapist or cosmetic nurse.

In general:

• • Choose Q-Switched  if: You want minimal downtime, have sun-induced spots, or prefer laser precision.
  • Choose Cosmelan/Dermamelan if: You have melasma or stubborn pigmentation and can handle downtime for potentially quicker, more regulating results.
• For many patients Derme recommend both in combination or sequentially for best outcomes.

Why choose Dermé for Dermamelan treatment?

At Dermé Aesthetic Clinic, pigmentation treatment is planned carefully with a focus on safety, skin health and realistic outcomes.

Our approach includes:

• Doctor-led clinic environment
• Cosmetic doctor on site if assessment or referral is needed
• Personalised pigmentation consultation
• Careful assessment of melasma, sun damage and post-inflammatory pigmentation
• Professional guidance through the in-clinic and homecare phases
• Tailored skincare and sun protection advice
• Long-term maintenance planning
• A cautious approach for olive, Asian and darker skin types

Frequently asked questions

What is Dermamelan treatment?

Dermamelan is a professional depigmentation treatment designed to improve the appearance of stubborn pigmentation, melasma, sun damage and uneven skin tone. It usually involves an in-clinic treatment followed by a structured homecare plan.

Is Dermamelan the same as Cosmelan?

Dermamelan and Cosmelan are both depigmentation treatments used for pigmentation concerns, but they may be selected for different skin concerns, severity levels and treatment plans. Your practitioner will recommend the most suitable option after assessing your skin.

Is Dermamelan suitable for melasma?

Dermamelan may be suitable for some clients with melasma. Melasma is often recurrent and requires ongoing maintenance, strict sun protection and pigment-supporting skincare.

Can Dermamelan treat sun spots?

Dermamelan may help improve selected sun-related pigmentation and uneven skin tone. Some sun spots may also be suitable for other treatments, depending on your skin type and pigmentation pattern.

How much downtime should I expect?

Downtime varies, but redness, peeling, dryness, tightness, sensitivity and temporary darkening of pigment can occur. Your practitioner will explain what to expect and how to care for your skin.

Do I need to use products at home?

Yes. The homecare phase is a key part of Dermamelan treatment. Using the recommended products correctly helps support results and reduce the risk of pigmentation returning.

Can I go in the sun after Dermamelan?

Direct sun exposure should be avoided after treatment. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential because UV exposure can worsen pigmentation and affect results.

Is Dermamelan suitable for darker skin types?

Dermamelan may be considered for a range of skin types, but olive, Asian and darker skin types need careful assessment because they can be more prone to post-inflammatory pigmentation.

Can I have Dermamelan while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Derme do not recommend Dermamelan treatment during pregnancy or breastfeeding.  

How long do results last?

Results vary. Pigmentation can return due to sun exposure, heat, hormones or inflammation. Maintenance skincare and sun protection are important for longer-term results.

Most patient repeat treatment on yearly basis.

Can Dermamelan be combined with other treatments?

In some cases, Dermamelan may be part of a broader pigmentation plan that includes skincare, peels or other treatments. Combination treatment depends on your skin assessment and timing.

Who will assess my skin?

Your skin will be assessed by the Dermé team, and Dermé has a cosmetic doctor on site if further assessment or referral is needed.