Exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun can cause increased pigmentation because the skin produces more melanin as a protection mechanism.

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.

Treatment cost

Price From

£1200Cosmelan

£1,500 Dermamelan treatment

* After consultation the doctor will confirm the cost.

0% finance

We offer 0% finance on
all our treatments.

Treatment Summary at a glance

Procedure Time

Approx. 60-90 mins

Recommended No. of Treatments

One

Anaesthetic

None required

Side Effects:

Redness, skin dryness, tightness and flaking.

Results:

Skin tone evens out, fading of darker, pigmented patches. Can improve acne.

Duration of results:

Long-lasting. Pigmentation concerns can return.

Back to Work:

1 day, mask remains on for up to 12 hours.

Full Recovery:

3-7 days for peeling. Pigment resolution in 1-3 weeks.

How does it work?

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.

The principle of Dermamelan is to inhibit tyrosinase, a key enzyme in the formation of melanin, the substance in our skin responsible for producing pigment. Dermamelan also regulates sebaceous glands and reduces pores so can be effective for acne.

Cosmelan works in a similar way to Dermamelan, however it is generally a milder treatment, used for less severe pigmentation or for a general rejuvenating effect. The main action of cosmelan is the reduction and blending of melanin patches on the face (melasma and chloasma).

Types of pigmentation that can be treated by these skin lightening cosmetics include:

  • Melasma/Cholasma (pregnancy mask) – patchy brown or dark brown skin discoloration 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 nevi and sun-induced discolorations
  • Post-inflammatory hyper pigmentation

 

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0% finance

We offer 0% finance on
all our treatments.

FAQ's

The principle of Dermamelan is to inhibit tyrosinase, a key enzyme in the formation of melanin, the substance in our skin responsible for producing pigment. Dermamelan also regulates sebaceous glands and reduces pores so can be effective for acne.

Cosmelan works in a similar way to Dermamelan, however, it is generally a milder treatment, used for less severe pigmentation or for a general rejuvenating effect. The main action of Cosmelan is the reduction and blending of melanin patches on the face (particularly useful for melasma and chloasma).

To establish your suitability for treatment with Dermamelan or Cosmelan you will need to visit the clinic for a consultation with our doctor to discuss your skin concerns. A full medical history will be taken and a physical examination of you skin undertaken to evaluate the levels of pigmentation.
Unlike some other skin lightening treatment Dermamelan and Cosmelan are suitable for all skin types, and both men and women. If you suffer from pigmentation including age/sun spots, melasma/chloasma, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation then this could be a solution for you.
If you are pregnant or breast feeding you will not be suitable for treatment.

No, the treatments are pain-free, but you may experience some mild side effects throughout.

Expect the in-clinic treatment to take 30-60 minutes. This mask will remain on for up to 12 hours. Regular application of products is then required at home over several months.
Depending on skin type, treatment length varies. Skin condition can improve within a week for a basic skin brightening treatment. In darker skin (phototype IV and V) pigmented marks may vanish over 8 to 10 days. In lighter skins, it can take up to 21 days. Long term product application is required to achieve the best results, especially for deeper pigmentation concerns, so a treatment programme will last many months, up to 6-9 months to achieve deep pigmentation clearance.

Dermamelan and Cosmelan are the safest bleaching therapies available on the market with no significant side effects, although you should expect slight redness and flaking with Dermamelan at the start of the treatment process.
You may also notice a sensation of tightness to the skin and a feeling of warmth after removing the mask and as you continue with the home treatments. This is nothing to be worried about and soothing products will be part of the skincare regime to reduce any discomfort. Over the course of a week or ten days, you will likely experience skin peeling or flaking, skin may feel a little more sensitive and sore during this time, but will calm down and skin will return to normal after approximately a fortnight. You will start to see that the new skin which has formed under the peeling skin is less pigmented. The overall health and texture of your skin will also show improvement.
Avoiding sun exposure both before, during and after treatment is important for avoiding any complications.

Visible results will become apparent after 1-2 weeks, but this is just the initial skin brightening and the programme must be maintained as prescribed to achieve the long-term results and pigmentation reduction.
With Dermamelan you will see a stabilisation of sebaceous secretion resulting in a reduction of any excessive oiliness and improvement of any acne problems. The skin becomes bright, rejuvenated and abnormal pigmentation starts to fade, with results starting to show in just 10 to 14 days. Treatment can help reduce pigmentation marks by up to 95%.
With Cosmelan skin looks rejuvenated. Pigmentation patches fade and skin takes on an even, glowing appearance. Skin looks more refined and looks smooth and healthy.

Dr SW Clinics

An awarding winning clinic