Does Meladerm skin lightening cream actually work to lighten melasma?

Melasma requires diligent treatment. I would begin with the Melarase Brightening Kit with Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads with Replenish to help with pigmentation. Fractional lasers can come later. Best, Dr. KaramanoukianLos Angeles

Hello,Melasma is a very frustrating condition and is one of the most common skin conditions we treat in our practice.  Being that this is generated from within the body in response to hormonal changes, there is no cure.  However, we believe that our success rate of over 90% (success being improvement/management vs. cure) is because we understand the condition.  We do not use retinoids, but we firmly believes that 8% hydroquinone is the strength needed to make a difference.  We also believe that research has shown, time and time again, that lasers, IPL's, and harsh chemical peels may exacerbate the condition.  Even if there is benefit, research points to a strong rebound effect after six months.  In addition, lasers and other devices come with a much bigger financial investment.  Our patients are taught to avoid or limit heat, humidity, and UV radiation.  We believe the hydroquinone product should be fresh (made to order, so to speak), and an 8% HQ strength.  In our opinion, the Retin A does not add value to the treatment plan and is not utilized.  Wearing daily sunscreen is a must.  Please see the below link for additional information and photos.  Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation given to patients as well as incorrect or costly treatment options, so your skepticism is understandable. BTW, anything you are able to purchase without a prescription will have little, if any, impact on your condition. Feel free to reach out to use if you should want additional feedback.

Melasma needs a combination approach to get the best improvement and will need a series of treatments. In our practice, we combine Clear + brilliant, peels, microneedling/PRP, aerolase, and sometimes erbium laser (coollaser) to get the best results. Melasma will need life-long maintenance. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

A comprehensive approach to melasma is important. You would need an in person examination but Melasma can be treated with a comprehensive approach.  You should avoid sun exposure with wide spectrum high SPF sun block and Spectrase is a great product for this. Consideration should be given to stopping birth control pills. As well, topicl creams like Melarase AM and Melarase PM have been shown to be very effective in our practice.
Hratch L Karamanoukian MD 

Sorry answer- yes it can however combination treatment work best as they address other factors contributing to melasma. Meladerm has solid science behind it as it contains Kojic acid, sal. acid, vitamin A, free radical scavengers including vitamin C and E as well as plant extracts - all these ingredients can help reduce pigmentation. Proven in many scientific papers. The addition of other modalities will make melasma treatment more effective. Melasma is a very common cause of skin pigmentation. It can not be completely cured, however effective treatment are possible. This is because your skin is extremely sensitive to UV and even the smallest amount can stimulate your pigment cells to produce colour. The mainstay of treatment is strict UV protection- hats, sunglasses and SPF every 4 hours. This forms the foundation of all treatments.

I prefer to use a combination of creams and laser for melasma. Hydroquinone can be used (5-8%), along with vitamin A creams or Meladerm. I start my patients on laser (low dose Q switch or Picosure) as this has shown to decrease pigment production. Another laser I use is the Clear and Brilliant in the 1927 Permea setting combined with creams. IPL should never be used to treat mixed melasma as it often worsens the condition (this is termed ‘Rebound Melasma’)

In some cases I combine glycolic AHA peels, and in other cases I use a tablet called Tranexamic acid to help. Melasma treatments should be tailored to each patient.

All the best, Dr Davin Lim. Laser, surgical and aesthetic dermatologist. Brisbane, Australia.