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Are stubborn dark spots stealing your confidence? If you’ve tried countless creams, lasers, and treatments without lasting success, you’re not alone. Thousands of Australians struggle with persistent discolouration that simply refuses to fade, leaving them frustrated and self-conscious about their appearance.
Dermamelan treatment has emerged as a game-changing medical-grade method for those battling severe and resistant dark spots. Unlike temporary fixes that merely mask the problem, this advanced approach addresses issues at their source through dual-action corrective and regulatory mechanisms. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know – from how the peel works to what you can realistically expect – so you can make an informed decision about your skin health.

Dermamelan® is a medical-grade depigmentation treatment specifically designed to treat severe, resistant skin discolouration through a unique approach. This isn’t your typical cosmetic procedure. It’s a sophisticated depigmenting method that both corrects visible issues and regulates melanin production at the cellular level.
Developed by Mesoestetic, a leading Spanish pharmaceutical company specialising in professional skincare, this treatment has gained international recognition for delivering results where other methods fail. What makes it truly different is its ability to prevent spots from returning by addressing the root cause rather than just treating surface symptoms.
The process works by targeting the enzyme tyrosinase, which plays a crucial role in melanin synthesis. By inhibiting this enzyme, production decreases, leading to lighter spots and a more even skin tone. This scientific approach ensures you’re not just covering up the blemish – you’re actively controlling melanin overproduction to achieve long term correction.
The method follows a carefully structured two-phase protocol designed to maximise results and maintain them both in the short and long term. Each phase plays a critical role in your journey to a clearer, more balanced complexion.
Your journey begins with a professional in-clinic session at our Melbourne clinic. During this initial treatment, your dermal clinician or cosmetic nurse will apply two professional synergistic masks that deliver intensive action. The process is straightforward and comfortable, suitable for all skin types.
After thoroughly cleansing your skin, the specialised formula is applied to the treatment area. You’ll remain in the clinic for approximately 20 minutes while the mask is absorbed. Then comes the unique part – you’ll remove the product at-home after the time indicated by your practitioner, typically anywhere from 6 to 12 hours depending on your individual needs.
The beauty of this approach is that it causes no discomfort during application and is perfectly compatible with your normal daily life in the subsequent days. You can continue with your regular activities whilst the treatment works its magic beneath the surface.
Following your in-clinic visit, you’ll enter the crucial maintenance phase lasting approximately four to six months. This phase is absolutely essential – think of it as the foundation that ensures your results last and prevents spots from recurring.
You’ll receive a cream, a specialised formula with regulating action that controls acquired imperfections. The daily application of prescribed products follows a “3, 2, 1” method:
This progressive approach ensures optimal results whilst allowing your skin to adjust comfortably. It’s critical to understand that skipping the at-home care regimen means interrupting the treatment. Without consistent application, you won’t regulate melanin properly, leading to persistent, uncontrolled production and the eventual return of dark spots.
The home-based skincare routine must include the home products provided as part of your treatment plan, ensuring the peeling process occurs safely and effectively.

This method is remarkably versatile in treating various types of melanin-based discolouration. It specifically targets spots originating from melanin production triggered by multiple factors including hormonal changes, sun exposure, and inflammation.
Melasma: This hormonal discolouration appears as brown or grey-brown patches, typically on the face and body. It’s notoriously resistant to treatment, making this approach particularly valuable for sufferers seeking an even complexion.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): Those dark imperfections left behind after acne breakouts, injuries, or inflammation respond exceptionally well to this method.
Solar Lentigines: Sun spots or age spots caused by years of UV damage can be significantly reduced with this protocol, helping to improve uneven skin tone.
Freckles: Clusters of concentrated melanin deposits can be lightened and controlled through this method.
Burns and Sun Damage: Discolouration resulting from thermal or UV exposure shows dramatic improvement with proper treatment, achieving a more balanced appearance.
Dermamelan® is considered stronger and more intensive than its counterpart Cosmelan, making it the preferred choice for more severe or resistant cases of stubborn dark spots that haven’t responded to other effective treatments.
One of the most common questions we hear at our Melbourne clinic is about the results timeline. Understanding what to expect helps you stay committed to the protocol and recognise the changes as they occur.
The most significant visible change in skin texture and appearance occurs within a few weeks from the initial application. You’ll notice improvements and a reduction in the colour intensity of your spots. This happens as melanin is removed from the outer layers of your skin through the natural process. Many patients report noticeable improvements after just one week post-treatment.
However, it’s important not to be fooled by these early results. While your appearance will look better, the underlying cause hasn’t been fully addressed yet.
The full protocol lasts about four to six months, and this timeline is necessary for lasting results. During this period, the treatment isn’t just removing accumulated melanin – it’s actively working to regulate production to prevent spots from returning.
The method has demonstrated high efficacy in clinical studies across different skin types, with visible results from the first weeks that maintain uniformity and quality over the long term. Patients consistently report that their appearance remains clearer and more even months and even years after completing the protocol, provided they maintain proper sun protection and maintenance routines.

Understanding potential side effects helps you prepare appropriately and manage your expectations during the process.
The most commonly encountered effects are temporary and include:
All these effects are completely normal and expected with this medical-grade treatment. They’re actually signs that it’s working as intended, providing corrective action on spots. The mild redness usually subsides within a few days, though some patients may experience prolonged effects.
The downtime depends on the strength applied and your individual skin response. Generally, expect between three and seven days of visible recovery time. Some patients experience more prolonged effects, with redness and irritation lasting up to 10 days and the process continuing for up to 12 days.
The good news is that it involves minimal disruption to your daily routine. You can return to most normal activities shortly after the procedure, though you’ll need to be mindful of sun exposure and follow specific instructions provided by your clinician.
It’s worth noting that downtime severity isn’t necessarily an indication of expected results – everyone responds differently, and dramatic flaking doesn’t mean better outcomes.
Proper care isn’t optional – it’s absolutely essential for achieving optimal results. Your commitment to these guidelines will determine your success in addressing dark spot issues.
This cannot be emphasised enough: inadequate sun protection carries a very high risk of spots returning. Your skin becomes more sensitive and receptive to external aggressions during treatment, making it vulnerable to UV damage that can trigger melanin production.
You must apply high SPF sunscreen daily (SPF 50+ recommended) and avoid prolonged sun exposure, particularly during the first several months. Even incidental sun exposure through car windows or while walking to your car can impact results and the appearance of the intimate area and face.
During at least the first three months of the protocol, you must avoid any other minimally invasive treatments that could cause skin lesions. This includes:
Introducing these treatments prematurely can actually cause new spots to form, undoing all your hard work and investment in this medical-grade depigmentation method.
Strict avoidance of heat, sweat, and sun is essential during recovery:
These temporary modifications ensure your skin heals properly and responds optimally, helping you achieve an even skin tone.

Many patients ask about the difference between these two options, as both come from the same manufacturer and work on similar principles to regulate melanin.
The main difference lies in potency and intensity. Dermamelan® contains a higher concentration of active ingredients, making it more powerful but also potentially more irritating than Cosmelan. This increased strength makes it the preferred choice for severe, resistant cases where stubborn pigmentation has persisted despite other interventions.
Another key distinction is that Cosmelan is classified as an aesthetic treatment, whilst the other is a medical-grade treatment requiring a doctor’s or qualified clinician’s supervision and monitoring. This higher level of professional oversight ensures safety and optimal results for more challenging issues, particularly melasma and deep imperfections.
Think of Cosmelan as the appropriate choice for mild to moderate concerns, whilst the stronger option tackles the cases that haven’t responded to other approaches. Both provide corrective action, but one offers more intensive results for resistant cases.
Dermamelan® may be ideal if you:
However, it isn’t suitable for everyone. You should avoid this method if you’re pregnant, have active skin infections, are taking photosensitive medications, or have certain medical conditions.
A thorough consultation with a qualified dermal clinician or cosmetic nurse is essential before beginning. Your practitioner will assess your medical history, individual needs, severity, and lifestyle to determine if this is the right choice for achieving your desired appearance.
Let’s talk about what this actually costs and what that investment includes. At Melbourne Skin, the treatment is priced at $2,200, which includes all the pre-care and products necessary for completing the full protocol successfully.
This isn’t just a one-time visit – it’s a comprehensive system that requires your active participation for four to six months through regular application. The cost reflects the medical-grade formulation, professional application, and complete maintenance regimen needed for optimal results.
It’s important to understand that this is not a quick fix, nor is it a permanent cure. Those prone to hormonal discolouration or with a genetic predisposition will always need some level of ongoing management. However, for many patients struggling with severe, resistant issues, the investment proves absolutely worthwhile for achieving balance.
Some patients may require repeat sessions at six-month or annual intervals for maintenance, particularly if severity is high or if you’re genetically predisposed to certain conditions. Your treatment plan will be customised based on your specific needs.
Based on clinical experience and patient outcomes at our clinic, here are professional recommendations to help you achieve the best possible results:
Prepare your skin with tyrosinase inhibitors for 2-4 weeks before your session. Your practitioner will prescribe appropriate products. Avoid any treatments containing glycolic acid for at least one week before application to ensure your skin is gentle on the treatment.
Stay absolutely committed to the application schedule. Set phone reminders if needed. Missing applications or reducing frequency prematurely will compromise your results and may lead to spots returning. Keep a diary to track your progress and any concerns about changes.
Consider this as the beginning of your management journey, not the end. Continue using quality sun protection indefinitely to regulate production and prevent new accumulation of pigment. Schedule regular follow-up appointments with your dermal clinician to monitor progress and adjust your maintenance routine as needed.
The products provided are specifically formulated to work together, so don’t substitute them with other skincare items during the critical period.
It can be used at any time of year, though it’s advisable to begin when sun exposure is less intense, such as autumn or winter. If you live in a hot climate or undergo treatment during summer, you must take exceptional care with sun protection and avoid prolonged sun exposure completely to prevent triggering production.
While the method significantly reduces discolouration and regulates production, where there has been a spot, there will always be a tendency for it to return if you don’t maintain proper sun protection and care. This is why ongoing maintenance and sun protection are essential for long-term results and maintaining balance.
Laser treatments have a purely corrective action – they remove accumulated melanin from the skin but can’t prevent reappearance. This method has both corrective and regulatory action, treating the origin of the problem and maintaining production under control for lasting results.
You should avoid makeup for the first 72 hours after your visit. After this initial period, you can resume wearing makeup, though your practitioner may recommend specific mineral-based products that won’t interfere with your treatment or trigger further issues.

At Melbourne Skin in Preston, Victoria, we take a holistic approach to skin health that extends beyond single treatments. Our team of highly trained dermal clinicians and registered nurses combine professional therapies with nutrition and lifestyle advice to optimise your skin health comprehensively, addressing issues from multiple angles.
We understand that dealing with persistent dark spots affects more than just your appearance – it impacts your confidence and quality of life. That’s why we’re committed to providing personalised care, advanced skin analysis technology, and ongoing support throughout your journey.
Our Preston clinic offers convenient access for patients across Melbourne’s northern suburbs, with flexible appointment times and dedicated parking nearby on Union or Regent Street. We specialise in medical-grade treatments, ensuring safe and effective results.
Dermamelan® represents a comprehensive, medical-grade method for treating stubborn discolouration that refuses to respond to conventional treatments. Its unique formula provides corrective action whilst regulating production for both immediate and long-term results.
Whilst the treatment requires significant commitment, proper application, and diligent care over four to six months through consistent use of prescribed products, the results can be truly transformative for those struggling with resistant issues. The investment in time, effort, and resources often proves worthwhile when you finally achieve the clear, balanced appearance you’ve been seeking.
If you’re tired of living with persistent spots and ready to take control of your skin health, this might be the answer you’ve been looking for. The first step is understanding whether you’re a suitable candidate and what it involves – knowledge you now have.
Ready to explore whether this is right for your concerns? Contact Melbourne Skin today to book your personalised consultation. Our experienced team will assess your needs, discuss your goals, and create a tailored plan designed specifically for you.
Call us on 0411 248 184 or head to our website melbourneskin.com to schedule your consultation. Your journey to clearer, more confident skin starts with a single conversation.