Pigmentation isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your treatment shouldn’t be either.
You’ve tried the brightening serums. You’ve invested in expensive skincare. You’ve worn the sunscreen. Yet those stubborn dark patches on your cheeks, the pigmentation around your eyes or the marks left behind by acne refuse to disappear.
Sound familiar?
Here’s what many people don’t realise: pigmentation is not a single skin condition. It’s a visible symptom that can have several different causes.
Melasma behaves differently from sun damage. Post-acne pigmentation isn’t the same as hormonal pigmentation. And the darker skin around your eyes may have very little in common with the pigmentation on your upper lip.
At Dermology, we don’t believe in treating every dark mark with the same peel.
That’s why MELINE has become an important part of our approach to pigmentation correction.
MELINE is a specialised professional depigmentation range developed to address different pigmentation concerns, skin phototypes and treatment areas, with dedicated in-clinic protocols and complementary homecare.
From facial pigmentation and melasma to dark circles, sun spots and intimate pigmentation, MELINE allows for a more targeted approach to achieving a visibly even complexion.
And when it comes to pigmentation, precision matters.
What is MELINE?
MELINE is a professional depigmentation skincare system developed by Spanish laboratory Innoaesthetics.
Unlike a conventional facial peel that primarily focuses on exfoliating the skin’s surface, MELINE combines ingredients that act on several aspects of visible pigmentation.
Its professional range includes specialised protocols for:
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Facial pigmentation and selected melasma cases
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Pigmentation in lighter and darker skin phototypes
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Localised sun spots
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Pigmented dark circles around the eyes
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External intimate-area pigmentation
These are supported by homecare formulations that help improve uneven skin tone, encourage skin renewal and support results between professional appointments.
How does MELINE work inside the skin?
To understand MELINE, we first need to understand the melanocyte.
Your melanocytes are specialised cells responsible for producing melanin, the natural pigment that gives your skin its colour.
Think of melanocytes as your skin’s pigment factories.
Under normal circumstances, these factories produce melanin as part of your skin’s natural protective response.
But factors such as UV exposure, hormones, inflammation, heat and skin injury can influence how much pigment is produced and where it accumulates.
When pigment production or distribution becomes irregular, we see the visible effects: dark patches, uneven tone and stubborn pigmentation.
MELINE formulations use different combinations of active ingredients to help address this process.
1. Regulating pigment production
Selected MELINE ingredients, including tranexamic acid, arbutin, kojic acid and azelaic acid, target pathways involved in pigmentation.
Some help interfere with melanin synthesis, while others influence the processes that contribute to excessive pigmentation.
The goal is to reduce the appearance of uneven pigmentation rather than simply exfoliate the visible dark patch.
2. Encouraging skin renewal
MELINE also uses ingredients such as retinal and selected exfoliating acids to support epidermal renewal.
As pigmented surface cells are gradually shed and replaced, the skin may begin to appear more even.
3. Supporting skin health
Successful pigmentation treatment requires a healthy skin barrier.
Over-exfoliating, irritating or inflaming the skin can trigger further pigmentation, particularly in darker skin phototypes.
This is why MELINE includes complementary soothing and hydrating products as part of its wider treatment system.
4. Maintaining results with homecare
Professional treatment is only one part of the journey.
Prescribed homecare helps support continued improvement between appointments and forms an important part of long-term pigmentation management.
The objective isn’t to switch off melanin production — melanin is essential to your skin. It’s to improve the appearance of abnormal pigmentation while protecting normal skin function.
MELINE professional treatments: Which protocol is right for you?
MELINE 01 Caucasian Skin & 01 Ethnic Skin
Professional facial depigmentation protocols selected according to skin phototype, pigmentation concern and individual risk factors.
A targeted professional protocol for selected localised dark marks and sun-related pigmentation.
Specialised care for pigmentation-related discoloration around the delicate eye contour.
MELINE 01 Intimate
A professional cosmetic protocol for suitable external intimate areas affected by uneven pigmentation.
MELINE 01 Caucasian Skin: Facial pigmentation in lighter skin tones
MELINE 01 Caucasian Skin is designed for Fitzpatrick skin phototypes I–III.
This professional treatment may be considered for visible facial pigmentation, uneven skin tone, selected melasma presentations and sun-related discoloration.
Its formulation includes tranexamic acid, retinal, arbutin, kojic acid and azelaic acid.
These ingredients combine pigmentation-focused activity with skin-renewal benefits.
At Dermology, your specialist will assess your pigmentation pattern, skin sensitivity and current skincare before determining whether this treatment is suitable.
MELINE 01 Ethnic Skin: Pigmentation treatment for darker skin tones
One of MELINE’s most valuable features is its dedicated protocol for higher skin phototypes, IV–VI.
MELINE 01 Ethnic Skin contains a different combination of active ingredients, including tranexamic acid, retinal, pyruvic acid, ascorbic acid and salicylic acid.
Why does this matter?
Because darker skin can be more susceptible to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Even minor irritation can sometimes leave behind a persistent dark mark.
This makes treatment selection and inflammation control particularly important.
At Dermology, we work with South Africa’s diverse skin tones every day. We understand that successful pigmentation treatment requires more than choosing a product labelled for a particular skin type.
It requires an understanding of melanocyte behaviour, skin preparation, treatment intensity and appropriate aftercare.
Your skin phototype helps guide the protocol, but your individual skin history determines the treatment plan.
MELINE for melasma: Managing one of the most stubborn pigmentation conditions
Melasma is a chronic pigmentation disorder that commonly presents as brown or grey-brown patches on the cheeks, forehead and upper lip.
It is frequently associated with hormonal influences, sun exposure and genetic susceptibility.
But melasma is not simply a collection of dark spots.
It involves complex changes in the skin’s pigmentation processes, which is why it can improve beautifully and then flare again.
MELINE may be included in a personalised melasma-management programme, depending on the patient’s pigmentation profile and skin condition.
At Dermology, Cosmelan remains one of our preferred first-line options for many complex melasma cases, while MELINE offers another targeted approach for appropriately selected patients.
Our focus is not simply on how quickly a dark patch fades.
We consider how the skin responds, how inflammation is managed and what is required to maintain improvements over time.
Because with melasma, the real achievement isn’t a dramatic photograph two weeks after treatment.
It’s how successfully the condition is managed months later.
MELINE 01 Spots: For stubborn, localised pigmentation
Not all pigmentation appears in large patches.
Sometimes it’s a single stubborn sun spot on your cheek, a few darker marks across your forehead or localised pigmentation that stands out against the surrounding skin.
MELINE 01 Spots is a targeted professional protocol developed for localised visible pigmentation.
It uses a two-step system with ingredients including tranexamic acid, azelaic acid, resorcinol, pyruvic acid and salicylic acid.
The first step focuses on pigmentation-related pathways, while the second promotes surface renewal.
The complementary MELINE 02 Spots homecare product helps continue targeted care between professional treatments.
Not every dark spot is suitable for cosmetic treatment. Any new, changing, irregular or suspicious pigmented lesion should be medically assessed before proceeding.
MELINE Dark Circles: When your under-eyes need more than an eye cream
You’ve had a good night’s sleep. You’ve used the eye cream. You’ve even tried a cold compress.
Yet the darkness beneath your eyes is still there.
Here’s why: dark circles aren’t always caused by tiredness.
They may result from excess pigment, visible blood vessels, thin skin, under-eye hollowing or a combination of factors.
MELINE 01 Dark Circles is a professional cosmetic protocol designed specifically for the eye contour, with a focus on improving visible discoloration.
It is supported by MELINE 02 Dark Circles, a targeted homecare product containing ingredients such as tranexamic acid, arbutin, ginkgo biloba and botanical extracts.
These ingredients help improve the appearance of uneven pigmentation around the eyes.
However, if your dark circles are primarily caused by anatomical hollowing or prominent blood vessels, depigmentation alone may not deliver the result you’re looking for.
This is why your Dermology specialist will first assess what is actually causing the darkness before recommending treatment.
MELINE Intimate: A specialised approach to pigmentation in delicate areas
Pigmentation in intimate areas is incredibly common, yet it’s a topic many people feel uncomfortable discussing.
Let’s change that.
Skin around the external bikini area, groin and other skin folds may naturally appear darker due to genetics, hormonal changes, friction, hair removal or previous inflammation.
In many cases, this is completely normal.
But for patients concerned about uneven tone, MELINE offers a specialised cosmetic protocol for suitable external intimate areas.
MELINE 01 Intimate: Professional treatment
MELINE 01 Intimate contains ingredients including tranexamic acid, retinal, lactobionic acid and mandelic acid.
These ingredients help promote surface renewal and improve the appearance of pigmentation irregularities.
The formulation is specifically developed for delicate external skin.
MELINE 02 Intimate: Homecare support
The complementary homecare gel includes tranexamic acid, retinal, lactobionic acid, kojic acid, arbutin and hyaluronic acid.
It is designed to help improve uneven tone and complement the professional treatment.
Intimate depigmentation products must be used only on appropriate external skin, never on mucosal surfaces, and only as prescribed.
At Dermology, we believe intimate pigmentation should be approached with sensitivity, discretion and realistic expectations.
Naturally darker skin does not need to be lightened to be healthy or normal. Treatment is an individual cosmetic choice, not a necessity.
MELINE homecare: Why what you do at home matters just as much
Imagine having the perfect hair colour done at the salon, then going home and washing it every day with a harsh clarifying shampoo.
You wouldn’t expect that colour to last, would you?
Pigmentation treatments work on a similar principle.
Your in-clinic MELINE treatment starts the correction process. Your homecare helps support and maintain the results.
MELINE’s homecare range is organised around different skin types, pigmentation concerns and stages of treatment.
MELINE 02 Day: Supporting a more even skin tone
The MELINE 02 Day formulations are designed for daily pigmentation care.
There are separate formulations for lighter and darker skin phototypes.
MELINE 02 Caucasian Skin Day contains ingredients including tranexamic acid, glutathione, kojic acid and lactobionic acid.
MELINE 02 Ethnic Skin Day includes tranexamic acid, glutathione, pyruvic acid, phytic acid and salicylic acid.
Both are designed to complement their corresponding professional protocols and improve the appearance of uneven pigmentation.
These products are not substitutes for sunscreen.
MELINE 02 Night: Supporting skin renewal
The MELINE 02 Night formulations are an important part of the homecare programme.
These contain ingredients such as retinal and other pigmentation-focused actives that support skin renewal and help improve the appearance of existing discoloration.
Night-time treatment requires appropriate application frequency and careful monitoring for irritation.
Using more product, or applying it more frequently than prescribed, does not guarantee faster results.
In fact, excessive irritation can aggravate pigmentation.
MELINE 02 Spots: Targeted treatment for individual dark marks
For patients with localised pigmentation, MELINE 02 Spots offers a targeted approach.
Rather than applying an intensive product across the entire face, your specialist may recommend focused treatment for selected areas.
This can be particularly useful when pigmentation is concentrated in small, well-defined spots.
MELINE 02 Dark Circles: Homecare for pigmented under-eyes
The delicate eye contour needs specialised care.
MELINE 02 Dark Circles is formulated to improve the appearance of pigmentation around the eyes and complement the professional Dark Circles protocol.
It is not intended to be applied inside the eye or used as an all-purpose treatment for every cause of dark circles.
MELINE 02 Intimate: Homecare for delicate areas
MELINE 02 Intimate supports the professional intimate-area protocol.
Because the product contains active depigmenting ingredients, correct application and adherence to the prescribed routine are especially important.
MELINE 03 Restore: Supporting your skin barrier
When treating pigmentation, keeping the skin comfortable and limiting unnecessary inflammation is essential.
MELINE 03 Restore is a soothing cream designed to support skin balance and comfort.
It can be an important part of a pigmentation routine, particularly when active ingredients cause temporary dryness or sensitivity.
MELINE 03 Moist: Hydration matters
MELINE 03 Moist is a hydrating serum designed to improve skin moisture and comfort.
A well-hydrated, supported skin barrier is better equipped to tolerate a carefully prescribed treatment programme.
Remember, a tight, irritated or excessively peeling face isn’t evidence that your pigmentation treatment is working better.
MELINE 04 BB Cream SPF30: Coverage and protection
MELINE also offers tinted BB Cream formulations in Light and Medium shades.
These provide cosmetic coverage, help visually even the complexion and include SPF30.
However, patients undergoing pigmentation treatment should still follow their specialist’s advice regarding dedicated broad-spectrum sun protection, particularly when managing melasma.
MELINE 05 Pigment Home Mask: Additional pigmentation support
MELINE 05 Pigment Home Mask is a concentrated home-use brightening mask designed to complement professional treatment.
It may be recommended for selected patients who need additional pigmentation-focused care.
Because this is an active formulation, it should only be used at the frequency and for the duration prescribed by your specialist.
At Dermology, MELINE homecare products require professional consultation to ensure that the correct products are selected for your skin.
What can you expect from a MELINE treatment at Dermology?
Your MELINE journey begins with a consultation, not a peel.
Step 1: Skin assessment. We assess your pigmentation type, skin phototype, skin barrier, medical history, lifestyle and current skincare routine.
Step 2: Personalised treatment planning. Your specialist determines whether MELINE is appropriate and which professional protocol best suits your concern.
Step 3: Professional treatment. The selected MELINE formulation is applied according to the appropriate protocol. The number of sessions, application method and treatment intervals depend on the treatment area and your skin’s response.
Step 4: Prescribed homecare. You receive guidance on the correct products, how to introduce them and what to avoid during recovery.
Step 5: Progress reviews and maintenance. Your specialist monitors improvements, assesses skin tolerance and adjusts your plan as required.
For selected facial melasma patients, Dermology may recommend a course of three professional treatments. However, different MELINE protocols have different treatment requirements, and your specialist will determine the appropriate schedule.
Does MELINE cause peeling or downtime?
MELINE treatments can cause temporary redness, tightness, dryness, flaking and sensitivity.
The extent of visible peeling varies according to the professional formulation, skin condition and treatment area.
Some patients experience relatively mild peeling, while others may require a longer recovery period.
The important thing to understand is that more peeling doesn’t automatically mean better pigmentation results.
Our priority is to encourage controlled skin renewal while minimising unnecessary inflammation.
MELINE vs Cosmelan vs laser: Which is better for pigmentation?
At Dermology, we have access to several professional pigmentation treatments, including MELINE, Cosmelan and selected Sciton laser and light technologies.
But we don’t choose a treatment simply because it’s the newest, strongest or most popular.
We choose according to the pigmentation.
| Treatment | Where it may be appropriate |
|---|---|
| MELINE | Targeted facial pigmentation, selected melasma cases, dark circles, localised spots and intimate pigmentation |
| Cosmelan | Comprehensive management of selected persistent or complex melasma cases |
| BBL HERO / HEROic | Selected superficial sun damage and pigmentation, following appropriate assessment |
| MOXI | Selected skin texture and pigmentation concerns where fractional laser is suitable |
Melasma deserves particular caution when considering energy-based treatments because heat and inflammation can aggravate pigmentation in susceptible patients.
Sometimes the best approach is to manage pigment with a depigmentation programme before considering any laser treatment.
And sometimes, laser isn’t appropriate at all.
The best pigmentation treatment is the one that makes sense for your skin, not simply the one with the most dramatic before-and-after photograph.
Why sunscreen is essential during MELINE treatment
South Africa’s climate makes daily photoprotection particularly important.
UV radiation is a major contributor to many pigmentation concerns, and visible light can also aggravate melasma.
For patients prone to melasma, tinted sunscreen containing iron oxides may offer additional protection against visible light.
We generally recommend appropriate broad-spectrum SPF50+ protection, alongside shade, protective clothing and reapplication during sun exposure.
Without effective sun protection, even an excellent pigmentation treatment plan may struggle to deliver lasting improvements.
MELINE frequently asked questions
Is MELINE good for melasma?
MELINE may improve the appearance of melasma in appropriately selected patients. However, melasma is a chronic condition that requires long-term management. Treatment outcomes vary, and recurrence remains possible.
Is MELINE safe for darker skin?
MELINE offers a professional Ethnic Skin protocol designed for higher skin phototypes. However, suitability and safety depend on professional assessment, correct treatment application and appropriate aftercare.
How many MELINE treatments will I need?
This depends on the concern, skin phototype, pigmentation severity and specific protocol. Facial, eye contour, spots and intimate treatments may require different treatment schedules.
How long does MELINE take to work?
Visible improvement is generally gradual, developing over weeks to months. The timeline depends on the type and depth of pigmentation, adherence to homecare and individual skin response.
Does MELINE permanently remove pigmentation?
Permanent clearance cannot be guaranteed. Conditions such as melasma can recur, particularly when hormonal, environmental or inflammatory triggers remain present.
Can MELINE treat dark circles?
MELINE offers a dedicated Dark Circles protocol for pigmentation-related discoloration around the eyes. It may not improve dark circles caused mainly by hollowing or vascular factors.
Can MELINE be used on intimate areas?
MELINE offers a specialised protocol for suitable external intimate areas. These treatments require professional assessment and careful application.
Can I buy MELINE homecare products online?
Dermology stocks selected MELINE products through its online shop. Because these are active pigmentation treatments, a professional consultation is required before purchasing prescribed products.
Can I use MELINE during pregnancy?
Some MELINE products contain retinal and other active ingredients that may not be appropriate during pregnancy. Always inform your specialist if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning pregnancy.
Where can I have MELINE treatments in South Africa?
Dermology has clinics in Sandton, Groenkloof in Pretoria, Paarl in the Cape Winelands, Cape Town and Ballito. Contact your preferred clinic to confirm availability of the specific MELINE protocol you need.
Why choose Dermology for your MELINE pigmentation treatment?
At Dermology, we understand that pigmentation is rarely as simple as the dark mark you see in the mirror.
It may be influenced by hormones, inflammation, sun exposure, genetics or previous skin treatments.
That’s why our approach begins with understanding your skin before selecting a treatment.
Our experienced skin specialists combine professional assessment, personalised protocols, appropriate homecare and ongoing support to help you manage pigmentation safely and effectively.
We don’t believe in chasing quick results at the expense of long-term skin health.
We believe in understanding the skin, respecting the melanocyte and building treatment plans that make sense.
Because when it comes to pigmentation, the goal isn’t simply to fade a dark mark. It’s to understand why it developed, improve its appearance and support healthier skin for the future.
Start your MELINE journey at Dermology
Whether you’re concerned about melasma, sun damage, dark circles, post-inflammatory pigmentation or intimate-area discoloration, your first step is a professional consultation.
Our specialists will assess your skin, discuss the available options and determine whether MELINE is the right treatment for you.
Visit Dermology South Africa to find your nearest clinic and book your consultation.
Your pigmentation deserves a plan. Not another guessing game.
