Melasma is one of the most frustrating conditions in dermatology — not because it is dangerous, but because it is so resistant to standard treatment. Conventional chemical peels can worsen it; laser treatments can trigger it; topical lightening agents used alone rarely clear it completely. Meladeep is designed specifically for this problem: a cold depigmentation peel combining five actives that work across different stages of the melanin production pathway simultaneously, without the thermal reaction that triggers post-inflammatory darkening in photosensitive skin.

At House of Skincare on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Dr. Khadija Al Zaabi, Consultant Dermatologist, applies every Meladeep treatment personally. She assesses the type of pigmentation — epidermal, dermal, or mixed — before treatment, because the treatment plan differs. Getting this distinction wrong is the reason many patients have failed prior treatments.

WHY HOUSE OF SKINCARE FOR MELADEEP

Meladeep requires a pre-treatment assessment to confirm the pigmentation type and skin condition. Sun protection before, during, and after treatment is not optional — in the UAE’s climate, inadequate SPF undoes treatment progress rapidly. Dr. Al Zaabi manages the full protocol including home care prescribing, not just the in-clinic sessions.

HOW MELADEEP WORKS

Five actives address melanin production at different points in the biosynthesis pathway: Mandelic Acid promotes cell turnover and surface exfoliation. Tranexamic Acid suppresses the UV-activated signalling cascade that drives melanin synthesis. Alpha-Arbutin inhibits tyrosinase — the primary enzyme driving melanin production. Niacinamide blocks the transfer of melanin granules from melanocytes to keratinocytes. Retinol accelerates epidermal cell turnover, clearing melanin-loaded cells faster. The “cold” aspect refers to the absence of an exothermic reaction — making it better tolerated and safer on darker skin tones than TCA-based peels.

WHAT MELADEEP TREATS

Melasma · Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) · Sun damage and solar lentigos · Uneven skin tone · Dark spots · Pregnancy mask · Age-related pigmentation

WHAT TO EXPECT

Sessions take 30–45 minutes. Mild tingling during application is normal. Visible peeling begins on days 3–7 and is part of the therapeutic process. The standard course is 2–4 sessions at 15-day intervals, with Meladeep Post Cream prescribed for home use between sessions.

BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT

– SPF 50 daily for 2 weeks before — photosensitive skin needs protection before the peel begins
– Stop retinol 5–7 days before
– No facial treatments or chemical exfoliants for 2 weeks before
– No waxing or threading in the treatment area for 1 week

AFTER YOUR TREATMENT

– Use only prescribed Meladeep Post Cream and SPF 50
– Do not pick, rub, or manually remove peeling skin
– Avoid sun completely during the peeling phase
– SPF 50 every single morning — pigmentation recurs rapidly without sun protection in this climate