
What is the cosmelan peel treatment?
The Cosmelan Peel is a medical-grade, multi-phase depigmentation treatment that can improve the appearance of melasma, dark spots, skin discoloration caused by acne scars or excessive sun exposure, and other forms of hyperpigmentation. The Cosmelan Peel is safe for all skin types and works by reducing excess melanin and regulating the production of melanin. The Cosmelan treatment process involves the in-office application of the Cosmelan 1 mask, and a homecare phase that involves using a regimen of special skincare products, including the Cosmelan 2 depigmenting cream. With few potential side effects, minimal downtime, and consistently stunning cosmetic results, the Cosmelan peel is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures.
Hyperpigmentation is a broad term used in dermatology that refers to areas of skin discoloration that are darker than one’s natural skin tone. Hyperpigmentation occurs due to excess melanin production, which may be related to factors such as sun damage, acne scarring, genetics, underlying medical conditions, hormones, taking certain medications, and more. Melasma is a specific type of hyperpigmentation that is characterized by symmetrical brown or gray-brown patches of skin that are darker than the rest of the surrounding skin.
Dr.Aanchal is an renowned certified cosmetic skin doctor providing some of the world’s most discerning individuals with the best non-invasive treatment options, including Cosmelan treatment for hyperpigmentation and melasma. Dr. Aanchal takes a holistic approach and embraces a less-is-more philosophy regarding skin rejuvenation, customizing each patient’s treatment plan to suit their particular needs and aesthetic goals.
The Cosmelan peel is an intense depigmentation treatment that removes dark spots and regulates the production of melanin to prevent their reappearance. Melanin is the component of the skin that provides pigment or color, and excessive melanin production can result in hyperpigmentation and melasma. The Cosmelan Peel is a type of chemical peel that works by inhibiting the tyrosinase enzyme, which is essential in the production of melanin in the skin. The result is a visible reduction in hyperpigmentation and an even skin tone that lasts.
The Cosmelan peel is a medical-grade, multi-phase treatment that can be used to eliminate or reduce melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation associated with acne scars, skin discoloration from excess sun exposure, and other forms of hyperpigmentation. The first step is the application of the Cosmelan 1 cream, which is applied as a mask to the hyperpigmented areas by an expert. The Cosmelan 1 mask should be worn for a designated amount of time depending on the severity of the hyperpigmentation, the skin tone, and the skin type of the patient. Once the designated amount of time has elapsed, the Cosmelan 1 mask is easily removed at home by the patient with a gentle facial cleanser.
The second phase involves the patient adhering to a homecare regimen of specially formulated depigmenting and anti-aging skincare products, including the Cosmelan 2 cream. The Cosmelan 2 cream is a depigmenting cream that contains a blend of active ingredients with proven efficacy, including kojic acid, azelaic acid, vitamin C, retinoids, and hydroquinone. Usually, also recommends a Mesoestetic moisturizer, such as the Hydra-Vital factor K (Vitamin K cream) or Melan Recovery moisturizer, which were both designed to be ultra-nourishing and restorative during the Cosmelan treatment. The ingredients in Cosmelan 2 can be very irritating, particularly if you have sensitive skin. If side effects of peeling, redness, or irritation are persistent or cause discomfort, the Cosmelan 2 cream should be discontinued until they have resolved. Failure to comply with these instructions can cause severe skin irritation and result in worsening hyperpigmentation. Since the goal of the Cosmelan depigmentation treatment is to eliminate or reduce hyperpigmentation, it is counterproductive to continue using Cosmelan 2 if you are irritated.
To achieve and maintain the best cosmetic results, it is important that both during and after the Cosmelan peel, patients limit sun exposure and use proper sun protection. Melanocytes, the skin cells responsible for producing melanin (pigment), are triggered by UV exposure. Sun exposure to the treatment area can worsen the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots even after the Cosmelan treatment is complete. We recommend layering two different types of broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 50, which should be reapplied every ninety minutes. A chemical-based sunscreen should be applied underneath a mineral (physical) sunscreen to ensure the best sun protection. Chemical sunscreens contain active ingredients such as avobenzone, and physical sunscreens contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. When you have your depigmentation treatment we will provide you with the homecare guidelines, including an ideal skincare regimen, to ensure that you get the best skin rejuvenation results and look and feel like the best version of yourself.
What does Cosmelan do?
The Cosmelan Peel reduces excess melanin and regulates the production of melanin to eliminate or diminish different types of hyperpigmentation, including melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation caused by acne scarring or surgery, sun damage, and other types of skin discoloration. The Cosmelan treatment involves the application of a proprietary combination of active ingredients with proven efficacy that interfere with the process required for the production of melanin. In addition to removing the accumulation of excess melanin (pigment), the Cosmelan treatment inhibits the formation of new melanin. Cosmelan works via several mechanisms:
- Accelerates epidermal renewal to remove the accumulation of melanin
- Reduces the amount of melanin formation and decreases dark spots
- Blocks the transfer of melanin from the melanocyte to the keratinocyte, thus inhibiting the migration of pigment to epidermal layers of the skin
- Inhibits the action of the tyrosinase enzyme, which is responsible for the first step in the production of melanin
- Reduces the synthesis of melanin inside melanocytes
The Cosmelan peel consists of 51 active ingredients, including numerous tyrosinase inhibitors, which block melanin production in the skin. The five key tyrosinase inhibitors and lightening agents include:
- Kojic Acid
- Azelaic Acid
- Arbutin
- Phytic Acid
- Licorice
- Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
Cosmelan MD is a prescription formulation available only to physicians. It is compounded with 8 percent hydroquinone for increased skin lightening.