Dermatologist-led · Specialists in skin of colour
Skincare
Personalised, evidence-based routines that protect your skin barrier, calm inflammation and keep pigmentation in check, so every result lasts.
Understanding skincare
The foundation of every treatment plan
At Dr Mélanin, skincare is not an optional extra. It is the foundation of healthy skin, and it underpins every treatment plan we create. Without a daily routine that suits your skin, lasting improvement simply is not possible.
Your skincare shapes how well your skin barrier functions, how inflammation and pigment behave, and how your skin responds to treatment. The right routine makes in-clinic treatments safer and more effective; the wrong one can limit results and increase the risk of irritation and dark marks.
That is why we assess your skin carefully and build a routine around how it is behaving now, then refine it as your skin changes.
What skincare can help with
The right routine, for every concern
- Acne & breakouts
- Hyperpigmentation & dark marks
- Melasma
- Perioral dermatitis
- Rosacea & sensitivity
- Dry or dehydrated skin
- Oily skin & enlarged pores
- Uneven tone & texture
- Preparing skin for treatment
Why specialist care matters
Great skin is a journey, not a destination.
Skin of colour does not need products made for a particular skin tone, but it is more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Choosing the right ingredients, introducing them at the right pace and knowing when to hold back are what keep your skin calm, clear and even.
The essentials
Skincare at a glance
Skin assessment
A detailed review of your skin, goals and lifestyle, including a UV light examination.
Personalised routine
Built around your skin type, condition and goals, never a one-size-fits-all regime.
Fewer, better products
Only what is clinically necessary, often from affordable brands you can buy locally.
Prescription options
Prescription-strength topicals where needed, following a medical consultation with our doctors.
Results
Calmer, more comfortable skin within weeks; acne and pigmentation usually take several months.
Reviewed over time
Your routine evolves as your skin improves and as your treatment plan changes.
Real results
Case studies
Client profile
Calming perioral dermatitis, without dark marks
She came to us with perioral dermatitis, which in skin of colour carries a real risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation if left untreated. Rather than rushing into active treatment, we focused first on the fundamentals, with a gentle, barrier-repairing skincare routine.
- Age24
- SexFemale
- HeritageIndian
- Skin typeFitzpatrick IV
- TreatmentBarrier-repairing skincare routine, 6 weeks
Redness and irritation around her mouth have settled, her skin barrier is stronger and her complexion is calmer and more even, with no post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Client profile
Fading long-standing melasma with a topical plan
She had lived with melasma for many years, and it also runs in her family. A cream she had tried abroad helped a little, but she preferred to avoid in-clinic procedures and wanted a topical solution. We prescribed a triple combination cream, then moved her onto a maintenance routine with cysteamine and tretinoin to keep her pigmentation under control.
- Age55
- SexFemale
- HeritageIndian
- Skin typeFitzpatrick IV
- TreatmentPrescription triple combination cream, 3 months
- MaintenanceCysteamine and tretinoin
After three months, her melasma has visibly lightened and her skin tone is more even, achieved with topical treatment alone. Her maintenance routine helps keep the pigmentation from returning.
© Dr Mélanin. Images shared with our clients' consent. Individual results vary.
Watch & learn
Videos
Skincare for skin of colour
Caring for your skin barrier
Your questions
Frequently asked questions
Please reach out to us if you cannot find an answer to your question.
01How do you decide which skincare is right for me?
We start with a thorough assessment of your skin type, skin condition, goals, lifestyle and the products you have used before, including a UV light examination. From this, we recommend a personalised routine, which we review as your skin or treatment plan changes.
02Does skin of colour need special skincare?
Skin tone alone is not a reason to use specialist products. Your skincare should be chosen for your skin type and condition. However, skin of colour can be more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, so the choice of products and ingredients, and the pace at which they are introduced, needs particular care.
03What is your approach to skincare?
We believe in simple, consistent routines that protect your skin barrier, control inflammation and avoid irritation. Every recommendation is based on how your skin is behaving at the time, rather than on trends.
04Will I still get results if I don't change my skincare?
You may see some improvement, but results are often limited or inconsistent. Going ahead with treatment without suitable skincare can also increase the risk of irritation, slower recovery or pigmentation problems.
05Is the skincare you recommend medical grade?
Not always. Our recommendations are evidence-based and chosen for you as an individual. They may include professional products, but we generally favour affordable brands that you can easily find in local stores. Where a prescription treatment is needed, this is arranged through a medical consultation with our doctors.
06Can I keep using my current skincare products?
Often, yes. We review your current products at your consultation. Some may stay in your routine, while others may need to be adjusted or replaced.
07Will I need to buy lots of products?
Usually not. We prefer streamlined routines and only recommend what is clinically necessary for your skin.
08How long does it take to see results from skincare changes?
This varies. You may notice less irritation or better hydration within a few weeks, while concerns such as acne or pigmentation often take several months to improve.
09Will my skincare routine change over time?
Yes. Your skin responds to treatments, lifestyle, hormones and the environment, so we adapt your routine as your skin improves or as your treatment plan changes.
10What if my skin becomes irritated by a product?
Stop using the product and contact us. We can usually make adjustments to your routine quickly.
Disclaimer
Your results, side effects, treatment plan, downtime and recovery may vary, as all our clients are unique. The information on this page is based on the average client experience. If you would like more detail about how your experience may differ, please book an in-person consultation.