Does Meladerm skin lightening cream actually work to lighten melasma?

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.