Exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun can cause increased pigmentation because the skin produces more melanin as a protection mechanism. Although sun avoidance and sun protection is the best method for avoiding pigmentation concerns, we often only know this after the fact and many people suffer from significant and embarrassing discolouration and pigmented spots on their face, hands, décolletage and seek a solution for removal. Genetics can also play a part in the chances of experiencing pigmentation issues, alongside some skin types which are naturally more prone to developing dark spots and patches.

Dermamelan and Cosmelan are a new generation of skin lightening cosmetics designed to treat pigmentation and dark spots.

Unlike other bleaching agents, they are safe to use on darker skin types and can smooth and even out skin tone, diminishing uneven brown, pigmented patches. Dermamelan and Cosmelan do not contain hydroquinone.

The two treatments, Cosmelan and Dermamelan work in a similar way, but Cosmelan is the milder of the two agents, with a lower concentration of the active ingredient, so is often used for less severe cases of pigmentation or on those patients who are seeking an overall brightening treatment as part of a skin rejuvenation programme.
Cosmelan is great for blending areas of skin colour and particularly at reducing patches of pigmentation such as those seen with melasma/chloasma.
Dermamelan is regarded as a more dramatic tool for medical depigmentation treatment and is even useful for cases which have so far proven to be resistant to other skin lightening options.
Types of pigmentation that can be treated by these skin lightening cosmetics include:

• Melasma/Chloasma (pregnancy mask) – patchy brown or dark brown skin discolouration that usually occurs on a woman’s face and may result from hormonal changes e.g., pregnancy and the contraceptive pill
• Pigmented spots such as freckles, melanocytic naevi (moles), and sun-induced discolouration, so-called age spots
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Treatment with Dermamelan (or Cosmelan which follows a similar process) is a combination of in-clinic and at-home treatments to achieve the depigmentation.

During the professional treatment, the Dermamelan product will be applied to your cleansed skin as a visible, dark mask which must remain on your face for 10-12 hours, thus we recommend an early morning appointment. Bear in mind that you will leave the clinic with this mask on your face so may wish to avoid your normal routine for the day.

Dermamelan needs an optimised activation time of between 5 and 12 hours, depending on the pigmentation we are trying to address and your skin type, with darker skin types needing the longer 10-12 hour period. After this time, the mask can be removed with a gentle cleanser and water.

This is then followed by a strict programme of at-home Dermamelan product application including cleansers, moisturisers and the maintenance cream which prevents further melanin production.

This regime must be maintained, without interruption, to achieve the desired results. This involves application of the maintenance cream three times a day for the first month, twice daily for the second, once daily for the third month and eventually down to twice per week for the longer-term and to maintain your result.

After approximately 3-4 weeks, a follow-up in-clinic appointment is required to check on your progress and adjust treatment if required. Daily application of a broad spectrum suncream will also be recommended.